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Valérie Bourdin is a bit like that woman who went through the turmoil of the 2000s with a discreet grace. Born in the 70s, she crossed paths with Filip Nikolic, the famous leader of 2Be3, and since then, she remains an intriguing figure to the general public. I have to admit, while retracing her journey, there are pages that really touched me.
She is about 1.70m tall, which, you might say, surely contributes to that natural elegance she already exuded in her first job. Valérie is not just known for her relationship with Filip; she also has her own fashion empire and even a past as a top model, which is no small feat.
When we talk about her, we first think of this strong woman, also a loving mother, especially since she raised Sasha, the daughter she had with Filip. Their story has ups, downs, joys, and pains. That is what makes her life so complex — and she does not hide it.
I was surprised to discover how well Valérie was able to bounce back after Filip’s death in 2009. While one might have expected her to withdraw, she chose instead to write, create, and pass on. And today, she shares all of this with an audience that still follows her with a lot of emotion.
Who is Valérie Bourdin, the discreet icon of the general public?
Valérie Bourdin, more than just a name associated with Filip Nikolic, is a woman born in the 70s, with a unique style, between glamour and simplicity. A former model, she quickly transitioned into the fashion world by becoming a boutique director. Yes, you read that right: Dolce & Gabbana avenue Montaigne in Paris, nothing less.
Her story with Filip began in 1998, a time when he was exploding with 2Be3, the boy band that marked the 90s. She was already managing a busy life, between photography and modeling. Their meeting? A real love at first sight, even though Filip’s manager was not a fan of the relationship at all (the man wanted the singer to stay single, to keep that heartthrob image for the fans…).
What is touching is that they built a true blended family, with Tanelle, Valérie’s daughter from a previous relationship, and later Sasha, their own child. Together, they went through intense years, sometimes very hard, especially after the band ended and Filip’s personal battle with his demons.
Valérie is also the example of a woman who kept her head held high. After the tragic death of Filip in 2009, she did not disappear from sight. On the contrary, she published a poignant book, Filip for Life, where she reveals everything about this abundant but complicated love. And then, there’s a beautiful career change with her clothing brand Vanita Rosa, launched as early as 2002, with the added bond of Sasha, who today grows up in the spotlight.
Before fame: a career away from the spotlight
Honestly, you don’t immediately guess the path Valérie had. First a model, she walked the streets and studios of New York, which surely gave her that international chic. She didn’t just stay in front of the camera; she also went behind it as a photographer, proving her overflowing creativity.
Returning to Paris and leading the Dolce & Gabbana store on the famous avenue Montaigne is no small feat, believe me. It shows that Valérie was not just a pretty face; she knew how to manage business, create a universe, a style, a real know-how.
Moreover, managing all that while starting a love story with a star boy of the moment is not easy. Especially when that boy radically changes life, moving from the boy band to theater and TV, and facing personal difficulties that also affected their intimacy.
The couple with Filip Nikolic: a passionate love under high tension
Imagine: in 1998, this young leader of 2Be3 meets Valérie, who is already in the luxury game. The shock is immediate, sparks fly. Except that the band’s manager was not at all ready for Filip to be in a relationship; it broke a bit the image of the taken-heart guy for the fans. But Filip, stubborn as a mule, didn’t care. He set up a home with Valérie, and together they raised Tanelle.
The birth of their daughter Sasha in 2005 is like the cherry on the cake, the symbol of a family finally complete. But the years pass, and difficulties — the band’s end, Filip’s addictions — weaken the balance. Valérie ends up leaving him a few months before his death, to protect her children, a painful and courageous decision.
I have to say, the portrait of their story in the biopic broadcast on TF1 in 2025 really moved me. More than just a star, she is a woman who loved madly but also had to learn to fight against the pain.
Valérie Bourdin today: between rebuilding and new projects
Since Filip’s sudden departure, one might think Valérie faded away. Not at all. In reality, she achieved something wonderful: picking up the pen, releasing an ultra-personal book, and above all, continuing to develop her brand Vanita Rosa. Far from being limited to her memories, she forged a strong identity around fashion.
With her daughter Sasha, she shares a warmth that’s heartwarming, especially visible on social media where they constantly exchange and encourage each other. And yes, Sasha is now 18, a beautiful birthday gift she celebrated in 2023 with much emotion shared via Instagram.
Moreover, Valérie invests herself in important social actions, which clearly shows that she is far from wanting to be stuck in the past. She commits to strong causes and continues to uphold her values, far from the glitz and glam.
- 🌸 Role of fulfilled and protective mother
- 👗 Passionate fashion designer
- 📚 Author of a poignant biography
- 💪 Woman engaged in social change
- 👩👧 Visible bond with her daughter Sasha
Some surprising anecdotes about Valérie Bourdin
So, did you know that Valérie almost never had Sasha? Yes, she testified in her book about a pregnancy termination at the beginning of their relationship, an episode she decided to share, breaking taboos.
Behind the scenes of the filming of the Filip Nikolic biopic, actress Sara Mortensen recounted how playing her was a challenge but also a happiness, notably thanks to fruitful exchanges with Valérie herself, very involved in the project. This complicity gave birth to a very accurate and touching representation.
Another detail that made me smile: despite Filip’s fame, Valérie always preferred to keep her independence and never sought the spotlight more than necessary. That’s quite rare in this celebrity world, and frankly, it’s respectable.
Valérie Bourdin: find her in current news and future projects
In 2025, Valérie Bourdin remains a discreet but very active personality. Her involvement in notable social commitments continues to make her talked about, far from the usual scandals.
You can also find her in the fiction recently broadcast on TF1: the biopic Filip Nikolic, where she is at the heart of the story. A role full of emotions, carried by Sara Mortensen, which shows what many did not know about their intense relationship.
At the same time, her brand Vanita Rosa is growing slowly but surely, keeping that elegance that’s her own and a breath of fresh air in the very competitive French fashion world.
