Polina’s Prive
Photography by Sarah Thrower

Just because it is underneath what most people see on a daily basis, lingerie should by no means be an afterthought. And it’s not necessarily for the benefit of others. A woman can gain great confidence knowing she is wearing something beautiful under and over. Lingerie often becomes a sidebar in the fashion world and the way it is usually displayed leads to that. Seeing “intimate apparel” next to DVDs, cutlery, and even the food court makes it seem a little less intimate. Polina Hansen is bringing intimate back to the forefront and making sure that lingerie is treated as a cornerstone to a woman’s wardrobe at her boutique, Polina’s Prive.

Hailing from Russia, Polina Hansen brings her world class taste for lingerie to a very accessible boutique right in Fells Point Square. Polina moved here five years ago and lived in various places before a romance involving a tug boat sailor, who would become her husband, brought her to Baltimore where she settled down. “I’ve always enjoyed sewing and clothing design,” Polina says, though it had always been but a dream until she opened up her own place.  Polina notes that Baltimore was a natural fit for her lingerie store, “it’s a great city with a large population of young professionals… the people here tend to be very interested in art, music, food and fashion.” Working on developing her own line which will be sold in the boutique eventually, Polina’s Prive offers hand-picked designs and styles from around the world and provides a most eloquent and versatile selection.

The boutique setting offers an experience that isn’t necessarily available everywhere else. Each customer gets “personalized service and individual attention” while experiencing an air of elegance and intimacy. Upon walking in the door, the customer is greeted by a lingerie expert who offers assistance and consultation on what they are looking for. Professional fittings are also offered free of charge. From start to finish, the client is guided through the process by experts in a personal manner, which makes shopping for lingerie natural and streamlined while providing a memorable experience.

Polina reflects that the best part about being in the lingerie business is being able to educate women. “Wearing properly fitted lingerie is important… not only for their appearance, but for their comfort and confidence as well.” Being a store owner allows Polina to offer many options that are rare outside of New York City or Los Angeles, but in a city just as artistic and fashionable.