Art Bra Austin: A Sparkling Celebration of Survivors

Group shot from this year’s Art Bra Austin event

On June 4, 2016 at Palmer Events Center, hundreds of Austinites gathered to celebrate and honor the incredibly courageous women who have battled breast cancer. Survivors proudly walked the runway in gorgeous artistic bras and accessories to raise money for an important cause and celebrate their vivaciousness.

What Is Breast Cancer Resource Center?

In its fifth year, Art Bra Austin is a unique fundraising event benefiting the Breast Cancer Resource Center. The non-profit assists Central Texans with gaining access to screenings, implementing treatment plans and emotionally and practically learning how to move forward with life when everything feels overwhelming. All of their services are completely free.

For two decades, Breast Cancer Resource Center has held on to their ideals and goals: “With every act and for every client, BCRC strives to embody understanding, preserve dignity, and always see the woman as well as the disease. We believe no one should face breast cancer alone.” Last year, the organization served more than 2,400 women.

The Art Bras

Ashala Moore’s “Knowledge is Power & Prevention”, Kendra Scott’s “Chain Effect” and Ellen Sheppard’s “Miel Corazon.” Photo courtesy of BCRC.

L-R: Ashala Moore’s “Knowledge is Power & Prevention,” Kendra Scott’s “Chain Effect” and Ellen Sheppard’s “Miel Corazon” bras (Photo: BCRC)

“Empress” Bra for Art Bra Austin by Lauren Vinette

“Empress” by Lauren Vinette (Photo: BCRC)

This year’s Art Bra Austin event included 71 art bras! Each one was paired with detailed make-up, beautiful accessories and in-depth inspirational stories. The artists ranged from jewelry and fashion designers to close friends of breast cancer survivors to the survivors themselves. Every ensemble was distinctive, thoughtful and provided a powerful vision of how this disease impacts so many dynamic individuals.

All of the art bras were auctioned off in either a silent or live auction to raise money for BCRC. Some bras were worn by models who walked around the event and approached guests to talk about the artistic vision of their outfit. Other bras were put into style categories like “Femme Fatales” and “Latin America,” and were presented on the runway.

Since each design was worn by a breast cancer survivor, every individual was met by an attentive audience, eager to listen to their stories. Subsequent energetic cheers signified they had been heard and were being celebrated.

A Remarkable Evening

Dine’s custom cupcakes with jelly bra garnish

Along the walls of the venue, flavorful bites were provided by Austin favorites like North by Northwest, Olive & June and Cornucopia. Dine even made special cupcakes with jelly bras as a garnish.

“Senbazuru: 1000 Cranes” by Lauren Ward. Photo courtesy of BCRC.

“Senbazuru: 1000 Cranes” by Lauren Ward (Photo: BCRC)

During the runway show, live auctions provided some exciting bidding action. A beautiful bra and belt covered in blue origami titled “Senbazuru: 1000 Cranes” was created and worn by four-year survivor Lauren Ward. Legend says that when one folds 1,000 paper cranes, one is granted a wish. Ward wished for a world without cancer. Her ensemble was auctioned off for $2,750. It was one of many show-stopping pieces that captivated the whole crowd.

This year’s signature piece was designed by Art Bra Volunteer Lauren Vinette. It was created from over 100 hand-forged sterling silver rivets and was made especially to fit BCRC client Ashley Woody. The auction for this stunning chest piece, called “Empress,” closed out the night fetching $6,250!

The evening was full of joyful applause, standing ovations and honest emotions. It was an honor to be in the room filled with women exhibiting courage over adversity.