Allegations Against Luxury Designer Lemitesier
Lemitesier, a prominent interior designer with a clientele that includes billionaires like Larry Ellison and Ken Griffin, is facing serious allegations from former client Jan Koum.
Koum has worked with Tessier on multiple properties, including a $100 million compound in Atherton and another mansion in Malibu, also valued at $100 million. Interestingly, Koum acquired two superyachts, each around 100 meters in length, with a combined worth exceeding $700 million.
In legal documents submitted to the Southern District of New York, Koum claims that Tessier “brutally misused him” by inflating prices and misrepresenting products, alleging predatory practices in his dealings.
Koum also purchased a Picasso for $7.8 million based on Tessier’s advice, only to discover later that Tessier received $600,000 in undisclosed kickbacks from the gallery. Additionally, Koum found evidence of another kickback sent to an offshore account in the British Virgin Islands.
At 49, Koum is not only seeking legal recourse but also plans to file a complaint in France to initiate a criminal investigation. It appears that at least two other former clients have parted ways with Tessier for similar reasons.
Koum has largely stayed out of the spotlight since selling WhatsApp to Facebook for $19 billion in 2014, but these new claims suggest a pattern of alleged fraud in his relationships with high-end designers. His lawyer stated, “This matter isn’t about personal gain; Yang intends to donate the recovery to French charities, emphasizing the protection of others.” Koum’s net worth exceeds $17 billion, according to Forbes.
In response to the allegations, the 61-year-old Tessier expressed disbelief, stating that he always respected Koum’s privacy and was shocked by the accusations.
Koum’s submission claims that Tessier often misrepresented product values, including charging inflated prices for lamps sourced from RH, originally known as Restoration Hardware.
In one striking example, Tessier reportedly misled Koum regarding expensive silk and pashmina carpets. The suits allege these rugs came from a different supplier, made of synthetic fibers instead of genuine materials, and were valued at less than half of what Tessier claimed.
The legal filings indicate a pattern of Tessier converting prices between currencies to pocket discrepancies, alongside secret kickbacks, all while leaving Koum in the dark about the true nature of his purchases.
While Koum’s legal team is preparing for action against Tessier, those close to the designer express skepticism about these allegations. They believe there may be a misunderstanding likely exacerbated by language issues with his French legal representation.
Tessier is recognized as one of the most expensive and sought-after interior designers globally. A source close to the situation remarked, “If I chose someone like that, I would trust them completely.”
