Saks Fifth Avenue stylist Suhail Kwatra stole – Business News
A outstanding stylist for Saks Fifth Avenue recognized for his connections to Boston’s “most fabulous socialites” is being accused of stealing almost $430,000 price of items from the luxurious retailer.
Suhail Kwatra, 43, the self-styled “Fashion Whisperer of Boston” whose clientele included the spouse of Red Sox legend David Ortiz, is denying allegations that he processed faux returns for costly gadgets that purchasers ordered however by no means picked up.
Kwatra, a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, is alleged to have turned these refunds into reward playing cards — which he then allegedly used to buy issues for himself.
Suhail Kwatra, 43, the self-styled “Fashion Whisperer of Boston,” has been arrested and charged with fraud and larceny. Kelly Taub/BFA / Shutterstock
According to court docket doc, Kwatra misused promo playing cards, gave away merchandise that wasn’t paid for and abused a company credit card.
In all, the fraud price the company $429,400, Saks alleged.
Kwatra, who earned the moniker of “stylist to Boston’s most fabulous socialites” from Boston Magazine — denied the claims.
“I have always strived to adhere to company policies and provide the very best service to my clients,” he informed The Wall Street Journal:
His lawyer Jennifer Furey informed Boston.com that the costs are retribution in opposition to her shopper after he spurned Saks’ latest offer to stay with the company.
“Less than two months ago, Saks offered Mr. Kwatra a significant retention bonus if he would stay at Saks,” she stated in a assertion.
Kwatra is being accused of stealing almost $430,000 price of items from luxurious retailer Saks Fifth Avenue. Boston Globe through Getty Images
“When he turned that down as he was contemplating another offer from a global retailer, Saks launched these baseless and vindictive charges against Mr. Kwatra.”
Furey informed the information web site that Kwatra “looks forward to clearing his good name.”
Court paperwork cited by native media stories alleged that a Boston police officer responded to the Saks location on the Prudential Center within the Back Bay part of the town final month after a store official observed the alleged fraud.
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Saks subsequently launched an inner investigation that led to Kwatra’s firing, in line with Boston.com.
The retailer then confirmed Boston police social media images of Kwatra carrying some of the clothes that he’s accused of stealing.
Police additionally claimed that Saks produced a handwritten letter from Kwatra during which he apologized, confessed to the scheme and pledged to pay the money back.
Kwatra’s lawyer, Furey, claimed that her shopper was “forced and coerced” into signing the letter during his termination assembly.
Furey additionally alleged that her shopper’s dismissal was half of the company’s attempt to “cover up failed internal controls and its frustration over Mr. Kwatra’s decision to decline a retention bonus and seek employment elsewhere.”
Kwatra is denying allegations that he processed faux returns for costly gadgets that purchasers ordered however by no means picked up. Google Maps
Saks subsequently launched an inner investigation which led to Kwatra’s firing, in line with Boston.com. AP
Kwatra was a “highly successful and profitable” personal stylist who introduced in vital business for Saks, in line with Furey.
“As a fashion stylist and consultant, I specialize in curated, high-impact wardrobe solutions tailored to those who expect excellence,” Kwatra wrote on his personal web site.
“I don’t follow trends — I edit them. Clients come to me for clarity, confidence, and a wardrobe that speaks before they do. If you’re looking for ordinary, you’re in the wrong place.”
The Post has sought remark from Saks and Kwatra.
