Meet Monokini 2.0, the company that’s looking to change how we see breast cancer survivors.
Sometimes, breast cancer results in a masectomy. Some people choose not to opt for reconstructive surgery when that happens, and Monokini is there to celebrate them in style.
It’s part fashion, part art project, and all inclusive.
Trying to find clothing that works after a mastectomy can be hard.
As designer Dana wrote on her site, clothing just doesn’t work like it used to after a mastectomy.
“You are not going to look like you used to, and that is OK. With a little ingenuity, anything is possible.”
A new frontier was forged.
Whether you’ve had reconstruction or not, clothes won’t be the same.
“It was a long process for me to realize there wasn’t anything available on the market that fit my reconstruction or my body,” Ana said.
That included everything from bras to swimsuits.
Designers around the world have tackled the challenge of life post-breast cancer.
Some take on bras, others shirts. For the designers of the Monokini 2.0, they decided to take on swimwear — but with a social commentary twist.
The original swimsuit had a different energy.
The Monokini was originally conceptualized as a topless swimsuit by designer Rudi Gernreich.
“It had to do with more than what to wear on the beach. It was about a changing culture throughout all society, about freedom and emancipation,” said fashion critic Suzy Menkes of the design.
So, what is it?
“Monokini 2.0 is an art project that re-examines popular culture’s narrow view of a woman’s ideal appearance,” said designer Elina Halttunen on Monokini 2.0’s website .
Fashion meets art, as it always should be!
The Monokini 2.0 is there to help breast cancer survivors feel beautiful.
“We want to incite a positive self-image of breast-operated women by showing that you can be whole, beautiful and sexy even with just one breast or with no breasts at all,” they wrote on their website.
Each piece was done by Finnish designers.
And each piece modelled by an actual breast cancer survivor.
“As a result Monokini 2.0 project has 10 beautiful photographs, 10 haute couture bathing suits, 10 empowered women and a world-touring photography exhibition.”
Let’s see some of the designs.
This is Sirpa, designed by Tärähtäneet Ämmät.
The model said: “I hope that my picture will give strength, belief and courage to the women gone trough mastectomy: womanhood is not about all breasts (or not having them).”
Virve
Virve , designed by Tyra Therman.
“I hope my participation gives strength and courage to my sisters in same situation. Living with one breast can be amazing!” Virve said of her black-and-white contrast suit.
Milsse
Milsse, by Tärähtäneet Ämmät.
“I hope that through these pictures everyone can find strength, courage and certitude to endorse her/himself. Everyone is perfect exactly as they are!”
This is the coolest swimsuit I have ever seen.
Elina
Elina , by Elina Halttunen.
“I do not want to hide, I do not want to stop swimming, I do not want to undergo extensive plastic surgery operations, and I do not want to be forced to use the uncomfortable prosthesis on the beach,” Elina said.
Katja
Katja, by Mert Otsamo.
Katja was one of the two designs chosen for Monokini’s first editorial photoshoot (hence the birds). It’s usually styled without the big necklace, but hey — who says you can’t rock that, too?
Camilla
Camilla , by Timo Rissanen.
“When I heard about this project I knew I HAVE TO participate in it! I knew I had to challenge myself to do this, just had to,” Camilla enthusiastically said.
Reeta
Reeta was designed by Vilma Riitijoki.
“This is absolutely the most remarkable project that I’ve ever seen, heard, or been part of; considering that there is no need to see women with mastectomy as sad persons,” she said.
Solja
Solja , designed by KAKSITVÅ.
This gorgeous piece features a ton of contrasting lines and fabrics, carefully arranged and stitched together to form one cohesive mishmash of jagged lines. It’s a pattern lover’s dream.
Marjaana
Marjaana , by Sasu Kauppi.
“Cancer has drilled holes to my bones and taken away my breast, that’s all. I don’t let it in my mind to steal all the precious things in me.”
Kristiina
Kristiina , designed by Outi Pyy.
“I am so happy and proud that I can be part of this important and amazing project.”
If you ever need to go to battle and then go for a swim afterward, this amazing swimsuit would fit the bill.
None of the swimsuits are available to buy.
Instead, the exhibition acts as a statement about how non-inclusive women’s fashion is.
It was featured in three museums from 2014-2017: The Finnish Museum of Photography, Museum Anna Nordlander, and Kunstplasse 5.
However, there are some options available.
None are as badass as these ones are, and they don’t embrace the scars like the Monokini 2.0 does. But they are built for women who have had mastectomies and designed with their comfort in mind.
MastectomyShop.com has a ton of options for swimwear.
Their swimwear is designed with every situation in mind, from full reconstruction to those who require breast forms after a mastectomy.
Their line of swimwear (and clothes for any occasion) can be found here .
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And, of course, there’s Dana’s line.
Remember designer Dana? Meet her brand, AnaOno.
“We’re changing the conversation from solely focused on ‘surviving’ to talking about living. Truly living,” she said.
Her line of lingerie and swimwear can be found right here .
