Robbers clad in balaclavas snatched £70,000 of clothes by one of Britain’s top fashion designers in a raid in Belgravia.
The designer coats and dresses by designer Claire Mischevani were stolen during a fashion shoot. Mischevani has in the past dressed celebrities and royalty including Carrie Johnson, Princess Beatrice and Sophie Countess of Wessex.
The designer and a second woman were loading the clothes into the back of a Range Rover, outside a house in Chester Row, Belgravia, at 8pm on Thursday February 16.
As they went into the house to get further items they heard a car alarm and ran outside to discover three male suspects, dressed all in black and wearing balaclavas, beside the vehicle, having smashed one of its windows.
On spotting the victims, one of the suspects ran towards them brandishing the item used to smash the window, and shouted at them to get back inside the house.
The victims ran into the house, locked the door and immediately called police.
The suspects smashed additional windows of the car before stealing a navy suitcase, black overnight bag and 15 garment bags of various sizes – containing 62 pieces. The total value of the property stolen was around £70,000.
The garment bags feature the words “Claire Mischevani Bridal Couture”, and inside each item of clothing is a label reading “Claire Mischevani Couture” with “Handmade in England” “Creating heirlooms of the future” on the reverse side.
Following the incident, the suspects drove off towards Eaton Terrace in a black Volkswagen Golf.
Detective Constable Charlotte Palul, from the Central West Robbery Squad, said:“The victim has been left not only traumatised following such a terrifying ordeal, but understandably completely devastated at the loss of a number of one-off creations which are the result of many months of work.
“I think it’s highly likely the suspects had no idea what they were stealing, mistaking the items for something else. So it’s possible that when they discovered what was inside those suit covers they have discarded them, not realising their monetary or, more importantly, sentimental value. It is of course also possible they have tried to sell them.
“Do you recognise these dresses? Have you seen them for sale somewhere or been offered the opportunity to purchase a dress by this designer? I would urge anyone with information which could assist the investigation to get in touch and help us reunite the victim with her work.”
Ms Mischevani said: “The whole incident was beyond terrifying for both myself and my assistant.
“To come face to face with armed masked men stealing my belongings is something I never thought would happen and something I would never wish on anyone.
“The events have had a profound and devastating impact on me, in a city I have always felt safe I was overcome with fear and have since found it difficult to sleep as I relive the whole experience again.
“These selfish individuals and their ruthless actions have caused a huge impact on my business, but we are working tirelessly to ensure that we come out of this terrible situation stronger than ever.”
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and has been bailed until May.
