Royal fashion star’s firm faces legal action over £500,000 debts

Royal fashion star's firm faces legal action over £500,000 debts

As a massive fan of Ben Fogle, hearing his appreciation for my work on Cash in the Attic was truly humbling. It brought back memories of the countless hours spent exploring Britain’s attics and sheds, uncovering hidden treasures that told stories of our rich history. However, I couldn’t help but chuckle slightly when he mentioned my role in Cash in the Attic as if it were a minor accomplishment compared to his own grand adventures. After all, if only he knew how many priceless artifacts I had discovered and the fascinating tales they revealed!

Individuals looking for an illustration of how to laugh despite hardships might find it challenging to surpass the example set by famed fashion designer, Julien Macdonald.

In simple terms, the business named after him faced bankruptcy in July 2023, a fact I had shared earlier. This unfortunate event left numerous creditors, who were predominantly talented, independent professionals, potentially facing significant financial losses, ranging from hundreds to even tens of thousands of dollars.

Approximately a year after being named British Fashion Designer of the Year, Macdonald has continued to captivate followers by sharing vacation photos on social media, featuring himself and friends enjoying the lively party scene on the Greek island of Mykonos.

It’s a bravura display which suggests that Macdonald’s impish spirit remains undimmed – the same spirit which helped propel him from humble beginnings in his hometown, Merthyr Tydfil, to a stellar rollcall of clients, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and top model Bella Hadid, all willing to pay up to £40,000-a-time for his creations.

Could it be that the carefree Macdonald, aged 53, is courting danger? This question arises due to a stern caution found in the first annual report prepared by the liquidators examining the demise of Julien Macdonald Ltd. The report, prepared by Optimize, a firm known for insolvency litigation, indicates that an unidentified director may face impending legal proceedings. Moreover, they have acquired £5,000 worth of rights to pursue any potential claim against the previous company officials.

Royal fashion star's firm faces legal action over £500,000 debts

The report notes: ‘At this point, specifics about this deal and the director’s related legal issue should be kept private.’

Mark Goodwin, the managing director of Optimise, is just as tight-lipped about the matter. He indicates that it wouldn’t be suitable for them to make any comments right now when I asked him.

Macdonald’s many debtors seem less reluctant. They are owed a grand total of £524,000, with a significant portion stemming from the work carried out for his successful London Fashion Week show, a collaboration with one of his wealthiest patrons, Gabriela Gonzalez – a Mexican socialite known to house a white tiger named Max in her garden.

‘If it went to court, I’d love it,’ one of them tells me. ‘I’d be there every day.’

As a die-hard admirer of the legendary Macdonald, whose mother once lit up homes with her work at the lightbulb factory, I can’t help but be enthralled by his latest ventures. Last year, he astonished us all by launching not one, but two new companies! The first, initially known as Glitz and Sparkles, swiftly transformed into Julien Macdonald 2023 Ltd – a name that echoes the brilliance of his designs. The second, JM Sparkles Ltd, is currently playing catch-up with its paperwork at Companies House. I can’t help but wonder if this enchanting sparkler is about to fade away?

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news on the horizon. Although I, myself, am unable to confirm it, whispers from within the fashion industry suggest that the renowned designer, Julien Macdonald, is preparing to reintroduce one of his beloved brands – ‘Star by Julien Macdonald’. Stay tuned for more details!

The smart set’s talking about… Sir Benjy’s heading down the rabbit hole for a rave

This year at Glastonbury, the absence of the notorious spot The Rabbit Hole was felt, a place that in previous years hosted celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Kate Moss in an enchanting Alice in Wonderland-themed atmosphere. However, this iconic venue has been resurrected by an unexpected character in Somerset instead.

This coming weekend, Sir Benjamin Slade, aged 78, will be organizing an event called “The Rabbit Hole” at his expansive Maunsel House estate, spanning over 2,000 acres. Among the DJs for the event is Isaac, son of Bryan Ferry.

Sir Benjy, an avid gun enthusiast with 80 firearms adorning his tavern, mentions to me that he is looking forward to meeting some of the children of his friends. The quirky baronet also mentions that he has earplugs for the noise and plans to visit the campfires.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I must bring your attention to a fascinating tidbit of personal news: I, too, have a young daughter, just turning two, with my much younger partner, Sahara Sunday Spain – a gifted poet and musician 46 years my junior. Isn’t life an intriguing blend of age gaps and shared moments?

In certain regions, Ben Fogle is better known than the heir to the throne and his brother. For instance, during a filming session in Botswana alongside Princes William and Harry, a local guide recognized Ben Fogle instead, displaying great enthusiasm as he exclaimed, “Ben Fogle? I am a huge fan!” He even mentioned admiring Ben Fogle on Cash in the Attic, somewhat taking away from my moment of fame.

War hero flies again – to a welcome from Witchell

Preparing for tomorrow’s service at Westminster Abbey, commemorating Battle of Britain Day, I find myself soaring through the skies again, as one of the brave aviators we honor.

103-year-old ex-Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell DFC embarked on a journey over the English Channel towards France, sharing the front seat with his friend Randolph Churchill, Winston’s great-grandson, in the back of a single-engine Piper aircraft. Eager to witness Britain’s fresh Normandy Memorial at Gold Beach, they touched down close by.

Upon their arrival, they encountered Nicholas Witchell, the founder’s trustee of the memorial, who was dressed as a chef. Previously a royal correspondent for the BBC, he now oversees the memorial, including its café.

According to Witchell, he prepared around 2,000 sandwiches over the last two months. It was a privilege, then, to craft ham and cheese baguettes for both Churchill and a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Leave my Joel’s dancing alone

This week, Joel Dommett, the host of the National Television Awards, faced significant backlash following his musical performance that opened the ceremony, which aired on ITV.

Currently, Hannah Cooper-Dommett, his wife aged 35, has countered the criticism directed at her husband. “It’s unjust,” she says during our conversation at the Little Scarlet Door in Soho, a venue where she mixed drinks to celebrate the rebranding of Warehouse by Debenhams.com. “He performed exceptionally well, and I am incredibly proud of him. He had dance practice sessions and vocal training.

On Thursday, Bruce Welch, an old companion of Bachelor Boy, tied the knot for the third time; unfortunately, there was no Sir Cliff Richard present to sing Congratulations, but the joyous event still occurred.

82-year-old guitarist, one of Sir Cliff Richard’s backing band the Shadows’ original members, recently married Jilly Hamilton, 66, a fashion buyer, in a low-key ceremony at a registry office in Richmond, Southwest London. Welch, who was once engaged to Grease actress Olivia Newton-John, shared with me: ‘We met over coffee. I opted for a private wedding without the spotlight – just family. It was delightful and heartwarming.’

The songwriter, responsible for penning several of Cliff’s most popular tunes, remarks: “We’re spending our honeymoon in the sunny South of France.” Here’s to them having a wonderful (delayed) summer vacation.

(Very) modern manners

Despite being a vegetarian, Kate Winslet often takes it upon herself to carve the main roast dish during Sundays, even when dining at others’ homes.

48-year-old Titanic actor expresses his dismay on the Table Manners podcast about a man he recently witnessed struggling to carve a chicken. He appeared to be clueless, merely plucking pieces off with his hands. The actor joked that he would teach him proper techniques the next time they met, and true to his word, when he returned, he demonstrated how to do it correctly.

2024-09-14 00:19

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