Last week, following the dramatic events that occurred in the United States, my two daughters, age 32 and 34, telephoned me here in Mexico in similar states of hysteria. They voiced a combination of angst and fear about their future in America with heavy emphasis on their place as women in this new reality. I reminded them of the pamphlet by Thomas Paine, Common Sense, written during the American Revolution in which he stated that one remains free, despite prison bars, if they never relinquish their ideals. Despite adversity, despite setbacks, and despite the unknown, and with perseverance, woman have and will make a difference. Those of us that have been around for a while have endured this evolution. Women are in a better place today than when I was their age. Feminine strength is not about self-image. It is all about perseverance and self-worth.
This is why I wrote about Panache’s launch last year of their “Modeled by Role Models” campaign that focuses on everyday women with extraordinary stories of personal determination. One of the first Lingerie brands to take on this mantle, the success of the program has led to this year’s inspiring stories of 6 women who were chosen by their peers. Featured in a series of Panache’s best-selling bras and panties, Ana, Eliza, Elly, Emily, Jayne and Slywia prove that beauty is about empowerment not about surface distractions. It’s the stories behind these bodies that bear notice to future generations:
Elly Mayday the plus sized model who battled ovarian cancer while continuing modeling; Sylwia Blach who is an ambassador for the disabled; Jayne Hurditch who with her parents founded Amy’s House to support children of disabilities after the loss of her two children; Eliza Rebiero who founded the “Lives Not Knives” foundation at the age of 14; Emily Findlay, who battled neurblastoma cancer as a teenager and now works tirelessly to help others through the journey; and Anja Loven, the relief worker who gave up everything she owned to establish the African Children’s Aid Education and Development Foundation.
In the same way that these individuals have carved new paths, Panache has pioneered intimates that not only support women 28-44, D-K cups but also enhance their femininity with powerhouse designs. Known for their innovation bras that celebrate curves and the difference in fit requirements for large breasted women, they continue to push the boundaries in order to serve the larger good. Allowing real women of extraordinary conviction to represent their brand shows just how well Panache understands what women want.
“I Don’t Want To Be A Supermodel; I Want To Be A Role Model” ~Queen Latifah
