Lorraine West has created a new collection. Her aim is to draw attention to the strength of women surviving breast cancer. Also the need for women to take care of themselves and their dreams.
The collection is available exclusively from New York retailer Greenwich St. Jewelers. They unveiled it just before Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The “Nipple Collection” features the designer's signature bold geometric shapes, this time echoing a woman's breasts.
West thought of this particular silhouette by chance one day while hammering wire at her bench. “The shape of the nipple is about women taking care of themselves and their dreams,” she said. I hope the collection allows the user to celebrate prevention, the strength of survivors and pay tribute to loved ones whose battle has ended.".
Greenwich St. jewelry store co-owner Jennifer Gandia said she first saw the design two years ago. She saw it as a powerful symbol of self-esteem and acceptance from the designer.
“Part of Lorraine's genius is creating timeless shapes that are both similar to your face and subversive,” Gandia said.
Greenwich St. Jewelers will donate 20% of proceeds from sales of the Nipple Collection to Living Beyond Breast Cancer on an ongoing basis.
Based in the Philadelphia suburb of Bala Cynwyd, Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a non-profit organization. It works to provide resources, support and communication for women affected by breast cancer. But especially those from marginalized communities.
Creating a collection that benefits a breast cancer charity, particularly a diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) foundation, was personal for both West and Gandia.
West's mother, who serves as the designer's permanent muse, was a licensed home health aide who worked with breast cancer survivors. West also has two friends who were diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent treatment and eventually recovered.
Gandia's mother, aunt and other family members have also experienced the suffering of the disease. She runs her shop with her sister Christina Gandia Gambale. She prioritizes DEI in her collections and the charities she supports.
“Breast cancer can be a lonely experience, especially for marginalised groups. Living Beyond Breast Cancer provides resources for support, as well as encouragement and communication for people of all ages and stages,” West said.
Gandia added: “We wanted to support an organisation that would have a direct impact on people battling this disease at times when the balance is fragile or a patient is in crisis.”.
The Nipple Collection consists of a ring, earrings and bracelets. Also all pieces are handcrafted from 14 karat yellow gold and are priced from $1,350 - $5,400.
The face of the campaign is breast cancer survivor and opera singer Krysty Swann. Swann is currently starring as Jade Boucher in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Dead Man Walking.
The Nipple Collection is available at Greenwich St. Jeweler's store in Manhattan's TriBeCa neighborhood and on the retailer's website.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
