A bitter legal battle has erupted over the multimillion-dollar fashion empire of late Australian designer Premal Patel after his long-time partner launched a Supreme Court bid to seize control of his estate. Patel, the founder behind cult labels Runaway The Label, Seven Wonders The Label and Prem the Label, tragically died aged 47 in December 2025 following a brief illness he publicly linked to vaping.
Now, his partner of more than two decades, Peter Clarke, is suing in the NSW Supreme Court to gain sole control over Patel's companies and financial affairs, according to The Daily Telegraph. Court documents reveal Clarke is seeking to remove himself, Jai Patel and Charles Hamieh as directors of Mamta Group, which trades as Runaway The Label. He is also fighting to have Jai Patel and Hamieh stripped from their directorships at Patel's menswear brand Premonition Designs, along with Jasper Investment Co Pty Ltd and Cahill St Pty Ltd.
Clarke has asked the court to declare the appointments, which were made shortly after Patel's death, invalid. Instead, he wants to be installed as administrator of Patel's estate and sole director across all four companies to oversee operations, preserve assets and manage liabilities. The matter was briefly heard in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday before being adjourned to the probate duty list. The matter will return before the registrar on May 26 for further proceedings.
Patel's Legacy and Sudden Death
Patel was widely regarded as one of Australia's most influential fashion entrepreneurs. His sudden death in December sent shockwaves through the industry. 'Can't believe this. It's like a bad dream. Rest in peace dearest Prem. We love you so much and you will be missed not only by us, but by everyone whose life you've touched,' wrote media personality Sarah Marie Fahd. 'Such heartbreaking news. Sending love to his family, loved ones and the team,' added social media star Aliie Auton. 'Absolutely heartbreaking. Sending so much love,' shared MAFS star Tahnee Cook.
Warning About Vaping
Just weeks before his death, Patel shared a harrowing warning with followers after revealing he had been hospitalised multiple times and placed in intensive care. 'I was placed into an induced coma with two tubes down into my lungs,' Patel wrote in a social media post on November 5. 'Then they finally found it - vape fluid in my lungs. They blasted my lungs with anti-inflammatory treatment just to keep me breathing.' In what would become a tragic final plea, Patel urged others not to make the same mistake. 'We are not invincible.'
