FASHION 49 do something about this . I did some research and realised many other women had long felt the same way as I did , and so LoveRose was born , named after my sister Rose .
People who have undergone treatment for breast cancer have unique and varied needs . Sensitive scar tissue can be aggravated by underwires and rough or unbreathable fabrics . Women who require prostheses require pockets to hold these in place .
Currently the post-surgery market is flooded with matronly beige or black items that look like they belong in a medical textbook . Do they provide the physical support required ? Yes . Has any thought been given to how a woman might like to feel in them , or that we deserve to have a wider choice about the clothes that we wear ? No .
At LoveRose , we have taken a completely different approach to post-surgery design . We worked with many women throughout our design process to understand their needs and desires , we held focus groups to find out what they were missing from the market and what they wish to see . Then we designed a range that we believe does not look out of place beside luxury mainstream brands while retaining the functional elements you need following surgery .
We also worked closely with Professor Carolyn Mair , author of The Psychology of Fashion . She confirmed the importance of having clothing that makes you feel empowered , included and cared for . This cognitive reinforcement genuinely helps you to feel better . This is not about being vain – it ’ s key to your recovery . This is what many people without experience of breast cancer have not understood until recently . But any woman who has gone through this trauma knows this to be true .
At LoveRose both quality and sustainability are very important to us . We use the softest available recycled lace , and luxurious silk fabrics . Our matching sets are made to last , and include cheerful pops of colour that are sure to put a smile on your face . Our range looks so fantastic and is so comfortable it is even popular with ladies who have not had surgery ! We are also working on an Essentials collection due out later this year , which we are really excited about .
It ’ s all about choice . Most people in the post-surgery community feel forgotten and not considered . As a woman , it ’ s important to feel included . My goal is to make sure no woman has to experience the same lack of thought or choice when choosing their post-surgery lingerie that I did .
The fashion industry in general must evolve to become more inclusive . Quality postsurgery lingerie must be visible , accessible , and celebrated . There is huge demand - breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK , with 1 in 7 women diagnosed in their lifetime . More than 150 people are diagnosed every day . When you consider the fact that survival rates have doubled in the last four decades , it is clear that the number of women needing these options will continue to increase .
I ’ m immensely proud of what we have achieved since we launched in 2020 . This was not an easy path to take , but it is an incredibly rewarding one . When I speak to women about how our lingerie makes them feel and hear that we ’ ve helped someone to feel better about themselves , it really does make everything worthwhile .
LoveRose Lingerie is available to purchase online at www . loveroselingerie . com
Follow the LoveRose Lingerie ’ s social channels for information about upcoming pop-up shops across the UK .
Instagram : www . instagram . com / loverose . lingerie / Twitter : www . twitter . com / LR _ lingerie Facebook : www . facebook . com / loveroseloveyourself
Issue 56 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY