Suffer for fashion: Federation co-founders in court

Federation Clothing Ltd. has stores across Auckland. Photo / Facebook

Two fashionistas behind one of Auckland's top labels may face jail time after allegedly trying to defraud Customs.

Federation co-founders Nicholas James Clegg, 42, and Jenny Elizabeth Joblin, 37, had their case called in Auckland District Court this morning.

Each face 13 charges, most of which allege the pair filed erroneous paperwork while importing goods.

Those counts hold a maximum penalty of six months in jail or a fine of up to $10,000.

Other allegations include failing to comply with the Customs and Excise Act, which could incur smaller fines.

According to court documents the alleged offending happened between 2010 and 2014.

Joblin, speaking from Los Angeles after getting remarried last week, confirmed she and her ex-partner had pleaded not guilty and were committed to defending the charges.

She did not want to comment further until she had obtained legal advice.

Federation Clothing Limited, which has stores in Britomart, Newmarket, Takapuna and Onehunga, was also specifically charged by New Zealand Customs.

Only Found You Limited, Minti Design Limited and Public Gallery Limited, of which Joblin and Clegg are directors and/or shareholders, were in the same position.

When Clegg spoke to the Herald in 2009 he said they were looking to pull back from the US and UK markets to focus on growth in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

The pair also spoke about their relationship in a Valentine's special.

"We communicate so much, and work so well as a team. It's good to always appreciate each other," Joblin said of the secret to their success.

"We are both strong willed and know what we want," said Clegg.

They will be back in Auckland District Court in February.