Meet the Personal Assistants Who Spent Over $1 Million of Boss's Money on Luxury Goods
Chloé and Dior and Vuitton—oh my!

Two former personal assistants working for celebrity chef Nigella Lawson and her art collector husband Charles Saatchi were aquitted of fraud in London court on Friday after they charged more than $1 million to their boss's credit card.
You might have heard about the intense fallout between Lawson and Saatchi after photographs of the art collector grasping his wife's throat appeared on tabloid covers everywhere.
Among the marital troubles and the couple's dwindling reputations was a court case involving their two personal assistants, Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo, who lived a life of luxury on their boss's dime. In court, the sisters claimed that Lawson allowed their spending provided they keep quiet about the chef's habitual cocaine use. Lawson admitted to using marijuana and cocaine a handful of times but denied all allegations of habitual drug use. An email sent by Saatchi to the chef that was presented in court did not help matters. It read:
"Of course now the Grillos will get off on the basis that you...were so off your heads [sic] on drugs that you allowed the sisters to spend whatever they liked and, yes, I believe every word the Grillos have said, who after all only stole money."
So what did two personal assistants with a credit card and unlimited funds do with the money? According to the BBC, the sisters purchased goods fromLouis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Vivienne Westwood. One sister, Francesca, spent the majority of the money on herself. The Daily Mail reported that she spent more than $2000 to stay at the Ritz in Paris on the same day she purchased a $1000 Chloé dress. Elisabetta reportedly shopped at fewer high fashion stores, but did purchase items from Zara and John Lewis, racking up more than $10,000 in purchases in a single month.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Meet the Cast of 'The White Lotus' Season 3, From the New Guests Checking In to the Surprising, Returning Characters
HBO rounded up a handful of A-listers for the anthology's Thailand-set installment.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Dips Her Fingers Into a Rising Manicure Trend
It's the perfect shade for solo V-Day plans.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Prince Charles Sent Princess Diana an Unexpectedly Touching Letter Before Their Wedding
The late royal shared the details of his intimate card and personalized gift.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
I’m Copying These Street Style Outfits I Spotted at New York Fashion Week
They're low-effort and high-impact.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Here’s What Marie Claire Editors Are Buying for Valentine's Day
From cherry red heels to sweet-smelling candles, we're oh-so in love with these products.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published
-
Hailey Bieber Is the Quintessential Rich Mom Styling a Fur Coat, Massive Designer Bag, and Luxury Stroller
The Rhode Beauty founder keeps expanding her collection of mom-friendly designer bags.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
A Classic White T-Shirt Is the Best Winter Styling Piece
This basic is the secret ingredient to creating the perfect outfit.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Jennifer Lopez’s Masterclass in Making Every Outfit Look Like a Billion Dollars
The secret to J.Lo’s impossibly glam style? It’s not just the Birkins—it’s the strategy. Here’s how she makes every single piece exude pure luxury.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Spring 2025 Trends I'm Already Shopping On-Sale From COS, Mango, and Reformation
Snag these sought-after styles before anyone else (and for less).
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Here's How Regular People Can Style Leggings Like a Miu Miu Model
Ten outfits that showcase the stretch pant's elevated everyday potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
10 Must-Haves Marie Claire Editors Are Buying to Kickstart 2025
Our team's investing in these items to start the new year right.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published