Fashion

"Healing Cranes"   2017

According to Japanese legend, the crane symbolizes longevity and good wishes. Folding 1000 cranes is a gesture of hope. This design was made for Kelly, a nurse and co-worker and "pre-vivor" (a person with the BRCA gene). I was the nurse navigator there. I sewed the small cranes on to the bra, the rest of the cancer team helped fold the rest until we got to the 1000 mark. Her family friend sewed the outfit together to display the beutiful train and kimono appearance.

Final bid - $13,000.00

"Bra Nouveau" - 2022

"A Walk in the Meadow" - 2019

Even though the cancer journey can be scary and lonely, I have seen many patients transformed by the spiritual gifts they are given. They become recipients of an overwhelming outpouring of generosity from strangers, family, friends, staff and unexpected people who offer little gestures of opening doors, bringing flowers, or some thoughtful task..

My daugther believes the white butterfly symbolizes the presence of God and sees them at a time when she needs to know He is near. This thought inspired me to think of a woman, walking in a meadow of flowers and a group of butterflies surrounding her as she walked.

Spiritual signs that she is not alone.

Final bid - $9000.00

Becoming a "survivor" of cancer is the beginning of a new life. It takes bravery, courage and trust to look forward and to begin anew.

The designs are from the Art Nouveau period ("new art"), an ornamental style that flourished in Europe and the US between 1890 to 1910. This style seemed to fit a survivors journey.

Common elements from this period are embellishments, plants and floral depictions, asymmetic designs and Japanese motifs, surprisingly a crane!

Final bid $9000.00

"Roaring 20's" - 2022

I was commissioned to deconstruct a pre-made flapper dress into a separate bra.

Using some of the elements and fabric from the original dress, I constructed a new design.

Final bid - $15,000.00

These designs are those I've done over the years for Bra Couture KC - a charitable organization that raises monies for cancer patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

I have worked in the cancer field as a nurse navigator. I'm also a breast cancer survivor. Combine that with my artistic nature, life experiences, and Bra Couture and Voila!

A fashion designer was in me all along.

"Hope Springs Eternal" - 2023

I was asked to design the premier bra/raffle/runway for the April 2023 event.

The inspiration for the design came from several sources: my model has Stage 4 breast cancer but she is on a cancer immunotherapy with more in development. Her attitude and spirit is positive and hopeful. The event was held in Spring and flowers are such a beautiful reminder of new life.  The phrase "HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL" came to mind. I looked up the phrase - it came from a poem written by Alexander Pope in 1794.  

I added grass, a dove (a symbol of hope), the actual phrase and then used my love of  Art Nouveau and Art Deco stylings to bring it together.

Sandra walked the runway  (along with her son who got the crowd going) - $100 raffle tickets were bought like crazy. The winner was the husband of Verda of  "Verda's Place" (a KCTV5 anchor who died of breast cancer) - this boutique is a recipient of Bra Couture's donations. Verda's family will get to pick one trip to either Nova Scotia, Belize, or Napa Valley!  Small world as my Healing Cranes dress is behind glass in the boutique and his family has won this bra!

Final Amount $38,700

187 small cranes make up the bra portion.

Would love your feedback on any of the designs. Watch for

Dress resides at "Verda's Place" at Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Research Medical Center (one of the recipients of Bra Couture KC's profits)

A closer look at the design elements

Sandra and Betsy meet. Betsy who inspired the Healing Crane bra.

A closer look at design elements

Alterations to original submission were made by Bra Couture.

Sandra's son  and husband.

Alterations to original submission were made by Bra Couture.