Is This The Most Expensive Lingerie Ever?

GENTLEMEN, forget pretty or affordable lingerie from all the brands that spring to mind if you really want to impress the woman in your life this Christmas; London-based demi-couture lingerie label Bordelle has conceived a capsule collection for Selfridges that will set your pulse - and that of your bank manager - racing. Three styles - of which only three pieces of each will be made - launch this week at Selfridges, with a price tag in excess of £3,000 and worth every penny.

"The brand has been going for five years now, and we really wanted to create something really decadent this Christmas," Bordelle founder and designer Alex Popa told us. "Each piece is handmade and numbered one, two or three of three. The pieces use gold filigree, Swarovski crystals, the most luxurious fabrics - and each one takes seven to ten days to make. Completely made to order, it's our most couture collection yet."

Conceived in 2009 to bridge a gap in the luxury lingerie market between high-end couture designs and overtly seductive - often bondage-inspired - detailing, Popa wanted to give stylish women lingerie that could be really sexy without being trashy or throwaway. Stronger in aesthetic than lace-adorned contemporaries like Agent Provocateur, Bordelle's strapping, ring details and sleek bodycon shapes have attracted a faithful - and feisty - following.

"We've got an amazing client base," she added. "Stores like Selfridges have been supportive right from the beginning and our clients' feedback has really helped me develop and change the range. They know what they want and we've added colours and fabrics in response to what they need. The new accessories range - paddles and bracelets - will be the next focus, and we'll be developing our swimwear too."