Wrap-Up ... in a Pink Ribbon

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It's a wrap! 

Bras for a Cause Middle East held two major events in Beirut and Dubai and showcased the fabulous creations that were submitted for this one of a kind competition in the Arab world.

It was amazing to see the sketches coming to life on the runway....

Of course in my case, I wish I could have attended at least one of the events live. Instead, I've had to settle for whatever I could find on the net. 

I was looking forward to the Beirut show and was so excited to be in town at the time. Unfortunately, I couldn't get out of the house due to some difficulties with my pregnancy. Everything is OK, but at the time, I couldn't stand straight... Let's leave it to that (now is not the time to rant).

So I started counting the days to Dubai's Edition of BFAC. Again, pregnancy strikes and wins. I could not travel. I still am stuck in Beirut, weeping at my laptop screen!  

If like me, you're still craving for some pink glitter by the fabulous and sexy squad, fear not.

The winning designs are now available for sale at all the supporting outlets! Yes!

Basically, I'll have to settle for my own private fashion show:

• Date: Post-delivery 
  I'm not ready to look at myself in a sexy bra right now... Pregnancy hormones (and extra kilos) can be scarier than your 75 year old neighbor dressed up as a pumpkin and knocking at your door asking for candy this Halloween
• Location: My bedroom
  Improvise, always improvise. I have a very large bed which will make for a perfect runway

We can all find our favorite designs at:

• Galeries Lafayette (Dubai)
• K-Lynn Lingerie (Lebanon, Kuwait and Dubai)
• Pink Dust (Amman, Jordan)
• Amuse Concept Store (Cairo, Egypt)
• Cream (Beirut and Jeddah, KSA)
• AuraB.com (Online Boutique)
• Maison Bo-m (Riyadh, KSA)
  
  
  Source: One Wig Stand

The Look Good Feel Good CollectionT-shirts display at Galeries Lafayette Dubai
Image Courtesy of  Galeries Lafayette Dubai

Of course, I can't help but make a special mention of Yasmin Khlaifat's Cupcake Fantasy as I was the blogger who represented her design and supported her during the competition. After we found out she was one of the winners and her piece got picked up for production, I couldn't wait to see how that fabulous sketch would turn out in fabric! Curious?

Here's the actual Cupcake Fantasy you can purchase at the partner-boutiques:

Image courtesy of Galeries Lafayette Dubai

Not forgetting one of my favorite pieces from the Designers category; the Return of the Queen by Joe Challita:

"The exquisitely hand-made Joe Challita bra for Bras for a Cause Middle East"
Image Courtesy of Joe Challita

Image courtesy of Galeries Lafayette Dubai

And Rana Mouawad's sexy t-shirts:

Image Courtesy of The Fierce Diaries

Image Courtesy of Pinkdust

Image Courtesy of Maison Rana

Interesting web references and coverage of both fashion shows include:

• One Wig Stand
• Fustany
• Galeries Lafayette Dubai : Bras Collection
• Galeries Lafayette Dubai : T-shirts Collection
• Pinkdust : T-shirts Collection
• L'Armoire de Lana
• Nouchaline

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That's BRAll Folks!

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As the Looneys would say...

Today is the last day to vote for your favorite Bras for a Cause design(s):

The clock is ticking!

You have until tonight 12:59am (Beirut time) / 1:59am (Dubai time) to gather as many votes as possible and lend your final hours of support to your favorite designers!

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LAST HOURS : VOTE NOW!

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That's it. In a few hours, the voting gates will close on what has been a wonderful and very interesting Bras for a Cause competition. Let's sum up with a review of all the designs featured on this space:

• Joe Challita
• Mia Jafari
• Tasché's Angelique Sabounjian
• Maison Rana's Rana Al-Basri Mouawad
• Alison and Marie's Roxanne Alison Peters and Sharon-Ann Marie Alder
• Nadine Zeni
• Sartori Sartori
• Sandra J
• Hasleen Anand
• Yasmin Khlaifat
• Sana'a Habib
• Janeth Manneh Hachem
• And of course, my very own 1, 2, 3 designs ;) lol

You can always review Bras for a Cause for previous and upcoming posts related to the event.

Now, all that's left to do is wait for the judges' verdicts.
We'll know everything on July 14.

But that's not the whole story, of course.

Keep an eye for the upcoming events in Beirut and Dubai, featuring fashion shows of those fabulous designs you've rooted for, as well as the Breast Cancer organizations that will be receiving the proceeds collected from this outstanding and unique campaign.

All beautiful and glamorous for a great cause! ;)

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THE FINAL COUNTDOWN & A TASTY SELECTION JUST FOR YOU

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That's it. It's the final countdown for all of us at the Bras for a Cause Squad, and that means you too:

If for whatever reason there's still anyone out there who hasn't voted yet because, I don't know... Maybe you were on a spiritual retreat somewhere. Maybe you were in a coma for the past 10 days. Who knows. It doesn't matter. What matters is that now is the time. You have until July 12. Yes. That leaves only three days to make sure you've supported your favorite design(s). Yes, you can vote for as many pieces as you'd like, in all categories. So, go nuts!

Then it will be the judges's turn to make their move: they are entrusted with the difficult job of selecting the winners who will be revealed on July 14.

And I don't envy them right now! 

All the designs are simply fantastic and it won't be easy picking. You think I'm being too subjective? Check for yourself some of the designer pieces here: I couldn't possibly manage to choose between Joe Challita's stunning Queen (here), Mia Jafari's sweet reveries (here, here, here), Rana Mouawad's brilliant statements (here, here), Angelique Sabounjian's subtle beauty (here), Nadine Zeni's sexy shout-out (here), Alison and Marie's inspired visions (here, here), Sartori Sartori's feminine touch (here) or Sandra J's shining twinkle (here).

Judges, I sympathize, believe me and I wish you the best of luck with that heavy responsibility.

As for humble me, I was asked to represent one design from either Her Bra, Training Bra or Such a Tee's categories. 

I immediately stepped away from all the t-shirts because for one, I have three designs there (curious readers out there, check here, here and here, and click on "Like" while you're at it, thank you very much in advance) but mostly because two of my friends are participating too (find their amazing work here and here and don't forget to "Like" please) and I didn't want to have to choose between them.

The next step came almost naturally.

I simply asked myself, "If I were at a lingerie boutique, which bra would I buy"? 

And without a moment of hesitation, I immediately clicked on Cupcake Fantasy by Yasmin Khlaifat. 

First of all, it has a pastry name. That can only be a good sign. It is inspired by the layering of cupcakes which I find so tasteful (pun intended) but more importantly it is one of the very few sexy full bras I've seen. Ever. And I've looked, trust me.

Cupcake Fantasy

It is glamorously shaped, yet maintaining that practicality fully busted women like myself always look for. 

I should have probably started by mentioning that finding the right bra has always been a challenge for me. I am always stuck between "something that can support all that (overweight) baggage I carry all day" or something "cute and sexy". Why it is so difficult to find both in one design, I'll never know.

Well, this one's a winner!

It is sensual and feminine but also comfortable. The large shoulder straps will definitely carry any weight without marking my skin with that awful red scar I get every time I wear thin laces. And clearly, the breasts will be fully supported all the while looking so darn cute!

Cupcake Fantasy

The back looks as convenient as the front: large enough for good support but also to avoid those ugly excess fat most bras will shape on the side. Love handles may be cute around the waistline, they are a definite no-no on the back! And just look at that charming design! The back is as lovely and sexy as the front. 

Beautiful and convenient.

Comfortable and flattering.

If that doesn't make any woman, a fortiori full-figured ones like me, happy; I don't know what will.

Bottom line: This is pretty and wearable and I want it now!

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UP & SEXYSMART

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So the designs are up.

And they are all fabulously sexy and glamorously smart!

Bras for a Cause's awesome gallery is now available for everyone to stare in awe ;)

And we can't get enough of our favorite designers!


In order of appearance on our blog, please put your hands together for Joe Challita's exquisite bra:

Joe Challita - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Mia Jafari's sensually dreamy bras:

Mia Jafari - Bras for a Cause Original Creation 

Mia Jafari - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Mia Jafari - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Angelique Sabounjian's simple yet always chic bra:

Angelique Sabounjian - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Rana Al-Basri Mouawad's empowered and feminine super shirts:

Maison Rana - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Maison Rana - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Alison and Marie's fabulous bra and inspiring shirt:

Alison and Marie - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Alison and Marie - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Other fabulous designers, soon to be featured on CeleBlog have also submitted outstanding work. I will spare you the descriptive opinions and let you see for yourself:

Nadine Zeni's powerful expression shirt:

Nadine Zeni- Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Sartori Sartori's sexulicious bra:

Sartori Sartori- Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Sandra J's fashion-statement bra:

Sandra J

And we still can't wait to see what Shrekahnth has up his sleeve!

So now is the time to start picking favorites and get ready to cast your voice (or in this case "click"): VOTE NOW!

And while you're checking the gallery, why don't you swing by my designs ;) And knock yourself out clicking ;)

They are hardly as glamorous as those you've just seen but they're my humble attempt as designing a "bra" without having to design an actual bra which is what I secretly wish I could do! ;)

I simply featured the word "bra" within qualities I felt projected what Bras for a Cause is all about:

aBRAcadaBRA: Fashion for a Cause
When fashion becomes magic
"bra" and "bra" are positioned in such a way as to suggest the word aBRAcadaBRA is actually a bra

zeBRA: Sexy for a Cause
Because breast cancer survivors are still first and foremost women

emBRAce: Love for a Cause
This is a call for all breast cancer survivors to embrace the new woman they have become and love her but it is also  to stress the importance that everyone should get involved in the fight against cancer, armed with love, because love is our strongest weapon

Thank you so much for taking the time to follow this blog and the daily updates on Bras for a Cause.

I have now returned to a more natural blogging rhythm but I promise to keep on bringing you the latest on this fantastic event.

In the meantime, and to stay posted on all new blog posts, follow me on Facebook ;)

Exclusive! CeleBlog: Angelique Sabounjian on Bras for a Cause

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When we think "Fashion" our minds immediately jump to "clothing". That's the first thing we think about. And then, for some unknown reason, at least in the case of us women, it takes us about five little seconds to shift to accessories. I will not dwell on the rationale behind that mysterious thinking course, but needless to say I was excited to see Bras for a Cause, just like any refined woman, rallying designers from all walks of Fashion.

It will be really interesting to see how each artist, depending on their line of work, expertise and backgrounds, approaches the challenge. After all, even when it comes to apparels, few labels do lingerie.   

Naturally, when I heard über chic Angelique Sabounjian was on board for both a Bra and a T-shirt design, I could not help but be a little intrigued. Pleasantly intrigued, that is. At the end of the day, her elegant label Tasché does offer the finest leather handbags and accessories, but lingerie and clothing remain unusual creations for her.

So who's on board for some brain picking?

The Designer behind the Brand

Angelique Sabounjian

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence

Angelique Sabounjian; 30 years old; Lebanese/Canadian; Residing in Beirut, Lebanon.

What’s your design background?

Jewelry packaging design and Product design. 

Describe yourself in three words

Patient, Free spirited/unconventional, Humble.

Who’s your favorite designer?

Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta, Hermès designs, Miuccia Prada, Azzedine Alaia, Anya Hindmarch, Alber Elbaz, Rabih Kayrouz, Elie Saab.

What kind of music inspires you?

Jazz, Classical, Latin jazz.

What’s your favorite movie?

La Dolce Vita, 8½ and all Fellini movies, Woody Allen movies, Pedro Almodóvar movies, The curious case of Benjamin Button…among many others.

If you hadn’t been a designer, what profession would you have chosen?

1st choice would be an artist, either a painter or a sculptor. 2nd choice either a chef or sommelier or food and wine critique.

The Brand

Describe your label in three words

High-end, clean cuts, practical.

When did you establish it?

2008.

Tasché Original

Who is your target audience?

Women between the ages 16 to 65.

Tell us a little bit about your creative process: how long does it take for you to create a new collection, what inspires you, how do you choose colors, fabrics, themes?

Each collection takes around 1 to 2 months, and I’m inspired by my daily life, everything that surrounds me, people, friends, music, art, architecture, food, books, magazines, movies, and the list is long. I choose the fabrics & colors according to my inspirations. I don’t like to follow a certain trend. Each phase of my life has inspired each of my collections.

Tasché Original

The Event: Bras for a Cause Middle East

Why did you decide to participate?

Because this is one of the many causes that I would love to contribute to.

What did you design, a bra or a t-shirt?

Both.

What inspired your design?

The bra’s design was inspired by my handbag designs mixed with an 80’s era style and Jean Paul Gautier’s bra for Madonna.

Tasché Original

Did you take a different approach when designing for cancer survivors (or their supporters) or did you consider them as any other client?

I designed the piece that is easy to use both for cancer survivors and non-cancer fighters.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?

First of all since most women are interested in fashion it can get through to them more easily and second it empowers cancer survivors by not making them feel like their left out of fashion.

How do you view the Middle East as a fashion platform and audience to your creative vision?

In my opinion it is the place to be a fashion designer because talent and appreciation is at its peak. I’m constantly amazed to see all this talent and creativity in the Middle East it is so inspiring to me hence, for me it’s a way of giving back what I’ve been offered and ‘touched’ by.

Is this event the first time you present your work to Arab audiences? If yes, then what are your expectations and hopes with this first-time participation?

Some of my designs have been displayed in the UAE at Sauce and on Aura B. In KSA and Kuwait, they have been presented to private sales and events. My previous experiences were very positive and welcoming. Bras for a Cause stands out to me personally because it’s dear to my heart and it’s not just a fashion event.

Tasché Original

As you know, there is a category for aspiring designers in the competition. How would you like to inspire young designers through your participation in Bras for a Cause?

It’s an honor for me to be able to inspire young designers, I would want them to believe in themselves and let their creativity spread out.

Following that experience, would you consider expanding on your Bras for a Cause design and creating collections that speak to cancer survivors in the future?

Of course I would love that, because as I mentioned earlier my past background was product design and for me just to be able to design any type of product is pure pleasure, especially if it was going to help a lot of women.

To keep track of all our exclusive interviews, bookmark CeleBlogs. 

Exclusive! CeleBlog: Mia Jafari on Bras for a Cause

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There are artists out there, in all walks of art, who master their craft to perfection. They perform to excellence and their skills are undeniably recognized and acclaimed by their peers and the general public alike. Most of them impress with their superior technique and a sparkling imagination.

But isn't it wonderful when such imagination can take us on a trip to an entirely new dimension of colors and shapes?

That's what Mia Jafari can do for your eyes. With a palette collecting the brightest colors, her designs resemble the fabric of dreams. Literally. When I close my eyes, this is what I wish the world would look like!

I was very excited to discover the mind behind all the fun and textures. And indeed, her answers are as fresh as her choice of colors.

Read for yourself.

The Designer behind the Brand

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence

Mia Jafari, 28, UK.

What’s your design background?

I studied at Central Martins and Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Describe yourself in three words

Patient, Unorthodox, Relentless.

Who’s your favorite designer?

Manish Arora.

What kind of music inspires you?

It varies but at the moment I’m listening to a lot of Jazz.

What’s your favorite movie?

Annie Hall.

If you hadn’t been a designer, what profession would you have chosen?

Doing something with Animal Conservation.

Mia Jafari's Cupcake Dress

The Brand

Describe your label in three words

Delirious, playful, alive.

When did you establish it?

2010.

Who is your target audience?

A woman with a playful, liberated spirit.

Tell us a little bit about your creative process: how long does it take for you to create a new collection, what inspires you, how do you choose colors, fabrics, themes?

For the current collection, the idea was taken from Persian carpets, and then luxurious commodities. I looked at Tatler and Vogue and Cartier — I collected this huge library of luxurious objects. Cocktail glasses, earrings, anything beautiful. Once I had created this library of objects, I began to weave them into the carpet designs. The process took 6 months!

Mia Jafari's Strawberry Sour Scarf

The Event: Bras for a Cause Middle East

Why did you decide to participate?

I feel this is a very important cause to support (plus I have always wanted to use my playful prints in underwear!)

What did you design, a bra or a t-shirt?

A bra.

What inspired your design?

I wanted to fuse my colourful prints with seductive underwear to make underwear fun and playful rather than just sexy. I’ll be lots of bright prints, embroidery and embellishment!

Did you take a different approach when designing for cancer survivors (or their supporters) or did you consider them as any other client?

All women want to look fabulous so I considered only one client: a fun loving woman with a great sense of humor.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?

An important part in drawing awareness to the disease but also support survivors to feel fabulous.

How do you view the Middle East as a fashion platform and audience to your creative vision?

I have been truly amazed by the fabulous boutiques and style in the Middle East. I love the fact that the Middle East is such a melting pot of so many design influences. Middle Eastern women have a great sense of style which is fun, sexy, experimental yet elegant. They are never boring!

Is this event the first time you present your work to Arab audiences? If yes, then what are your expectations and hopes with this first-time participation?

This is the first time I have presented to Arab audiences. I hope the Arab audiences enjoy the humor and playfulness in my designs.

As you know, there is a category for aspiring designers in the competition. How would you like to inspire young designers through your participation in Bras for a Cause?

I would like to inspire young designers to follow their own vision – to find their own sense of style and to embrace it.

Following that experience, would you consider expanding on your Bras for a Cause design and creating collections that speak to cancer survivors in the future?

I don’t like the idea of singling out cancer survivors, what makes them different from a non cancer survivor in spirit? Rather I would like to create a collection that supports the awareness of the disease to as many people as possible.

Mia Jafari's Midnight Mojito Scarf

Embroidery detail inspired by Mia Jafari's Cupcake Dress

Yes, I know what you're thinking: after only a couple of chats with Joe Challita and Mia Jaafari it has become clear the competition is looking seriously tough and gorgeous as ever! One thing is for sure, I don't envy the judges right now.

To keep track of all our exclusive interviews, bookmark CeleBlogs. 

Exclusive! CeleBlog: Joe Challita on Bras for a Cause

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That's it. The countdown has started. And what's the best thing we can do as we eagerly wait to finally get a look at those amazing designs?


Take a sneak peak of course!
Yes, that would indeed be very cool; although impossible.


So we've got the next best thing: 

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS with the talented artists who promise to make Bras for a Cause an event to remember! That should give us a good enough taste of what's to come and sustain us for a little longer.

Joe Challita is the very first to launch this series of short talks.

Joe Challita New Collection

His reputation precedes him and I was not at all surprised to receive a very grounded, friendly yet highly professional email by the man himself.


Not only did it take him less than 24 hours to get back to me;
Not only did he reply positively and immediately got involved;
Not only did he answer all my questions with honesty and candor;


But he also took the time to get in touch himself and establish that direct contact that turns a celebrity into a "real" person.


Suddenly, he was not some distant artist living in his own far-far-away kingdom anymore (actually, funnily enough in my case, Joe Challita does live in far, far away Australia) he was here, listening, responding and interacting with an audience avid to find out a little bit more about the man behind the beautiful lines and fabulous fabrics.


And so here he is.

The Designer behind the Brand

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence

Joe Challita, 31, Australian/ Lebanese, Sydney

What’s your design background?

Women’s Couture

Describe yourself in three words

Romantic, Dreamy, Spontaneous

Who’s your favorite designer?

Olivier Theyskens 

What kind of music inspires you?

Instrumental, Latin and Arabic

What’s your favorite movie? 

Ghost

If you hadn’t been a designer, what profession would you have chosen?

I was a solicitor before : )   

Joe Challita New Collection

The Brand 

When did you establish it?

2008

 

Describe your label in three words

Luxurious, Avant-garde, Timeless

Who is your target audience? 

Women that  love and appreciate luxury

Tell us a little bit about your creative process: what inspires you, how do you choose colors, fabrics, themes?

I  am inspired by my feelings , travels and certain moments which  become sketches in my notebook, and therefore giving birth to my theme, colors and fabrics

 

Joe Challita New Collection

The Event: Bras for a Cause Middle East

Why did you decide to participate?

It is important  to give back to the community as it is satisfying to contribute to a good cause

What did you design, a bra or a t-shirt? 

A bra

What inspired your design? 

The bra was designed keeping true to Challita’s couture signature style.

Romantic and feminine, yet structured and sexy, the bra is hand-made with love, inspired by old world glamour.  A vintage feel with a Victorian delicacy and 1950s sensibility are paramount.

The almost sugar-dusted cups, are beaded with sequins, pearls and Swarovski crystals forming a frosted-like sugar concoction inspired by Victorian wedding cakes. The intricate detailing and workmanship enhance the up-market appeal of an exquisite piece of a woman’s under garment.

Did you take a different approach when designing for cancer survivors (or their supporters) or did you consider them as any other client?

I wanted to create a piece of luxury using natural fibres which may become an heirloom rather than a mere bra. One that may be worn on special occasions and one that will conjure special memories.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?

By considering cancer survivors needs through design and execution, and By promoting further awareness.

How do you view the Middle East as a fashion platform and audience to your creative vision?

The Middle East is giving birth to new big names in the Haute Couture world that are making a statement in Europe with their distinctive style and feminine appeal. Hence, they are most sought after on the red carpet. Middle-Eastern taste and quest for luxury make the Middle East a perfect platform for my creative vision.

Is this event the first time you present your work to Arab audiences? If yes, then what are your expectations and hopes with this first-time participation? If no, could you please share a few words on your previous experience and tell us how Bras for a Cause stands out in your opinion?

No this is not the first time. The Joe Challita label was born in Beirut and our first show was held at the Intercontinental Phonecia in Beirut attended by all the Beiruti gliteratti, media and politicians.  Joe Challita was also invited to represent Lebanon in a show held in Tunisia for an Arabic Fashion Night gala amongst other Middle Eastern Designers, in 2009.  An unforgettable fashion night was held for TIME OUT Beirut celebrating their 25th birthday in Beirut for Fashion TV, with the only show of the Joe Challita label. The Bras for a Cause experience stands out as it is the first time the label embarks on a project for a humane cause, and in which I am very proud of, and will be the first of many to come.

As you know, there is a category for aspiring designers in the competition. How would you like to inspire young designers through your participation in Bras for a Cause?

I would hope to contribute to their thinking of the importance of participating in humane causes, and to take fashion to the next level rather than only for causes that celebrate fashion solely, but also for causes that help humanity. 

Following that experience, would you consider expanding on your Bras for a Cause design and creating collections that speak to cancer survivors in the future? 

The beauty of the Joe Challita label, is that we create exclusive custom-made garments and hence, we are able to cater for all whims and needs! 

Joe Challita New Collection

Joe Challita kindly shared a few photos of his latest collection which he describes as "an ode to spring, inspired by a dewy spring garden. It is a tribute to nature, flowers, exotic blooms and their organic beauty".

Joe Challita New Collection

That poetry is not lost on the fashion master who explains "the collection is made of 100% natural fibres, and unusual fibres such as the rare traditional Phillipino fabric the pina, which is extracted from pineapples and it is beautifully embroidered by hand".

Joe Challita New Collection

The poetic execution of a romantic vision.

Joe Challita New Collection

Inspired and beautiful, these photos have raised my expectations even higher and I can not wait to see this talented artist's creation for Bras for a Cause, undoubtedly exquisite.