After Fashion’s Night Out everyone was preparing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have participated in the Susan G. Komen for the past 6 years off and on. I have my pink gear ready for October 15th this year. Breast cancer has not effected me personally, but I’ve seen cancer take one of the most influential women I have ever had in my life. From the beginning, to the very end. My grandmother had Hodgkin’s lymphoma and throat cancer. She was a homemaker, a wife, a love doctor … you name it, she was it. She taught me everything I know. I miss her so much. I wish I could still call her and wish she could see me now.
Behind the scenes
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by several people to take part in breast cancer awareness charity events. I reconnected with Michelle Fonticiella, a classmate from collage through Twitter. She owns SpinHouse PR. It is such a small world and I love connecting with new people. You never know who you are going to meet, or what opportunities may come. She sent me an email about a breast cancer charity event. When I read the email and responded immediately “Yes”. Anything for boobs and empowering women. Reading Michelle’s email for the second time felt I had missed something. After jumping on the wagon, I realized I didn’t really catch where it was going. I had assumed she wanted me to create some pieces for these “influential women”. What she was really asking was for me to pose … in just a pink ribbon. I totally said double yes. The Pink Ribbon Project by Justin Price brought 10 Influential Socialites together to pose for breast cancer. I immediately stopped eating pasta, drinking soda and white cheddar cheese Cheez-Its. In addition to taking it all off. I agreed to another charity event for the 1st Annual Boobs Rule event. I am in the midst of creating samples for the S/S 2012 Collection and I have a huge, BIG, photo shoot coming up in NYC. I couldn’t commit to a full fashion show, but created a one of a kind bra and panty set
Behind the scenes
My assistant and I sewed pink sashes for the photoshoots. Three different widths were made so that they could play around with wrapping the ribbons. I already had a vision in my mind of what I wanted my photo to look like. Me, the Little Black Panty, and a pink bow on my bootie … topless. My hair and make-up was done by the fabulous Sandy Lee. You might assume that taking off my clothes comes natural to me. Had I ever made a sex tape, there would be more bloopers than hot steamy action. I felt like I was living my Playboy pinup fantasy. I walked out of that bath room scantily clad is just my Little Black panty, black pumps with my hands covering my boobies. I was ready to save the planet from evildoers in my little black panty. Sandy and Michelle tied my pink ribbon in a bow and I was ready for my close up. Justin, the photographer, knew what I going for and gave direction perfectly. I desperately waited to see the proofs. Out of about 30 photos, I picked the one I felt showed my personality. Half-naked in my underwear. I know most people are not comfortable with nudity or the connotation with being nude. I’m not a supermodel, a video vixen or a sex kitten. I’m comfortable. I am actually writing this in my underwear and a T-shirt.
Here is my photo for the Pink Ribbon Project. (I have also included a slideshow from the event at the end of the blog). I worked with an amazing group of women from Miami, they are all so beautiful and successful in their careers. I know that I will build relationships with these women from here on out. They are my “Pink Ladies.” I look up to them and commend them on their careers. I was honored to be part of such an important project.
Here is the one-of-a-kind bralette and panty set that was auctioned at the 1st Annual Boobs Rule Event. I had a hard time parting from this piece. I am probably most proud of this set. I kept telling myself that a beautiful woman was going to wear this, and feel amazing, and sexy, and confident and that is was for a good cause. You will see this design in the next Spring/Summer 2012 Collection.
I am extremely proud of these projects. My grandmother might not have approved of my photo but she would see that I have a voice, a passion, and a message for women. You don’t have to have the perfect body to be sexy. I have mini boobies and a little butt, perfect and just my size. The right man will tell you, you are perfect. A man once told me my body was perfect the way it was while I was cooking spaghetti and meatballs. I never felt more like a million buck than in that moment. The message for breast cancer awareness is to stay informed and know your resources. Early detection can save you life or the life of your grandmother, mother, sister, and aunt. We are the nurturers of the world. We are lovers and mothers. What would men do without us? We have to be strong no matter how bad we want to cry, or how tired we are. We are women hear us roar, or meow.
So Proud of My Baby Girl for giving back. What she forgot to tell you is that all her life she has been influenced by individuals that have been touched by cancer. Her mother treats cancer patients. Sometimes a patient become very close to your heart. One year I had a special young patient that Priscilla and I took under our wing and prayers and gave her a very special christmas.