Helena Christensen collaborates with Triumph lingerie

After three years as the face of Triumph Essence, Helena Christensen has added another string to her fashion credentials – lingerie designer.

In the midst of London Fashion Week, Helena Christensen jetted into London to launch her luxury collaboration with Triumph that consists of three gorgeous ranges – ‘Poetica’ (lots of girly lace adorned with Swarovski crystals), ‘Ballerina’ (uber feminine with a hint of 70s power glamour) and ‘Dahlia’ (romantic contrast colours with femininie tulle).

Just before she zoomed back to NYC, we caught up with the iconic beauty to find out all about it.
 
Each range is very unique. Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind them?
Well, I’ve always admired ballet dancers so the lighter pieces in the ‘Ballerina’ collection was sort of a little ode to them. The brighter colours in the ‘Poetica’ range were inspired by my childhood, which was a really happy time. The ‘Dahlia’ series has hints of eastern European photography and I’ve always loved black and nude tones together. Those pieces are sculptural and athletic but the lace makes a little more romantic.
 
Do you remember your first bra?
I don’t think I wore a bra at all until I was in my twenties, there wasn’t a need for it! I wasn’t even into fashion until I moved to Paris to work as model and suddenly a whole new world opened up to me.
 
Did you enjoy the design process?
Yes, and there was so much to discover about the technical aspect of a bra. I made mood boards with cut-outs, sketches, colours and fabrics so that I could ensure the my team knew exactly what I wanted.
 
What was the most important factor for you?
I wanted the fabric to be light and to be soft on the skin. It’s so uncomfortable when you wear lingerie that cuts in. I also wanted it to be almost seamless, so that they looked and felt like a second skin.
 
Did you test them out yourself?
Yes, every piece. Models have a specific body type so it’s often difficult to see what the lingerie would like on a more shapely body. I’ve got boobs and hips so it was important for me to test them out to make sure I would feel comfortable. I wanted them to be suitable for all shapes and sizes.
 
Do you think well-fitting lingerie helps with confidence?
Yes, on days you feel less confident the way you dress can definitely help you along. However, at the same time it’s got to come from within. We all go through mood swings and it’s important I think to appreciate those different moods. For me my confidence came from my upbringing. My parents instilled so much confidence in me and taught me to believe in myself while being respectful of others too.
 
You mentioned you’re flying back to your 12-year old son. What does he think of your career? 


He’s like half ‘I love you so much, you know, I’m so happy that you’re always there for me’ and then ‘oh my gosh will you please stop singing and just act cool.’ He’s so funny.    

The Helena Christensen for Triumph lingerie collection launches in-store and online in January 2013.

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Hamilton store donates camisoles to breast cancer survivors

Sue Teschke, owner and founder of Mastectomy Lingerie and More, will donate 100 post-surgical camisoles to local women undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October.

Teschke is partnering with the charity Breast Cancer Support Services which is based in downtown Burlington. The non-profit organization will give gift certificates for the camisoles to be redeemed at Mastectomy Lingerie in their free ‘comfort kits’ for breast cancer patients.

The post-op kits include a number of items designed to make the transition from treatment to healing more comfortable and are available at participating surgeon’s offices in Hamilton and Burlington. They’re also available at Teschke’s Upper Wellington Street store.

Teschke has an intimate understanding of the needs of the women she serves at Mastectomy Lingerie and More, which she opened in 2011.

A breast cancer survivor, in 2007 Teschke underwent a mastectomy of her right breast. And when skin is sensitive and sore, post-surgical camisoles come in handy, said Teschke.

“The seams are all on the outside so they don’t irritate the stitches,” said Teschke. “They’re comfortable. You can step into them, which is good because your arms are a little sore after surgery. And there’s a soft puff [in the bra shelf] that gives you shape and balance.”

It was the soft puff that meant the most to Teschke.

“For me, the puff was the biggest thing because you can’t wear a bra or anything after surgery. The feeling of having something there instead of this hole in your side,” she said, trailing off.

The garments, which can cost between $66 and $70, are also equipped with detachable drain pouches to aid healing.

Nicky Youseman, 50, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and had a partial-mastectomy in July, said buying a post-op camisole was the “best thing I ever did. They’re so comfortable.”

Youseman found out about Teschke’s donation during a recent visit to Breast Cancer Support Services where she dropped off her own donation. Youseman recently raised $80 by letting people rub her bald head at a loonie a rub.

Youseman, who bought her camisole at Mastectomy Lingerie, is impressed by the generosity of Teschke and the Breast Cancer Support Services, which also offers free wigs and breast prostheses to women in need.

“I’m fortunate enough to be employed by a large company that offers benefits,” she said. “But not everyone is so lucky. I was very touched by the fact that they help women who can’t afford them,” she said.

“One of the things we’ve identified is how important post-surgery camisoles are,” said Blair Lancaster, executive director of Breast Cancer Support Services, noting that the camisoles aren’t covered by all health care plans and therefore represent an out-of-pocket expense for many women.

The economic hardships of women dealing with cancer can’t be underestimated, Lancaster said. Many women may already be struggling financially due to the costs associated with their illness and even an inability to work.

In addition to her camisole donation, Teschke recently awarded $2,000 to Chemo Savvy, the winning team of the 2012 Breast Cancer Survivor’s Dragon Boat race. She’s also offering people the chance to win a trip for two to Maui, Hawaii. The contest is open to anyone, though next year Teschke said it may be offered only to breast cancer survivors.

Breast Cancer Support Services’ annual fundraiser/silent auction The Event takes place Oct. 10 at the Burlington Convention Centre. For tickets and more information, call 905-634-2333 or visit Breast Cancer Support Services for ticket information.

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