Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am - sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREESee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ED HOLT Published: 12:33 BST, 9 July 2026 | Updated: 12:33 BST, 9 July 2026
A Lithuanian personal shopper and stylist allegedly defrauded her clients out of over £277,000 which she promised would be invested in Gucci handbags, a court has heard. Milda Chellingsworth, a 44-year-old 'internationally-renowned personal stylist', has appeared in Croydon Crown Court where she is accused of duping investors who believed they would enjoy profitable returns from her expertise in trading in the luxury handbag market.In total, Chellingsworth received £277,261.33 from her clients between 2019 and 2023. The court heard that between May 1 and August 31, 2023 Chellingsworth allegedly abused her position as the retained agent of Mandy Gray and defrauded her out of £146,861.63.She is accused of dishonestly retaining the money in two bank accounts owned by her company Styling For You and using that money for her personal use instead of benefiting her clients' business. Chellingsworth is also charged with a similar £78,400 fraud between April 1 and May 31, 2021.It is said she dishonestly told Patricia Navarro that she would invest her money into expensive Gucci handbags and return thousands of pounds in profits.She is also charged with a third fraud, totalling £52,000, between June 17, 2019 and May 31, 2021. Personal shopper and stylist Milda Chellingsworth allegedly defrauded her clients out of over £277,000 which she promised would be invested in Gucci handbags Chellingsworth (pictured) reportedly charges £150 per hour to consult holidaymakers on appropriate suitcase packing and £680 per day to be a personal gift shopperChellingsworth allegedly told Trevor Coop that she would invest his money into expensive Gucci handbags and return thousands of pounds in profits.The stylist and personal shopper reportedly charges £150 per hour to consult holidaymakers on appropriate suitcase packing and £680 per day to be a personal gift shopper.Chellingsworth has pleaded not guilty to all three charges.Despite the not guilty pleas, Judge Elizabeth Lowe asked: 'Where's the money? Where did it go?'Chellingsworth's lawyer Brian Richardson replied: 'She denies acting dishonestly. She entered into arrangements with these individuals. She is in the process of trying to resolve matters with Ms Gray.'The monies were attempted to be invested, but there were a series of unfortunate events and in the process of preparing the defence case this will be dealt with.'When Judge Lowe enquired: 'What does she do for a living at the moment?' Chellingsworth informed the court: 'I am a stylist and have a concierge company.'Chellingsworth, who lives in Bromley in south-east London, was bailed to return for her trial on February 5, 2029.
