NEWBURYPORT – Cancer survivors, artists and more will strut their stuff at the third annual Bra-zaar, a fashion show and sale supporting women with cancer on Aug. 23.
The event hosted at Newburyport Brewing Co. will begin at 2 p.m. and feature approximately 20 models wearing 34 handcrafted bras which will be auctioned off to support women with cancer.
Cynthia Keefe, the event organizer first heard of the concept on a vacation to Georgia and was immediately inspired.
Keefe then took the idea to Tough Warrior Princesses, an Amesbury-based non-profit that gives back to women with cancer.
Together, they decided to bring the event up north, and thus the Bra-zaar was born.
Now, the event is entering its third year, and has raised thousands of dollars for the non profit.
Individuals from Massachusetts and other states across the nation create custom bras for the models to wear, often with different themes or as a tribute to those who have passed away.
“I want people to come up with wonderful ideas and go for it. The sky’s the limit. So, some of them are inspired by loved ones that have had cancer and maybe survived it, maybe didn’t. Some of them are inspired by nature. We have a lot of beach themes or forest themes, flowers. And some of them are just whatever the artist has on hand,” Keefe said.
According to Keefe, the event not only serves as a fundraiser, but also allows the models to form friendships with each other.
“When I first started putting this together, I thought it was a wonderful creative outlet and a wonderful way to raise money and support Tough Warrior Princesses. But, what I didn’t factor in is it’s a real bonding experience for everybody involved,” she said.
Keefe said the nature of the Bra-zaar and the backstage experience fosters collaboration.
“Everybody greets each other like they’ve known each other forever. They work together. The big thing I say backstage is these aren’t easy to put on, you need to help each other out. And, people get to know each other and then they’re friends afterwards,” she said.
Lisa Stewart, board member for Tough Warrior Princesses said it is powerful to watch women model the bras and share their experiences.
“It’s really heartwarming and emotional when you hear their stories as they’re modeling the bra,” she said.
Keefe said that walking in the show also allows women to feel free and empowered in a new way.
“It’s a brave, bold and beautiful group of women that are modeling, and they are not professionals, and they are often women who never thought that they would be wearing a bra out in public. And, they put these bras on, and they might get their hair and makeup done, and then they go out and people cheer them on,” she said.
Bidding for each bra will begin at $75, and all who want to attend are welcome, with a $20 donation suggested at the door.
To learn more about the event, those interested can visit the Tough Warrior Princesses website: https://www.toughwarriorprincess.com/brazaar.html