The story behind my care bra for breast cancer survivors
Breast cancer awareness has always been a cause very close to my heart. And from the beginning of my brand, I have had conversations with breast cancer survivors who told me about their struggles, needs and wishes. Since comfort and support is in the DNA of all my designs, I often received very positive feedback from these women about my collections. But I wanted to know more. A few years ago, after a meeting with renowned surgical oncologist Jean Klinkenbijl, I decided to organize a special get-together for my team and a group of (ex-)breast cancer patients. That evening, I discovered that out of the 15 women present, 14 women had their needs met by my regular designs. Not bad, but not enough for me. I knew what I had to do: design a special prosthetic bra.
Breast cancer awareness has always been a cause very close to my heart. And from the beginning of my brand, I have had conversations with breast cancer survivors who told me about their struggles, needs and wishes. Since comfort and support is in the DNA of all my designs, I often received very positive feedback from these women about my collections. But I wanted to know more. A few years ago, after a meeting with renowned surgical oncologist Jean Klinkenbijl, I decided to organize a special get-together for my team and a group of (ex-)breast cancer patients. That evening, I discovered that out of the 15 women present, 14 women had their needs met by my regular designs. Not bad, but not enough for me. I knew what I had to do: design a special prosthetic bra.
Based on all the precious feedback and professional advice I received throughout the years, I gave the bra a flexible shape to ensure an extremely comfortable fit. The soft, pre-shaped cups had to be wireless and offer more coverage than usual. I created a wide, crescent-shaped back panel with seamless wings for extra support. I also placed pockets on the inside that can hold any size of prosthesis in place. The result was optimal comfort and support, but I wanted to give more than that. My dream was to help women reconquer their femininity damaged by the disease. And so, as a stylish, finishing touch, I adorned the top of the cups with a beautiful play of lines, inspired by the Notre-Dame cathedral (to me, a glorious symbol of hope and grace). Et voilá, a combination of care, comfort and class. A Care Bra, created by all of us together.
This season, in addition to our black, ivory & red versions, I have designed a limited-edition Care Bra. I selected a lush, pine-green fabric with a subtle gold lurex sparkle, and added gold piping along the edges of the design. The stunning play of lines adorning the top of the cups and the back of your briefs refer to the glorious Notre-Dame Cathedral, a contemporary of Hildegard von Bingen. As an ode to the nun's herbal healing powers I placed a gold-colored metal talisman - hand-filled with enamel - at the heart of the bra, in the shape of Hildegard's beloved mortar and pestle. As a finishing touch I had the words 'The art of nourishing the soul' woven into the shoulder straps.
