Stripe & Stare co-founder Katie Lopes appointed as CEO
London-born certified B Corp underwear and sleepwear brand Stripe & Stare has appointed co-founder Katie Lopes as Chief Executive Officer.
Having co-founded the business in 2017 and spearheaded the development of its “game-changing knickers” following six years of research and development, Lopes has been the driving force behind Stripe & Stare's vision, innovation and growth.
Now generating more than £10 million in annual revenue, Stripe & Stare has evolved into a thriving global direct-to-consumer business, disrupting a category traditionally dominated by heritage players.
As CEO, Lopes will lead the next phase of the brand's ambitious global expansion, continuing its commitment to comfort, female empowerment and responsible environmental impact.
Stripe & Stare Chair Tracy Lewis said: “Katie has been the heartbeat of Stripe & Stare since day one. Her passion, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to our customers and community have helped build an extraordinary brand.
“She is uniquely positioned to lead Stripe & Stare into its next era of growth, and we're all so excited to see the business reach even greater heights under her leadership.”
Lopes added: “Stepping into the role of CEO is both a privilege and an incredible opportunity. Eight years ago, we set out to create underwear that women never wanted to take off. Today, Stripe & Stare is so much more than a lingerie brand - it's a community, a movement and a business proving that purpose and profitability can thrive together.
“I'm enormously proud of what we've built and incredibly excited for what's next as we continue to scale globally, innovate relentlessly and bring the world's most comfortable knickers to even more women around the world.”
Under Lopes’s leadership, Stripe & Stare will accelerate investment in product innovation, deepen customer relationships and expand its international footprint.
At the heart of every collection is Stripe & Stare's signature Tencel fabric - luxuriously soft, naturally derived and sustainably sourced from regenerated trees. Three times softer than cotton, the innovative fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and gentle on the skin.
The brand's bestselling knickers are 95% biodegradable, “proving that exceptional comfort and responsible design can go hand in hand”.
Stripe & Stare has also built a very loyal following and become a cult favourite among women seeking comfort without compromise. Its collections are stocked by the likes of Selfridges and Nordstrom, with high-profile fans including Oprah Winfrey, Iris Law and Lila Moss.
Supporting women has always been central to Stripe & Stare's purpose. The brand proudly partners with and supports organisations including the Lady Garden Foundation, Smalls for All and Smart Works, while actively championing female entrepreneurship through its involvement with Buy Women Built.
In 2024, co-founder Nicola Piercy established The Stripe & Stare Foundation, providing mentoring, guidance and practical business support to early-stage female founders, funded by the company.
The appointment comes just as Stripe & Stare’s four-month pop-up at 149 King’s Road in London comes to a close (8 June). It is its first foray into physical retail. It is as yet unclear what future UK retail plans the brand has under Lopes’s leadership.
