A prominent stylist for Saks Fifth Avenue known for his connections to Boston’s “most fabulous socialites” is being accused of stealing nearly $430,000 worth of goods from the luxury retailer.
Suhail Kwatra, 43, the self-styled “Fashion Whisperer of Boston” whose clientele included the wife of Red Sox legend David Ortiz, is denying allegations that he processed fake returns for expensive items that clients ordered but never picked up.
Kwatra, a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, is alleged to have turned those refunds into gift cards — which he then allegedly used to buy things for himself.
According to court document, Kwatra misused promo cards, gave away merchandise that wasn’t paid for and abused a company credit card.
In all, the fraud cost 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 told The Wall Street Journal:
His attorney Jennifer Furey told Boston.com that the charges are retribution against her client after he spurned Saks’ recent offer to remain with the company.
“Less than two months ago, Saks offered Mr. Kwatra a significant retention bonus if he would stay at Saks,” she said in a statement.
“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 told the news site that Kwatra “looks forward to clearing his good name.”
Court documents cited by local media reports alleged that a Boston police officer responded to the Saks location at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay section of the city last month after a store official noticed the alleged fraud.
Saks subsequently launched an internal investigation that led to Kwatra’s firing, according to Boston.com.
The retailer then showed Boston police social media photos of Kwatra wearing some of the clothing that he’s accused of stealing.
Police also claimed that Saks produced a handwritten letter from Kwatra in which he apologized, confessed to the scheme and pledged to pay the money back.
Kwatra’s attorney, Furey, claimed that her client was “forced and coerced” into signing the letter during his termination meeting.
Furey also alleged that her client’s dismissal was part 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 was a “highly successful and profitable” personal stylist who brought in significant business for Saks, according to 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 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 comment from Saks and Kwatra.
