Bondage-Inspired Bordelle Gets In The Swim

Designer Alex Popa of Bordelle made her name creating intricate, often eye wateringly expensive demi-couture bondage-inspired lingerie - so her next move may surprise some: swimwear. Although the categories have unarguable similarities, it is the differences that really challenged the London-based entrepreneur.

"In terms of construction, swimwear is not as complex as the science that goes into making a structured underwire bra," she explained, "however I found it surprisingly difficult to simplify a complex and detailed design concept. Sometimes simplicity is the hardest to achieve, and swimwear cannot be too overbearing to allow for maximum tanning. Bordelle's swimwear plays with the signature idea of strapping and the allure of harnesses on top of the swimwear, as opposed to the obvious and abundant styles out there that heavily focus on cut-outs. Not that I am one for practicality! But who would want to be tattooed by the sun after a day on the beach or lounging by the pool?"

Bordelle

Although it's more difficult for Popa to spot her lingerie fans than a ready-to-wear designer, who may encounter their creations as they walk down the street, Bordelle lingerie has been spotted on Beyonce in music videos and social media posts.

"Bordelle lingerie is very popular with artists and I love that the real creatives, famous or not, have identified and supported our niche," she added. "It's obviously impossible to spot anyone in the underwear, so with the swimwear I am excited by the fact that I can finally get to see our product being worn! I would love to see Gwen Stefani in a piece."