Raising awareness of breast cancer is a seriously important cause, and one lingerie brand at NYFW made it their mission to do just that.
Lingerie and loungewear specialist Ana Ono, who describe themselves as catering for people with "two breasts, one breast, no breasts or new breasts," chose models for their latest show who had survived or were currently battling breast cancer.
The choice of these models made for a striking show which raised awareness of the disease as the images were shared across the globe.
The show featured 16 amazing women from various backgrounds who showed off both the underwear and their cancer scars.
Designer Dana Donofree, the brainchild behind Ana Ono, is a breast cancer survivor herself, and decided that it was time to create a pretty but functional line of surgery and mastectomy bras for women suffering from breast cancer.
"We dress women with unilateral and bilateral mastectomies, with or without reconstruction. We clothe women in lush Recovery Wear™ and loungewear with a unique drain management system so from the moment they step out of surgery and enter treatment, they feel comfortable, feminine and beautiful," reads a statement on the Ana Ono site."
"From there, we offer patented Radiation Wear specifically designed to avoid areas of the skin that often get burned or scarred and chafe during treatment. And with a collection of post-op bras and wirefree bralettes, we are making a difference to be there with these women on every step of her journey for the rest of her life."
Proceeds from the Ana Ono show were also donated to the non-profit organisation Cancerland, which works to encourage women to live well while dealing with their disease.
Not only did the show raise breast cancer awareness on a high fashion platform, but it also made a statement to women suffering from breast cancer that there is no shame in having scars.
One of the models, body positivity activist Erika Hart, took to Instagram before the show to express her delight in being included.
"I want to say this is a dream come true, but really it's a dream I gave up on many moons ago."
"Leaned into the often vocal thoughts that I was ugly, flat footed (yes someone told me this), not the right this or that to be a model. So, I am walking this weekend for the folks who have been told they couldn't," she said.
We seriously commend Ana Ono raising awareness, raising funds and empowering women who may feel that their disease holds them back from identifying as beautiful.
