By Isabelle Wilson-
Peter Nygard, the fashion guru known for his eponymous clothing brand and extravagant lifestyle, has appeared in court charge with multiple sexual assaults against women.
The now disgraced business multi-millionaire who once stood atop the fashion world, was led into a Toronto Court in a wheelchair, accused of using his power and influence in the fashion industry to lure young women to his company’s Toronto headquarters, promising them modeling and hostess work, or financial support, and then sexually assaulting them.
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The Finland born businessman is a self-made fashion tycoon who built an empire from the ground up.
He founded the Nygard International fashion brand, which became synonymous with women’s clothing. Nygard’s journey to fashion prominence was marked by ambition and relentless pursuit.
Nygard immigrated to Canada with his family in the late 1950s. In 1967, he established his fashion company in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which would eventually grow into a global empire.
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Nygard International specialized in women’s apparel, ranging from casual wear to high-end fashion, and expanded into various markets worldwide.
Through shrewd business acumen and a relentless drive for success, Nygard expanded his brand’s presence across North America and around the world.
His business ventures extended to include fragrances, accessories, and even a line of home furnishings. Nygard was often lauded for his marketing skills and his ability to understand and cater to his target audience.
At the height of his career, Peter Nygard’s empire spanned numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia.
His brand was particularly popular among women seeking affordable yet stylish clothing. Nygard International operated its flagship stores and maintained a significant presence in various department stores.
His lavish lifestyle, which included multiple luxury properties, yachts, and extravagant parties, showcased the opulence associated with his success.
His company later filed for bankruptcy protection .
Allegations
However, behind the glamorous façade of the fashion world, disturbing allegations began to surface. Several women came forward with claims that Nygard had exploited his position to sexually assault them.
These women, many of whom were aspiring models or employees within his fashion empire, allege that they were lured into compromising situations, often under the pretense of career opportunities or exclusive parties.
The allegations depict coercion, abuse, and exploitation. Some of the accusers have asserted that they were drugged during these encounters, making the legal ramifications of the allegations even more complex.
The women who have come forward describe a pattern of predatory behavior by Nygard, who allegedly used his influence and wealth to silence his victims and evade accountability.
These allegations span several decades, with incidents reported in various locations where Nygard conducted business.
Wealth And Power
Wealth. Status. Properties all over the world. A private jet. Power. Influence. Peter Nygard,” was how Crown attorney Ana Serban’s opened her presentation to the jury.
“It is the Crown’s theory that Peter Nygard leveraged his power and status as a well-known fashion designer to lure and sexually assault young women.”
Serban told jurors that five women will testify in the coming weeks about meeting Nygard “and how he forced sex upon them in his private bedroom suite” at his former custom-designed Toronto headquarters located at 1 Niagara St., which once had NYGARD written in large letters on the exterior.
“Within these walls, behind all the trappings of success and power, there is a bedroom suite with a giant bed and a stone Jacuzzi, a bar and doors,” Serban said.
“Doors with no handles. Doors with automatic locks, keypad-operated locks. Locks controlled by Peter Nygard.”
The five complainants’ names are covered by a standard publication ban. Most of the women were in their 20s at the time of the alleged incidents, while one was 16 years old. The alleged offences stretch from the 1980s to 2005.
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