Alexandra Popa, Founder of Bordelle, Shares a Glimpse Into Her 9-5

Sharp, architectural and endlessly alluring, Bordelle has always felt like a label you notice before you can quite place it. Founded in London over two decades ago by Alexandra Popa, the brand began with a quietly radical idea: lingerie that isn’t shy, but sculptural, expressive and unapologetically bold. Its graphic, body-contouring pieces soon became a signature in fashion circles and on red carpets—worn by the likes of Madonna, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga—cementing its cult status while never straying from its female-first ethos.

But behind the striking silhouettes is something more considered. Designing from London, Popa has steadily built a loyal, largely female team around her, with intricate details—from bespoke embroidery inspired by the city to seasonal themes such as SS26’s sea-world motifs—forming part of the brand’s DNA. She also owns and operates her manufacturing base in Romania, where she has invested in preserving specialist corsetry know-how and creating opportunities for women, from the factory director to the skilled makers on the floor.

Here, Bordelle’s founder and creative director Alexandra Popa shares what life really looks like behind the scenes of her nine-to-five—from creative process and daily rituals to the lessons learned while building an independent luxury brand on her own terms.

I always begin the day with… A cup of Earl Grey tea to get me ready for the school run. After dropping off my daughters, I try to squeeze in a workout session at home— a mix of pilates, yoga and weights for a dose of endorphins before diving into the working day.