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Redefining Intimates: The OHEN Story
We speak to the founders of OHEN, a luxury lingerie label focusing on feminine silhouettes, clean lines, and contemporary details.
After leaving the pace of corporate life and navigating life with three young children, Lu Blade-Bittle saw a gap in the market for lingerie that felt modern, refined, and genuinely wearable. Together with seasoned lingerie designer Anja Bucher, they set out to create something different, an intimate collection shaped by real-life experience and a clear design point of view.
We spent time with the pair in their Ponsonby studio ahead of Anja’s second baby arriving, and later caught up with Lu to talk about the evolution of OHEN, caring for delicates, and the quiet rituals that shape her every day.
Conversation with Alex
Can you share the story behind OHEN? How did the brand come to life?
After having my third child and stepping away from corporate life, I was searching for lingerie that was both functional and refined—pieces that felt well considered. When I couldn’t find anything that worked, I reached out to Anja, whose 15 years of lingerie design experience brought both technical expertise and a deep understanding of form and fit. Together, we spent nearly two years sampling and developing our initial collection—refining every detail to ensure it not only looked beautiful but genuinely supported the way women live and move. We wanted to create something with substance—lingerie that reflects the needs and sensibilities of the women we know.
What inspired the name “OHEN,” and what does it represent for the brand?
OHEN is an amalgamation of the names of people we love - a simple nod to what matters most to us. We wanted a name that felt personal but not sentimental, and importantly, not overtly feminine. We felt like OHEN captured the essence of the brand: considered, purposeful, and subtly rebellious.
As co-founders, you each bring unique strengths to OHEN. How do your individual skills and perspectives shape the way you work together?
We’re very intentional about playing to our strengths and being transparent when we’re out of depth. Anja leads the creative vision, while I focus on the business and strategy side. Though our daily roles differ, our work is deeply interconnected, so clear and constant communication is essential to stay aligned.
