Fifteen years ago, Natalie Massenet was riding high.
Just three days after selling a stake in her luxury fashion platform Net-a-Porter for £50 million, she shared her seemingly simple formula for success in a Vogue interview: pick the right husband, choose the right nanny, and forget about a social life.
At the time, the British-American entrepreneur seemed unstoppable.
But looking back, that advice now feels naive. Her first marriage to French investment banker Arnaud Massenet ended within a year, and she soon began a relationship with Erik Torstensson, the Swedish co-founder and creative director of the celeb-favourite brand Frame.
Over the years, the couple became one of the most glamorous pairs in fashion and social circles.
A Life of Glamour and Jet-Setting
By 2017, Massenet and Torstensson had a son, Jet, via surrogate. Their lavish lifestyle made headlines—from restored estates in Wiltshire and the Hamptons to townhouse renovations on New York’s Upper East Side.
Tatler even noted that “if Erik Torstensson and Dame Natalie Massenet host a house party, you must do anything to nab an invitation.”
Behind the scenes, however, cracks were forming. Court papers now reveal that Torstensson allegedly led a double life filled with drug use, affairs, and extravagant spending funded by Massenet.
She claims to have spent more than $95 million on properties, vacations, and other expenses, believing he would contribute equally.
Allegations Shake the Fashion World
In a lawsuit filed in California, Massenet accuses Torstensson of being a “sex addict” who exploited her generosity for social and financial gain.
The legal documents outline shocking allegations: hiring prostitutes, drug use, and affairs that overlapped with family milestones.
The papers also suggest he used Massenet’s connections to boost his brand, Frame, including getting celebrities like the Beckhams to wear the label publicly.
Court filings describe Massenet as emotionally devastated, emphasizing that this is not just about revenge but about reclaiming the value she created and the costs she shouldered.
“This is a case of a return on investment in a man who leveraged Massenet’s capital and brand to build wealth, while she bore the majority of the costs,” the documents read.
From Model to Fashion Mogul
Massenet’s rise in fashion is legendary. Born in Los Angeles to a British Chanel model and an American journalist-turned-publicist, she spent her early years in Paris before returning to LA.
She modeled and styled in Japan before joining Women’s Wear Daily and later Tatler in London.
By 2000, pregnant and searching for Chloé jeans online, she founded Net-a-Porter from her kitchen table—a move that would revolutionize online luxury retail.
Her achievements continued: she became the first female chair of the British Fashion Council in 2012, and in 2016, she was made a Dame for her contributions to fashion and retail.
Massenet also invested in rising brands through her venture capital firm, Imaginary Ventures, supporting names like Glossier, Reformation, and Farfetch.
Torstensson’s Rise and Role in Frame
Erik Torstensson’s journey was less traditional. The son of a Swedish pig farmer, he excelled in skateboarding and swing dance before moving to London to work in design.
There, he partnered with Jens Grede to launch the multi-media agency Saturday and later Frame in 2012.
Court papers assert that Torstensson’s success came largely from marketing a jet-set lifestyle, using Massenet’s capital, connections, and social clout to propel his brand.
Massenet’s legal claim highlights how her investment and influence helped Frame grow, while Torstensson allegedly claimed credit and built his wealth.
The allegations, if proven, could have major repercussions across fashion circles.
Cracks in the Relationship
According to court documents, Massenet noticed Torstensson’s increasingly erratic behavior in 2024: late-night disappearances, heavy drinking, and emotional distance.
Concerned, she suggested he seek medical advice when she found prescription medication that raised red flags.
Eventually, she discovered explicit messages and photos revealing a secret life filled with multiple affairs.
Confronted, Torstensson reportedly admitted to lying, substance abuse, and sexual addiction spanning seven years.
What’s Next for the Fashion Doyenne
The fashion and showbusiness worlds are watching closely.
While the allegations are just that—allegations—they paint a dramatic picture of betrayal, wealth, and power in high society.
Massenet is seeking justice, a fair return on her investments, and protection for her family, all while the court prepares to navigate this extraordinary legal battle.
Fifteen years ago, Natalie Massenet was riding high.
Just three days after selling a stake in her luxury fashion platform Net-a-Porter for £50 million, she shared her seemingly simple formula for success in a Vogue interview: pick the right husband, choose the right nanny, and forget about a social life.
At the time, the British-American entrepreneur seemed unstoppable.
But looking back, that advice now feels naive.
Her first marriage to French investment banker Arnaud Massenet ended within a year, and she soon began a relationship with Erik Torstensson, the Swedish co-founder and creative director of the celeb-favourite brand Frame.
Over the years, the couple became one of the most glamorous pairs in fashion and social circles.
A Life of Glamour and Jet-Setting
By 2017, Massenet and Torstensson had a son, Jet, via surrogate.
Their lavish lifestyle made headlines—from restored estates in Wiltshire and the Hamptons to townhouse renovations on New York’s Upper East Side.
Tatler even noted that “if Erik Torstensson and Dame Natalie Massenet host a house party, you must do anything to nab an invitation.”
Behind the scenes, however, cracks were forming.
Court papers now reveal that Torstensson allegedly led a double life filled with drug use, affairs, and extravagant spending funded by Massenet.
She claims to have spent more than $95 million on properties, vacations, and other expenses, believing he would contribute equally.
Allegations Shake the Fashion World
In a lawsuit filed in California, Massenet accuses Torstensson of being a “sex addict” who exploited her generosity for social and financial gain.
The legal documents outline shocking allegations: hiring prostitutes, drug use, and affairs that overlapped with family milestones.
The papers also suggest he used Massenet’s connections to boost his brand, Frame, including getting celebrities like the Beckhams to wear the label publicly.
Court filings describe Massenet as emotionally devastated, emphasizing that this is not just about revenge but about reclaiming the value she created and the costs she shouldered.
“This is a case of a return on investment in a man who leveraged Massenet’s capital and brand to build wealth, while she bore the majority of the costs,” the documents read.
From Model to Fashion Mogul
Massenet’s rise in fashion is legendary. Born in Los Angeles to a British Chanel model and an American journalist-turned-publicist, she spent her early years in Paris before returning to LA.
She modeled and styled in Japan before joining Women’s Wear Daily and later Tatler in London.
By 2000, pregnant and searching for Chloé jeans online, she founded Net-a-Porter from her kitchen table—a move that would revolutionize online luxury retail.
Her achievements continued: she became the first female chair of the British Fashion Council in 2012, and in 2016, she was made a Dame for her contributions to fashion and retail.
Massenet also invested in rising brands through her venture capital firm, Imaginary Ventures, supporting names like Glossier, Reformation, and Farfetch.
Torstensson’s Rise and Role in Frame
Erik Torstensson’s journey was less traditional. The son of a Swedish pig farmer, he excelled in skateboarding and swing dance before moving to London to work in design.
There, he partnered with Jens Grede to launch the multi-media agency Saturday and later Frame in 2012.
Court papers assert that Torstensson’s success came largely from marketing a jet-set lifestyle, using Massenet’s capital, connections, and social clout to propel his brand.
Massenet’s legal claim highlights how her investment and influence helped Frame grow, while Torstensson allegedly claimed credit and built his wealth.
The allegations, if proven, could have major repercussions across fashion circles.
Cracks in the Relationship
According to court documents, Massenet noticed Torstensson’s increasingly erratic behavior in 2024: late-night disappearances, heavy drinking, and emotional distance.
Concerned, she suggested he seek medical advice when she found prescription medication that raised red flags.
Eventually, she discovered explicit messages and photos revealing a secret life filled with multiple affairs.
Confronted, Torstensson reportedly admitted to lying, substance abuse, and sexual addiction spanning seven years.
What’s Next for the Fashion Doyenne
The fashion and showbusiness worlds are watching closely.
While the allegations are just that—allegations—they paint a dramatic picture of betrayal, wealth, and power in high society.
Massenet is seeking justice, a fair return on her investments, and protection for her family, all while the court prepares to navigate this extraordinary legal battle.
