Jacqueline, a clever and crafty breast cancer survivor made this shirt -- pictured at right -- especially for the 2006 Susan G. Komen walk in Central Park. She didn't like the over-sized, over-advertised shirts passed out to the masses, so she designed her own. Notice the songbird stripe on the right side of the shirt? This seamstress renovated the piece to create visual balance for women who have lost a breast and wish to forgo mastectomy and prostheses.Jacqueline, who has named her clothing line Rhea Belle, had a right-side mastectomy in January 2004. She knew she would leave her body as is, but her existing wardrobe didn't "fit" her new shape. When she realized she could either accept her changed architecture or camouflage it, she chose the former.
While she sometimes finds clothing that works fine without changes, most times Jacqueline uses various textures and pattern techniques to craft symmetry. She once simply moved a few ruffles on a shirt she bought from Target. She turned a pull-over sweater into a cardigan with a delicate silk ribbon that ties at the right. She made her own single-cup bra after failing to find anything of its kind. She moves buttons to the "empty" side to create new centers and uses scarves, snaps, and cowl necks to fashion beautiful, stylish, functional masterpieces.
When I say this woman is clever and crafty, I mean it. Go take a peek. I think you'll be amazed.
Visit here for a slideshow of Rhea Belle's post-mastectomy clothing. If you are interested in learning more about this line of clothing and bras, send an e-mail to: Jacqueline@rebel1in8.com.
1. Thank you for this wonderful show of support. I'm adding your blog to my website at http://www.rebel1in8.com/dialogues.html
I look forward to stopping by here often...
Posted at 9:10PM on Jun 9th 2007 by Jacqueline