An English model and lifestyle influencer has become embroiled in a bitter custody battle with her multi-millionaire fashion designer ex over their children.
Lucia Bartoli, 32, is at war with German designer Philipp Plein for greater access after he was granted temporary custody following their split last year.
Mr Plein, 48, who has made a fortune estimated at £700million and seen his eponymous clothing label worn by the likes of Lindsay Lohan, Rita Ora and Cristiano Ronaldo, is now believed to be planning to relocate to the US.
The designer – who was the first to put ‘Hot Felon’ Jeremy Meeks on the catwalk back in 2017 – is known for his daring and often jewel-encrusted designs, so much so, he’s been nicknamed the ‘King of Bling’.
Meanwhile, Ms Bartoli who has 350,000 followers on Instagram alone and celebrity supporters including Kylie Jenner and Georgina Rodriguez, had become acclaimed for her content around meditation and wellness.
But more recently she has shelved the subject that had made her famous online and dedicated herself to her custody fight, explaining: ‘I have to prioritise getting my children back over my public image, this is my only concern.’
The pair met in 2019 and Ms Bartoli, originally from Luton, was soon enjoying a luxurious lifestyle flying private jets between homes in Switzerland, Los Angeles, and the south of France, as well as fabulous holiday destinations.
The couple both regularly shared glimpses of this glamorous life on social media, posting pictures of themselves in exotic locations while appearing happy and in love – and they went on to have two children together.
Lucia Bartoli, 32, is at war with German designer Philipp Plein (pictured together in Milan in 2022) for greater access after he was granted temporary custody following their split last year
But the couple’s relationship then ran into problems and they split last year.
They are now at odds over custody – a dispute which has become more fraught since Mr Plein seemingly intimated he was considering moving to the US.
Last August, Mr Plein initiated legal proceedings in a Swiss court which temporarily granted him full-time custody of the children.
Ms Bartoli claims that since then, she has been deprived of access to the older child and only allowed to see the younger sibling for two hours per week under supervision, which has left her devastated.
The pair are now due to face each other in court in Lugano in Switzerland later this month for a renewed hearing on issues of custody and residency.
Her legal team is seeking to prevent Mr Plein making America his main residence, arguing that this would make it very difficult for her to see her children given her comparatively limited financial resources.
Ms Bartoli has regularly taken to social media to share updates on her legal situation and has been widely supported by her many followers.
She recently posted on Instagram: ‘Everyday I feel as though half of me is literally missing. It’s a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Ms Bartoli (pictured) who has 350,000 followers on Instagram alone and celebrity supporters including Kylie Jenner and Georgina Rodriguez , had become acclaimed for her content around meditation and wellness
‘I know God has a plan and I trust that in his plan my babies are reunited with me.’
Since founding his clothing brand in the late 1990s in Germany, Mr Plein has established a reputation for flamboyant luxury fashion which is often colourful and jewel-encrusted.
He has outlets all over the world and regularly features on the front cover of leading fashion magazines.
Both parties have been contacted for comment.
