Rhea Belle apparel... the beat goes on.

i just received the following email today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I received the items I ordered, and I love them -- Now I'm wondering about another...
Thanks again -- Your clothes make me feel so good......
Mary"

the view from here.

i spent the day placing new garments in the rhea belle apparel store with more to come in the next few weeks. some more radical and to the point. it was joyfully bound to happen.

i'm preparing. there's a lot going on with this project including a coffee table book that's in the works that will hi-lite rebel1in8 and rhea belle apparel. it's a collaboration between Privacy Wear and THEME magazine so i anticipate nothing but sheer and uber coolness to come of it. it should be coming out in the fall. i'm not sure i'm suppose to mention any details until it actaully comes out. but be assured that i will keep you posted. also, i was contacted this week by a costume designer working on a play that involves a character who is dealt a breast cancer diagnosis and explores the aftermath of a mastectomy.

in a letter to me she writes "I found your shop while researching post-mastectomy clothes, because I didn't think that the character, Ann, would have used prosthetics. I have to say, your clothes are amazing and the clients' comments should make you feel so proud!!! It's very touching to read the reviews of women whom the clothes helped to feel beautiful and feminine and mainly, themselves again. Thank you!"

through phone correspondence she informed me that the costume designs were inspired by my collection. since no other clothes like mine were found during her research the producer agreed that my website and store will be mentioned in the program at the costume designer's request. a NEW YORK production!!! i have also been invited to provide literature for my website and store in the theater for the audiences. and, of course, i'll be getting free tickets to the show. (after the show opens i will provide the name and location- i have my reasons for not doing so at this time.) geezus, how cool is this!? i'm suppose to receive a copy of the script and designs this week.

...and to top it all off- a certain garment is in the patent process in legal hands as we speak and i should be able to launch/unveil it in the fall. another motto of mine: if you need it and it doesn't exist- miyods! (make it your own damn self) so i did.

do i feel lucky these days? well, i've always said that luck is: simply (or not) being prepared for an opportunity or open door. so yes, i'm feeling lucky. very very lucky. and damn proud of myself for sticking with it.
.
.
.
i'm the revelling rebel

offerings, politics and poetics. the conclusion.

Less fabric and draping. A snip there and rip-it-out there. And happily all padding-and-pockets-free with support in the right places while comfort reins! Now THIS is a wearable, comfortable and practical "post-mastectomy" bathing suit! (continued from)

More comments here...

offerings, politics and poetics cont'.

This lil' review of the pictured Lands' End swimsuit is continued from "offerings, politics and poetics". Please jump over there to catch up... unless you're already up-to-date, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with this exchange.

I am really grateful to the Lands' End marketing rep for sending this swimsuit (Item #28066-1AJ5) to me to sample for her. The suit I received seems a bit different from the one advertised with more excessive draping of the front fabric. But it is certainly cool beach/pool gear- the style and cut are indeed a bit retro and fun. But while the style is appealing the body-shaping-hugging fabric/design seems a bit breathtakingly tight with perhaps 'too much' style over comfort for a hot day at the beach for someone who is ACTIVE and not just sunning poolside. And I usually prefer something made of cotton or at least a cotton blend. But we'll see.

The Lands' End marketing representative promised that "For women who have chosen to use a prosthetic, the bra and liner provides support to hold that in place, however you do not need to have had reconstructive surgery or a prosthetic for this to be a great swim option."

Anyway, as I expected this post-mastectomy swimsuit is hardly an ideal option for someone who wants to go to the pool or beach "prosthesis-free". As you can see in the photos with the suit on Rhea, a one-breasted mannequin (there is no right breast) the puffy empty side is awkwardly asymmetrical and pulled somewhat flat- and not by thoughtful, conceptual aesthetic design. The last thing I want is to appear like I'm wearing a bathing suit that is intended for another body and I've desperately resolved to wearing this one for whatever reason - including the KNOWN reason that there ISN'T a bathing suit made for my body. Also, as you can see in the second photo, if the empty cup is even barely touched it pushes/smushes in, unveiling a "missing" form beneath this architectural disguise. There is ample support for the "breasted" side but the extra padding/pocket and fabric for a prosthesis makes this side, too, feel a bit unnecessarily "enhanced". Plus, because both sides are shaped and designed for a prosthesis both sides demand a certain sized breast or prosthesis to fill them up... and my breast just doesn't fill the left side amply- thus it, too, is smushable for this reason. There is also a rigid, stiff, pokey devise sewn into each side of the suit at the underarm/torso area (3/8" x 4") that appears to serve to shape and support the sides/fabric- but it is uncomfortable and itchy. The back of this swimsuit, however, is nice indeed.

A note: One thing that annoys me to no end is that, like most other marketers and/or manufacturers of mastectomy swim wear and bras, is that they use two-breasted women in their advertisements. A two-breasted woman would not be shopping for a post-mastectomy swimsuit with prostheses pockets! It is quite obvious that the woman wearing the swimsuit that I chose has NOT had a mastectomy on either side. I believe this is mis-representation of how the apparel will actually fit the intended client and her prosthesis. I could go into detail of how I can tell but women who have actually had a mastectomy without reconstruction know what I'm talking about. To see a two-breasted-never-had-a-mastectomy woman in these suits is a tad-bit offensive. But bear in mind- this is just a note. If I'm wrong about these models- please, let me know otherwise.

I have some work to do to this suit but there are definitely some possibilities to transform it into wearable pool/beach gear for a one-breasted woman like myself. I plan to start cutting and sewing this week so please stay tuned...

offerings, politics and poetics.

(photo: Rhea in the light of day.)

sharing a dialogue
unveiling the views
digging for poetics

and all the while

in a single breasted
or breast-less world...
the ocean awaits.

*

"Hi Jacqueline,

My name is *** I work for *** on behalf of our client, Lands' End. I recently saw your post on post-mastectomy winter clothing and thought you and your readers may be interested in the mastectomy swimwear line from Lands’ End, since summer is right around the corner.

You can view the line here.

Lands’ End mastectomy swimwear is made to help women feel feminine and confident while participating in all summer activities:

All suits are designed with a soft cup bra for additional support.

The bra and liner hold the prosthesis in place with a durable under-bra elastic band to provide free range of motion, maximum comfort and the ultimate confidence on the beach.

Each suit is constructed to hold one or two breast prostheses.

All suits are feminine, expertly made and of course, beautiful as they flatter all figures.

If you’re interested, we can conduct a product giveaway for your readers or provide you with products for your review.

I'd love the chance to provide you any additional information or answer any of your questions. Please let me know if you're interested.

Best regards,
*** "

*

Hello there ***,
I do appreciate your letter and information. However, I don't think that you are truly familiar with my audience or me and I'm not sure exactly which post you are referring to.

I and most of my loyal readers and clients have not had reconstructive surgery OR embrace the concept/philosophy of using a prosthesis. With this in mind the traditional "post-mastectomy" clothing, bras and swimwear are of no use to us.

Should you ever be interested in representing the growing number of women who are simply embracing their transformed architecture without painful reconstruction or the uncomfortable use of a prosthesis please see my evolving clothing line www.rheabelle.com and we can talk about perhaps expanding my market for these much needed and desired garments.

Kindly,
Jacqueline Skaggs

*

"Hi Jacqueline,

Thank you for your response. The post I was referring to was this one about restructuring Laurie's clothing after her single right side Mastectomy. I also visited the clothing line here which features clothing options for women post-mastectomy. Perhaps I was too general in my first email.

I think it is very inspiring that you offer clothing for women who have chosen not to have reconstructive surgery or use a prosthesis. Lands' End's Mastectomy Swimwear line offers a swimwear option for all women who have had a mastectomy. For women who have chosen to use a prosthetic, the bra and liner provides support to hold that in place, however you do not need to have had reconstructive surgery or a prosthetic for this to be a great swim option. I apologize if that was not as clear as it could have been below.

If you or your readers are interested in any Lands' End swim items and/or accessories I would like to offer you use of the following promotion.


Code: SWIM

PIN: 530530530

Expiration: April 17, 2008


Again, thank you for your response and please let me know if I can provide any additional information.


Regards,
*** "

*

***,

How thoughtful of you to respond to my letter. Perhaps I didn't give the swimwear appropriate consideration. You are certainly right that the swimwear could be enjoyed without a prosthesis- though I would be concerned that the "empty" cup would appear puffy and vulnerable to being smushed in. I do love the fabrics and the styles are actually quite "fashionable".

I am very honest and informative with my readers and I think any discourse/dialogue surrounding the politics of fashion after a breast cancer surgery is very important. With this in mind I will post our email conversations (I won't use your personal or company name, of course) along with the promotional offer- thank you very much for that.

All the best,
Jacqueline

*

"Hi Jacqueline,

If you want, we could send a suit so that you can provide your readers with first hand experience. You can view the line here. Just pick a suit that you like and send me your size and shipping information and we can get one sent over right away. Does that interest you?

Thanks!
*** "

*

WOW! Do you mean a "complimentary" suit?

*

"Yes exactly!"

*

THANK YOU!!! I'm at work (lunch at my desk) and my monitor can be seen by the entire office (new job)- no one knows my med history (just yet) and I don't want to be seen looking at pm suits- (social politics-sigh). But I will certainly view them this evening and choose one!!!

How thoughtful! AND interactive!!! This discourse exchange is so necessary and important! I'll certainly review the suit on my blog. I plan to post our conversations tonight (last night got away from me) and it will be cool to continue with a review...

Kindly,
Jacqueline

*

"Wonderful! (I definitely understand the new job social politics)... I will send your suit choice in on Monday so we can get it to you right away.

Have a wonderful weekend and talk to you soon!
*** "

*
note:
Truth be told...
In an effort to embrace the offer I've looked at my options. And looked some more. I think I've discovered a suit from the "post-mastectomy" category with a good cut... to renovate in a Rhea Belle kind of way. But clearly. Clearly. These suits are made for women who would prefer to fake it (I just can't think of a better, more political term to use here)- with generous padding, shaped cups and a structural/architectural design created more for the two-breasted body. Ideologically, philosophically, intellectually and even poetically I simply can not embrace the idea of the padding or prosthesis pockets. So I'll most likely remove it all. There are indeed some very cool and classically designed bathing suits in the "two-breasted" choices. And considering of the 216 suits available only 14 are "post-mastectomy" I did see several other suits that were not in the "post-mastectomy" category that I also liked, perhaps even better. But we'll start with the one I've chosen. I'll keep you posted on the renovations... if they're even necessary. I am certain they will be.

I've chosen Item #28066-1AJ5. I like the classic style- the kind that doesn't look like I'm wearing my underwear to the beach. And it's the kind of cut that when I dive, summer-salt underwater, wrestle with John or tossing the nerf I won't be pulling fabric out of my crack when I wade back to the sand. I've never exposed a whole lot of skin while swimming and haven't owned a two-piece since forever. I do wish this suit came in a funner fabric- I also like the the version that's NOT in the "post-mastectomy" category but I don't think it's an option. If Lands' End were on the ball they'd be designing these suits for our transformed bodies in fabulously printed and thoughtfully designed fabrics to balance/compliment our asymmetrical architecture without unnecessary padding and pockets.

I'll keep you posted...

*

hello there ***,

how about suit #28066-1aj5 size 8 in black.

is it too late to take you up on the offer?

*

"nope not at all! I will place the order and be in touch soon to let you know when it will arrive. Also, if you want to giveaway a gift card to one of your readers we can do that as well. You can set up the giveaway how ever you like, and then just send me the winners information and we will take it from there.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!
*** "

*

thank you!!! have you seen my recent post at my blog. i am writing an honest and "true to myself" documentation of our dialogue. i do hope there are no objections on your end... please let me know! when i get home tonight i'll add something about the "give-away". THANK YOU for what i believe is an essential collaboration of ideologies- a marriage of different minds- solidarity!

jacqueline

*

"Hi Jacqueline,

I read the post and I think it sounds great. I hope you enjoy the suit and find it fits nicely. I will be placing your order today hopefully, so you should have it by the end of the week or Monday at the latest. Stay tuned!"

*

note: a pause for reflection and observation.

*

"Hi Jacqueline,

I just wanted to let you know that I have placed your suit order and you should receive it early next week. Let me know if it doesn't come.

Thanks!

*

wisdom. and fucque.

(sub-title: raven steals the sun.)

We had a weekend visitor and the essence of her coolness is still floating around here... it was such a fabulous visit. Laurie traveled from Canada to meet me and to explore my Rhea Belle clothing and a little bit of New York city. To say I feel honored and charmed that such cool women gather with me is an understatement (Jeanne, another online/blogger friend came to New York in September from Seattle). From the moment Laurie and I met on the sidewalk I was so comfortable with her and I had a feeling that the weekend would bring a creation of long conversations and inspiration. And this feeling proved right.

Laurie came bearing gifts: Canadian mustard with maple syrup, cocoa camino- a bar of the most delicious fair trade dark chocolate imaginable (of which I've eaten three pieces while writing this) and two cds which I have nearly worn out already, Eve Goldberg's A Kinder Season and Joni Mitchell's Shine. When Laurie arrived John wasn't home from work yet so I called him and asked if he'd pick up some good dipping pretzels for the mustard and a bottle of my favorite wine- an Australian Shiraz. When he later pulled the wine from the bag Laurie said it was her favorite! I knew it was going to be a great weekend.

Friday evening, after a visit to the roof to experience a cold clear sky and a glistening view of Manhattan with wine in hand, we looked over the Rhea Belle clothing collection and Laurie unveiled which garments were her fave- we decided that Saturday we'd venture out and procure the necessary materials. Saturday morning we cruised the L train into Union Square for Laurie to experience the Farmers Market and the Holiday Mart and then we were off to gather supplies. With our mission accomplished we hunted down a cup of coffee and a bit of fuel before we went our separate ways: Laurie to brave a few Manhattan sites alone and I back to the loft to begin sewing her selected garments. I absorbed every minute to sit and talk with Laurie and I could've remained in that coffee house, across from her for a long time but we both had some stuff to accomplish. Later in the evening Laurie arrived back at the loft with a pot of home made vegetable soup waiting for her. I did my best to spoil this woman.

Sunday arrived way too fast! It's a real delicious treat to be in the company of a person who is incredibly lovely to be with- no silence being awkward and plenty to talk about. Kindred spirits, indeed. Even my cats, Tina and Freeda, adored her and allowed her to sleep peacefully and gave her some lap time. After a breakfast of freshly baked banana nut bread, coffee and the company of my sister Laurie ventured out to explore a few more bits of the city and I finished up her two garments. That evening Laurie had planned on treating us to dinner so upon her return we took her to a neighborhood place that we tend to take guest and celebrate special occasions. Northeast Kingdom's small simple cozy environment is seductively inviting and the food is comfortingly delicious. Our conversation wove in many directions as it often did- from body politics (of course), far away travels, details of our weddings, to ravens stealing the sun while adorning jewels. I believe a fabulous, warm, memorable time was had by all of us.

Monday we awoke with a plan. Laurie and I wanted to photograph her in the garments that I had created for her to include in my Rhea Belle slideshow. After an unplanned dry-run we eventually captured some beautiful moments of Laurie in front of the lens wearing the perfect cardigan and stitched atop plum goodness. It doesn't get any better than that!!! With a few hours to spare before she needed to head to the airport we found ourselves out in Williamsburg Brooklyn on a crispy chilled day and feasting on some of my favorite pizza! Laurie had mentioned wanting to have a good New York slice while visiting and though it wasn't planned- enjoying this delicacy together topped off what was already a kickass weekend. I just can't believe she's come and gone already.

The conception of Rhea Belle clothing was born out of a necessity to fill a huge social gap and to establish a clear message of defiance. A societal f**kyou one might say. It's not a tough code to crack with a name like Rhea Belle- and that's better than Fucque Clothing, right? The clothing actually has very little to do with fashion- it's "fashionista" (a term I actually dislike being associated with but take no offense when it is attached to me kindly) implications are merely a by-product of a marriage between diabolical aesthetics/design and purpose. But when a woman says that I, my clothing, makes her feel beautiful- then if you want to call it fashion- by all means, call it fashion. Calling it wonderful is cool too.

"I have come home inspired and rejuvenated. You have helped me to go back to feeling good about my body, as it is. You are doing a wonderful thing with Rhea Belle." Laurie

I once confessed... "my life feels thick as pudding
and is as good". this is true, still. in part because of this experience.

the top image is for Laurie.
("Raven Steals the Sun" By Preston Singletary, at the National Museum of the American Indian)

oh! just go find it!

If you'd like to support the Do It Yourself movement, as I do, and support crafters, designers and inventors alike then this is the place for you. Besides making things myself I often discover some creatively perfect garments and accessories to show off, embrace, honor and reinvent the terrane of my post mastectomy, non-reconstructed, no-prosthesis body. So, I'll be listing great finds and post them here at "oh! just go find it". Over at "etsy" where I sell my Rebel1in8 jewelry and a lil' bit of Rhea Belle clothing there is amazing creativity and invention happening. I have found that most sellers respond enthusiastically to custom work if something they make needs a little altering to make it the perfect purchase for you. A little communication goes a long long way...

For starters see what's available at the Rebel1in8 store.

I discovered asymmetrically printed t's that I think are perfect for a torso that cries for a reinvented center at stevester's store, avalove's store, circular accessories and LookForFiddleHeads.

There's some fabulously comfortable asymmetrical and familiar body embracing designs at treehouse28's store. She also creates a fabulous hat and headband too!

Recently upon discovering her "neckwarmers" I contacted JewelLace about a custom order. I asked her if she'd be interested in making one that trailed down the right side a bit longer to flow through my flat landscape. She loved the challenge and the purpose of the request and allowed me to choose the colors. Within two days she sent me a photo of one of the completed gardens. I've ordered two of them and when I receive them I'll post photos!!! I plan to wear them with plain fitted tops to keep the landscaping simple.

If you're still just getting to know your newly transformed body an accessory called a "capelet" might interest you. kyassib's store has some mighty fine examples in her store along with other beautiful wraps. They are usually shorter than a "poncho" and are similar to a wide draped-over-the-shoulder cowl neck. They can be placed over any garment including spring/summer tops depending on the material they're made of. They are nice to wear shortly after surgery as they usually have a button and are easy to put on without lifting your arms over your head.

Speaking of your head, does yours need some TLC warmin' this winter? The cosy knits (literally) store has some of the best knitting fixin's on etsy. Beautiful hats and mittens in just about every flavor can be found waiting for the perfect home.

Looking for a fabulously knitted scarf for the winter and you also LOVE putting your money towards an incredibly important cause? Here's the dilly for you!!! Warm cozy scarves are being knitted and sold to support BREAST CANCER ACTION! BCA is the absolute best breast cancer advocacy organization out there. Despite the fact that I'm not too keen on the store's name I'm super keen on their cause- so its' all good... go check out KnittingForKnockers' store.

m.i.y.o.d.s.

Why settle for only what's offered at the overpriced department stores and boutiques? If finding the right garment is difficult and you'd rather "make it your own damn self" from scratch or by renovating an existing garment then here's the list for you! I'm posting ideas and references to designs that not only embrace the terrane of the post mastectomy, non-reconstructed, no-prosthesis body but these designs thoughtfully celebrate and honor it. I'll post photos of handmade garments and basic "how to" instructions so check back in often if you're interested in the Do It Yourself approach to your wardrobe solutions. We'll start with the obvious... Rhea Belle designs at Rebel1in8.
"The design and marketing of items of wear for one-breasted women is only a question of time, and we who are now designing and wearing our own asymmetrical patterns and New Landscape jewelry are certainly in the vanguard of a new fashion!"
Audre Lorde, "The Cancer Journals", 1980

Rhea Belle designs.

The DIYNOTDIE star reconstructs a sweater.

"Cut up yer shirts!!! sez Pocketina."

Take charge! Go knit somehthing!

Two Dutch warriors rock out a post mastectomy clothing line in the late 90's!!!

HAPPY RHEA!

The program in which I was included is now online!

See "Breast Cancer: New Thinking & New Therapies", WABC TV, Channel 7, NY (American Cancer Society).

And don't forget the CALL TO ARMS!!!.

"Rebel Fashion"

This photo was taken in Brooklyn during Jeanne's visit when she came to New York to experience Rhea Belle clothing (and a lil' bit of the big city of course). Jeanne is a friend that I met online through a network of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are navigating their way through it with attitude and integrity. I have fabulous memories of her and her friend Pat who joined her for the New York adventure. While Pat often awoke at the crack of dawn to venture out and explore the wild city Jeanne and I spent a lot of of time drinking some kickass Seattle coffee that she brought with her and talking talking and doing more talking while I made a few custom Rhea Belle garments for her. Our evenings were spent on the roof with the sunset, a glass of wine, laughter that bordered on giggling and the planning of my inevitable visit to Seattle. On their last day Jeanne and Pat took John and I out to dinner to a little restaurant in our neighborhood where Jeanne introduced me to the Gimlet- a vodka, lime and sugar beverage. Well, long story short this is now my drink of choice when I'm in the mood for a real treat. And the best part of this beverage is I think of Jeanne every single time I have it- and mainly I think of her fabulously edgy humor and her giggle- yes Jeanne, you do giggle.

While this was the first time we met Jeanne, Pat and I felt incredibly comfortable around each other and it seems as if we've all been friends for quite some time. I simply can not wait to get to Seattle- of course I'll write about that when it happens!!!

"I don't feel embarrassed to go out in public, and, amazingly, no one seems to notice that I don't have a right breast. If people DO stare, I assume they are looking at the great clothes Jacqueline has made for me. Or they are admiring my smile and my sunny attitude!" Jeanne

In the photographs Jeanne is wearing the comfy summer cowl.

Rebel Coo...

i had a joyfully full day today hanging out with my dear friend Isabel and her 10 month old daughter Lucia. we took the subway to an estate in the bronx called Wave Hill. an incredibly beautiful area with rolling hills, voluptuous trees and tamed gardens. we had lunch on a terrace overlooking the hudson and then ventured within the gardens to romp in the grass with Lucia. we were there for hours talking, watching, singing silly songs and making kazoo sounds through stretched grass between my thumbs.

i purchased a set of five onesies for Lucia with the intention of making comfortable little dresses with my fabric scraps from the Rhea Belle clothing. i succeeded and was giddy to give them to her knowing that Isabel would be thrilled. and she was. Lucia, well, putting on clothes isn't her favorite thing. taking her clothes off is pretty easy- it's getting them back on. these are the first three. i have to make an adjustment to the one with the full skirt- it's too tight at the waste to go over her shoulders/arms comfortably. i'm going to open the side and either install a zipper or a fun button.

Isabel came up with the name "Rebel Coo" as we discussed the possibilities of selling the dresses. they are so easy and the concept to offer them through Rebel1in8 flowed from a river of conversations surrounding the ideals and social constructs that both bind and guide young women. i love Lucia. she's an amazing human being already- she's kind, sharing, thoughtful, social and for 10 months old she has a fantastic sense of humor. she gives me a hardy laugh when i make the ugliest faces at her. i mentioned to Isabel that i was very conscious of the number of times i wanted to say "you're so adorable" or "you're so beautiful" when i looked at Lucia. i don't want to be one of those people that defines and praises a young girl for her looks- although i'm referring more to her disposition. i'm convinced that self confidence, integrity and body image starts at a very young age. at 10 months? probably not. but who really knows? at any rate, i do like the idea of making very comfy dresses made only from scraps to crawl and run around in. and when these little dresses economically support Rhea Belle clothing i'll like em' even more! so keep an eye out in my etsy store for Rebel Coo... and select Rhea Belle garments , too.

the color of sun dress.

pure asymmetry embraced by yellow. my all time favorite color. three light cotton comfy low v-neck t-shirts evolved into this dress. one and a half shirts created the top. a third shirt created the bottom portion of the dress while the other half of the second shirt gave birth to two triangles for flare. this dress is great over jeans, leggings, long shorts or even a nice light-airy skirt. it is super comfortable, cool and saucy.

This incredibly comfortable t-shirt embraces asymmetry with the re-invention of the v-neck and cries of rebellion. When I wear the one that I made for myself I feel as if I'm walking down the street with a body covered in beautiful tattoos and piercings- empowered by my decision to go against the grain, upstream and naturally asymmetrical. It is my sharp intention to carve a wide path into the world that makes it clear that these bodies are out there and are here to thrive in glorious fashion and comfort.

See Rhea Belle.

the leah summer dress.

named after my grandmother because the beautifully light and cool floral fabric reminds me of her. again, this dress was created with three light cotton shirts. i just love the draping of a summer cowl neck. i let this one hang off the shoulder at one side (or the other). the fabric can be pulled off of both shoulders for a more glamorous look or simply cooler-refreshing experience. another great thing about my dresses that are made with stretchy-comfy shirts is that they ca be gathered at the waste or pulled down over the hips for a more fitted look. the airy floral fabric for the front and back panels was a delightful find... and i'm not givin' that source up.

See Rhea Belle.

wrapped, comfy asymmetry.

this t of wrapped brownness started out as two cotton shirts. the short sleeved top had a double layer front that i was able to crop and then cut out a section on the right side to unveil a landscape of ruching. the bottom ruffled edges from the t-shirt were sewn to the new opening to add cohesive, finished edges. the dark brown came from a long sleeved tunic- i'll be working on a garment to utilize the top portion so stay tuned. the ties were made by cutting strips of left over fabric and tying the strips together. the garment can be tied as loosely as desired in the front or back. this is one comfy top!!!


See Rhea Belle.

basics.

it was a few months or so following my mastectomy (january 2004) when i called the hospital "mastectomy boutique" where i had my surgery. i had a no-brainer question (or so i thought) but wanted to make sure my needs could be met before i ventured up to the upper-east side of manhattan from brooklyn. i was ready to acknowledge the quandaries ahead of me. not simply "how will i clothe this body"- but how will i embrace the beauty of my lovely remaining left breast without physically burdening the tender-too sensitive-everything-feels-like-steel-wool-against-my skin-because-of-nerve-damage right side? so i dialed the number to the boutique and the conversation went something like this:

boutique rep: hello.
me: hi. i'm calling to make sure that you carry post-mastectomy bras?
br: um. yes. (sounding confused by my question) that's what we are- a 'post-mastectomy boutique'. did you have your surgery here and how long ago was it? single or bi-lateral?
me: i had surgery in january and i had a single right-side mastect... (i was cut off here)
br: do you already have your prosthesis?
me: oh. what?
br: do you already have a prosthesis? have you been fitted for one?
me: no. i won't be wearing or getting a prosthesis...
br: what? what is it that you need?
me: i'm looking for a single cup bra. you have those right?
br: why would you want that?! NO. we don't carry anything like that.
me: oh. um. thanks. (stunned, embarrassed. jaw now open. feeling naive in a new world that i could not relate to at all)
end of phone call.

in lieu of symmetry.

Meet Rhea Belle. A single right-side mastectomy mannequin. Rhea is entering the world free of fear and self-conscious thorns. In lieu of rules and traditional solutions Rhea plans to embrace her form through thoughtfully designed fashions.

Several months after my right-side mastectomy in January of 2004 and proudly moving forward without reconstruction or a prosthesis I was forced to evaluate my (then) existing wardrobe. It became crystal clear as I dressed that the clothes in my closet were no longer appropriate for my body. Every dawn unveiled a psychological and political discourse within myself to either embrace my new architecture or camouflage it. Philosophically I new the answer. However, socially it was not always an easy thing to do.

As my favorite dresses and blouses fell over my form and rested upon the new landscape the emptiness on the right side was always awkward and apparent- like putting on a pair of three legged pants. I gave up buying anything with darts and began playing with knit t-shirts and sweaters using various texture, pattern and fabric techniques to create visual balance. On the days I wanted to embrace my natural form I'd wear one of my creations. On "camouflage" days I use to swing a silk scarf around my neck to drape and fill the flat terrain.

Occasionally I find garments that work perfectly as they are- asymmetrical designs, cowl necks, blouses with attached scarves, draping and pleated/ruffly fronts will balance out the asymmetry. However, cool ones (and not as in temperature) are few and far between and a huge time investment is needed to procure an up-to-date everyday wardrobe. Eventually I began to examine clothing in a new way. Instead of accepting clothes the way they are on the rack I'll immediately start "renovating" them in my mind to work with my body. If I can technically handle the renovation I buy it- if the price is right that is (on occasion some garments become sacrifices to the cause). A pull-over angora sweater has become an empowered asymmetrical cardigan, the buttons on a blouse have found a new asymmetrical center, ruffles on a blouse have been united to one side while the right side was de-darted, ruching creates balance and "scarfin' it" has taken on a whole new meaning for a black cotton tunic with a draping scarf stitched to it. Rhea Belle garments create visual balance and re-create symmetry. There are many sides to comfort and every day is different as my transformed body gracefully invites buttons, zippers or gathered falling fabrics within new terrain. Necessity is the mother of invention. Wearing garments that are created for, honor and embrace my unique architecture is not only empowering it is necessary and crucial to social acclimation in my post mastectomy world.

"The design and marketing of items of wear for one-breasted women is only a question of time, and we who are now designing and wearing our own asymmetrical patterns and New Landscape jewelry are certainly in the vanguard of a new fashion!"
Audre Lorde, "The Cancer Journals", 1980

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