breast-cancer:-from-below-to-get-back-on-top

Breast cancer: the underside to regain control

January 19, 2025

In a black bodysuit and high heels, Maude Rives shines. Playing the model for a lingerie brand intended for women who have had breast cancer, she takes her "revenge" on the disease.

"It's a bit of a revenge to feel like a woman again and not just sick," says this energetic, curly-haired woman from Colmar. At 46, this mother of three has undergone a mastectomy with reconstruction, endured chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions and, by her own admission, "almost died."

But on this day, far from the hospitals, she finds three other women affected by breast cancer in the luxurious setting of a hotel suite. All pose during a photo shoot highlighting the first collection of specialized lingerie by a 24-year-old designer, Fanny Barro.

Fanny Barro prepares her lingerie creations dedicated to women who have had breast cancer, during a photo shoot in Colmar, January 16, 2025 (AFP - SEBASTIEN BOZON)
Fanny Barro prepares her lingerie creations dedicated to women who have had breast cancer, during a photo shoot in Colmar, January 16, 2025 (AFP – SEBASTIEN BOZON)

A brand called “Come prima”, “As before” in Italian.

Holder of a national diploma in art and design professions in Strasbourg, Fanny Barro became interested in breast cancer as part of a thesis on women's clothing constraints.

With some 60,000 new cases each year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in France: one in eight will develop it during their lifetime.

Fanny Barro met dozens of people concerned.

"They explained to me that there were a lot of problems and very few solutions on the market," she told AFP in her small workshop in Luttenbach-près-Munster, where a poster proclaims "Our bodies, our choices."

– Reclaiming your body –

“For me, it was super important to find a way to help women and satisfy my feminist side,” explains the young woman. She launched herself into this niche market, based on the needs of those primarily concerned.

During a photoshoot for the lingerie brand
During a photoshoot for the lingerie brand "Come prima", created by Fanny Barro and dedicated to women who have had breast cancer, in Colmar on January 16, 2025 (AFP - SEBASTIEN BOZON)

Her first collection is designed with soft fabrics like cotton jersey to not irritate the skin and scars, but also Calais lace for "sensual, feminine" pieces. All featuring a pocket to slip a breast prosthesis, the bras are matched with thongs, tangas and suspender belts.

"These women want to live again and be able to buy their underwear like everyone else," emphasizes Fanny Barro.

"You feel pretty and it's comfortable," agrees Maude Rives, comparing it to the lingerie she found in the pharmacy, alongside support stockings and orthopedic shoes... "it looks like my grandmother's bras."

She explains that she was looking for softness because "with the chemo, my skin became more sensitive." "I have to reclaim my body too."

“You can be beautiful, even with a dented breast,” adds Lili Spaeth, a 54-year-old saleswoman.

– Suitable for prostheses –

Marie-Eve Fleuchey prepares for a photoshoot of the brand's first collection
Marie-Eve Fleuchey prepares for a photoshoot of the first collection of the brand "Come prima" dedicated to women who have had breast cancer, in Colmar on January 16, 2025 (AFP - SEBASTIEN BOZON)

Marie-Eve Fleuchey, 46, underwent a total mastectomy on her left breast and chose not to have reconstruction. Instead, the mother of a little girl “wears with pride” a tattoo depicting a woman hugging a child.

"When you're an Amazonian woman and you only have one breast, finding suitable and feminine lingerie is very complicated. There's a lack of choice and originality," says this English-speaking trainer with very short brown hair.

Considering Fanny Barro's project to be "fabulous", Marie-Ève Fleuchey even gave her some suggestions, such as the location of the slit inside the bra into which to slide the breast prosthesis.

"At first, Fanny had put it really to the side. And in fact it's better to put it a little higher, because it's easier to access."

The brand's models
Models from the brand "Come prima", dedicated to women who have had cancer, and its creator Fanny Barro reunited for a photo shoot, in Colmar on January 16, 2025 (AFP - SEBASTIEN BOZON)

"They all helped me a lot," admits Fanny Barro. The difficulty is that "each woman has her own problems."

To reach as many body types as possible, the bottom sizes range from XS to XL, and the bra cups from 85A to 105E, with a target clientele ranging from 30 to 75 years old.

Her collection is entirely handmade and will be sold exclusively online for prices ranging from around 80 euros for a bra and 110 euros for a set.

The designer hopes to eventually expand her range and offer a collection of swimwear.

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