Arnaud Henry Mensan portrayed himself as an international stylist and editor who has worked for well-known fashion publications like Vogue, Elle, i-D, and Nylon. But if you aren’t familiar with any of his editorial work, it’s probably because it doesn’t exist.
According to Dazed, Mensan has been posing as an industry insider, using his fake credentials to trick brands and designers into sending him their pieces. He has reportedly stolen thousands of dollars in clothing and accessories, which he claimed would be used in high-profile magazine shoots.
A spokesperson for Parisian label Berluti informed Dazed about the scam. Mensan had reportedly called the Berlutti office requesting pieces that would be used in photoshoots for Dazed and AnOther. The label was unaware that Mensan was not affiliated with either publication, so they sent him about $12,000 worth of clothes. He has since failed to return the items and has cut off all communication with Berlutti. The label’s representative said authorities are now investigating the case.
This isn’t the first time Mensan has been accused of scamming designers and brands. Back in May, Spanish designer Martin Across told i-D that Mensan had contacted him in early 2015, seeking a handful of pieces from his latest collection. Just like Berlutti, Martin trusted the suspect’s social media account and delivered the items.
According to i-D: “The designer sought him on ‘social networks and confirmed that it had more than 40,000 followers on Instagram’ and, moved by the ability to view their garments in prestigious industry publications, sent the looks in question.”
American designer Bradley Jordan has also come forth accusing Mensan of stealing his clothing after posing as a stylist.
As of Tuesday evening, the suspect’s Instagram account has been deactivated.
