New York – Lorraine West has launched a new collection to celebrate the strength of breast cancer survivors and the need for women to nurture themselves and their dreams.
Exclusively available at New York City retailer Greenwich St. Jewelers and launched just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the ‘Nipple Collection’ features the designer’s signature bold geometric shapes, this one inspired by a woman’s breast.
West, who came up with the silhouette one day while hammering wire at her workbench, said: “The nipple shape correlates with women nurturing themselves and their dreams. I hope the collection allows the wearer to celebrate prevention, the strength of survivors, and to pay tribute to loved ones whose battle is over”.
Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers, said when she first saw the design a few years ago, she saw it as a powerful symbol of self-love and acceptance from the designer.
“Part of Lorraine’s genius is creating timeless silhouettes that feel both in your face and subversive,” Gandia said.Greenwich St. Jewelers will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from the sale 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 dedicated to providing resources, empowerment and connection to women affected by breast cancer, especially those in marginalized communities.
Creating a collection to benefit a breast cancer charity, especially one that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), was personal for both West and Gandia.
West’s mother, who serves as the designer’s constant 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 ultimately recovered.Gandia’s mother, aunt and other family members have also been affected by the disease. And her shop, which she runs with her sister Christina Gandia Gambale, prioritises DEI in the collections it stocks and the charities it supports.
“Breast cancer can be an isolating experience, especially for marginalised groups. Living Beyond Breast Cancer provides resources for support, inspiration and connection for people of all ages and stages,” said West.
Gandia added, “We wanted to support an organisation that would have a direct impact on people living with this disease at moments when stability is tenuous or a patient is in crisis.”
The Nipple Collection consists of a ring, earrings and bangles. All pieces are handcrafted in 14-karat yellow gold and range in price from $1,350 to $5,400.
Breast cancer survivor and opera singer Krysty Swann, currently starring as Jade Boucher in the Metropolitan Opera production of Dead Man Walking, is the face of the campaign.
The Nipple Collection is available at Greenwich St. Jeweler’s store in Manhattan’s TriBeCa neighbourhood and on the retailer’s website.
