Happy Birthday Pink Bra Bazaar!
When energy, respect and friendship can make change.
It all started in September 2009 when two friends, Kate and Marie, got together. They hadn’t seen each other for 6 months so there was much to talk about and share. Despite living in France for more than 18 years, Kate’s pronounced accent always humored Marie, but this time Marie listened stupefied as her friend recounted her encounter with breast cancer. Thanks to early screening and a routine mammogram, Kate’s breast cancer was detected and treated very early. She considers herself very lucky to have been treated in France; surrounded with the support of friends and family. What shocked Kate, however, was the daily combat, sense of isolation, and loss of femininity endured by women she met during treatment. It seemed illogical that so many women felt alone during such a difficult time, while others were unaware of the importance of early screening and other preventative options. She decided to create an association, a lingerie charity, dedicated to mobilizing the fashion and lingerie industry. It was impossible to imagine launching such an ambitious project without the help of Marie and together they launched PINK BRA BAZAAR. Both come with a 20 years of experience in the lingerie industry. Kate founded Soyelle, a lingerie care company, and Marie manages a press relations agency, Buzz & Com, and is responsible for the brand Wacoal. Breast cancer scares many people, including the world of lingerie and fashion. Both Kate and Marie recognize a certain apprehension and uncertainty within the industry as to how to communicate and treat a subject that concerns so many women. An approach based on creativity and femininity, with lingerie and bras as tools of communication, is the key to developing strong links.
Marie-Laure Bellon-Homps, President of Eurovet, which organizes both the International Salon de la Lingerie, Intérfilière, and Mode City, immediately recognized the importance of Pink Bra Bazaar within the industry and became PINK BRA BAZAAR first partner. Her dedicated team has supported and participated in many of the events Pink Bra Bazaar continues to create events throughout France, mobilizing brands, fabric suppliers, retailers, department stores and local media to unite during our recycling campaigns and customization ateliers. Two years later, it is again EUROVET and the leadership of Marie-Laure Bellon-Homps that sets the pace. During the Salon de la Lingerie 2012, 1 euro of every entry badge, or Fashion Pass purchased, will be donated to Pink Bra Bazaar. This recognition and spotlight on Pink Bra Bazaar sends an important message and demonstrates to what extent the industry can influence and initiate change. Rendez-vous January 21 to 23 at the Salon de la Lingerie and learn more about Pink Bra Bazaar.
