Panache lingerie founder Tony Power fighting for life after brutal attack

His family was too upset to comment, but a spokesman for Panache said: “Mr
Power is a self-made man who founded international brand Panache over 30
years ago and which now employs over 120 people locally.

“As a close, family-run company, this incident has come as a big shock to
the business and our thoughts and prayers are with the Power family at this
difficult and private time.”

Joe Otten, a local Liberal Democrat councillor, added: “It’s a great
shock and my thoughts are with Mr Power and his family. Sheffield is one of
the safest cities in the country but plainly this kind of thing should not
be happening.”

Mr Power, who lives with his wife Maureen in the upmarket Bradway area of
Sheffield, launched Panache in 1982 after being made redundant by rival
underwear manufacturer Playtex.

He mortgaged his house and started making lingerie in his garage, specialising
in bras for the bigger-bosomed woman, a market he felt had been largely
ignored by other firms.

Panache quickly expanded abroad. It now has offices in New York, Hong Kong and
Germany, and sells its products in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Mr Power stood down from the company in 2008, and was replaced as managing
director and chairman by his son, John Power. His other son Danny is
managing director of Panache’s North American business.

The firm prides itself on the quality of its underwear, stating on its
website: “Panache is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of
perfect-fitting lingerie. We see this not only as a process of design but
also a feat of engineering. If a garment does not fit to our exacting
standards, it does not leave the design room.”

Mr Power also has two daughters, Siobhan and Louise, and a number of
grandchildren.

South Yorkshire Police said a 30-year-old man had been charged with attempted
murder and robbery over the assault in High Hazels Park in the Darnall area
of Sheffield.

Imran Khan, of Handsworth Road, Darnall, was remanded in custody when he
appeared before Sheffield magistrates last week.

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