2015 Creative Cups

Julie St. Jean

Shipwreck Survivor

This bra is inspired by and dedicated to my dear friend Michel who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer two years ago. She has gone through 16 rounds of chemo and four surgeries including a double mastectomy all while working as a special-education teacher and mother to a very active toddler. Michel is technically in remission but continues to receive treatments and therapy for pain and rehabilitation.

Originally, I chose a New England harbor/nautical theme for this bra. Both Michel and I are from Massachusetts and share a love of New England shores. As the bra came alive, I wanted to link its theme to Michel’s survival so it evolved into Shipwreck Survivor. I consulted with Michel several times during the bra’s construction and she wanted to see a starfish and an anchor in the piece. The starfish symbolizes healing and regeneration as well as safe passage over troubled waters and the anchor is a sign of stability. Both of these are important themes in the bra and have been instrumental in Michel’s struggle and victory over this disease. She wears bracelets with the two symbols as reminders that she can and will overcome…and she has!