In the enchanting realms of Paris and the French Riviera, poly-creative Alexandra Poenaru Philp evokes the chic elegance and avant-garde vibe of the City of Light. She has that effortless je ne sais quoi that translates best as a spark of magic.
I first met Alexandra far from Paris, at a tropical island wedding in Fiji. And I now count her as one of my dearest and most inspiring friends. Her maverick journey blends unconventional influences, passion and boundless creativity. Any conversation with Alexandra is like chatting with sunshine — peppered with flashes of laughter and global perspectives. Her openness, sometimes touching on her challenges and losses, makes you realize you’re in the presence of an authentic powerhouse. There’s no posturing with Alexandra.
Through her stories you come to understand that her drive emanates from an unwavering commitment to revealing and celebrating the natural self. She’s on a mission to set us free. Societal norms are so deeply rooted that we often fail to see them encircling us. By contrast, Alexandra was born into a family of free-thinking artists and scientists. Her father, a mathematics and physics researcher, would pose philosophical questions at bedtime, igniting her curiosity and critical thinking from a young age. And her artist mother inspired her to perceive beauty in all forms. These early influences allowed Alexandra to mature in a bubble of curious play and natural self expression.
Today Alexandra is like the Greek goddess Aphrodite, trailblazing and championing love, passion and beauty so we are inspired to step bravely into our own artistry, sensuality and personal allure.
(Alexandra would scoff at my American brashness comparing her to Aphrodite. But what are friends for but to shout and share just how awesome you truly are?!)
Alexandra’s career began in the heart of Paris as a fashion designer, and her innate talent soon led her to expand into artistic direction, visual branding, interior decor and photography. As a young woman she met her husband Tony Philp — entrepreneur and former 5x Olympian and 13x world champion windsurfer. Together they pioneered new concepts in luxury hospitality, first launching Cloud 9 in Fiji and most recently unveiling Canua Island on the Cote d’Azur. Watching her work is to witness a masterclass of a visionary artist in action.
Truly captivating is Alexandra’s portrait and mood photography, revealing the diversity of humans and elevating erotica. In her sessions she endeavors to establish a bond of safety with her models, and capture an authentic moment that deconstructs social bias. As the viewer, we are similarly invited to be set free. In October 2024 she’ll have her first art exhibition in Paris, and she’s working on an adult-content film with the goal of featuring inclusivity and beauty.
Alexandra is a woman both deeply introspective and outwardly adventurous. For her, curiosity is the essence of being human, revealing new layers of creative potential. As she shares,
“I am an entrepreneur who is in it for the dream to create a world of kindness with a reverence for expression. I have set my own rules, following what makes me ME. I’m encouraged to see the next generations discarding the social dictates that have kept our world from advancing. What I would share with them is to follow your instinct and think critically. Both are necessary. As well, act with kindness. We are all so different and that is what makes this world so wonderful.”
In a world that often urges conformity, Alexandra Poenaru Philp stands as a shining example of the magic that happens when we dare to be different — and our natural selves.
FIND ALEXANDRA: LinkedIn, IG @poenaru.design, IG @shot.by.alexandra, www.poenaru-design.com