Fake fashion worth £200,000 seized at Kensington boutique

FAKE designer fashion worth £200,000 were seized during a raid on a boutique in Kensington.

Trading Standards officers confiscated 467 counterfeit Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and Burberry coats, jackets and handbags.

Many were on sale with prices ranging from £250 to £1,000 — close to the retail cost of authentic high-end items.

Police had to be called when the owner allegedly refused access to a basement where some of the goods were stashed. Customers — who gave the shop five-star reviews online — had no idea they were buying duds, a spokesman for Kensington and Chelsea council said.

An earlier test purchase by Dior and Louis Vuitton staff determined counterfeits were being passed off as the luxury real thing.

The matter will now be fully investigated under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and could result in further action.

Anyone convicted of selling counterfeit goods can face 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine.