Though fashion is often about making a statement, most people tend to keep their undergarments a private affair. Dutch-born designer Marlies Dekkers is changing all that with her boudoir collection, for which she recently received the Netherland’s BID LEF Award for Most Daring Entrepreneur. “My lingerie is meant to be seen,” she boldly declares, adding: “You can basically build your whole outfit around your bra and mood.”

Dekkers’ collection of intimates have already found an outpost in Paris, where she chatted with us about setting up shop back in 2007. Hers marlies|dekkers line is also sold in Australia, Dubai and parts of Asia, but New York’s Plaza Hotel now houses both the women’s apparel and lingerie lines in their Retail Collection.

True to her philosophy of tickling all five senses, Dekkers’ New York store treats customers to sensory indulgences such as chocolates and scented candles. And with February approaching, you can count on Valentine’s Day eye-candy from her “Stolen Kisses” collection, which was inspired by romantic love stories such as that of Romeo and Juliet. The collection includes three lingerie sets, one corset, a pair of sexy red stockings along with a knitted red top all covered with a pink kisses print “stolen” especially for the collection.

Crediting her success to a passion for designing from an innate sense of the woman’s body, Dekkers is quickly becoming the go-to for celebrities such as Jessica Stam, Usher and Mischa Barton. Hitting stride in America’s fashion capital, she’s transcending this wintry season and economic climate by truly bringing sexy back.

“When I dress myself in the morning, I start with selecting the lingerie and then I choose a matching outfit. Lingerie is becoming more and more part of the total fashion outfit a woman is wearing,” Dekkers explains. Sure enough, there’s often more than meets the eye.

For more information, visit www.marliesdekkers.com.

—Kyle Landman