A group of dedicated Finnish designers created a line of swimsuits specially designed for those who have been through a surgery for breast cancer and became single-breasted called ‘monokinis’, and let some of these strong women become the face of their product. The designers explain that this project, named ‘Monokini 2.0’, aims to question the western view of a woman’s ideal appearance, and emphasizes that true beauty lies in a person’s confidence and the community’s acceptance towards them, not a ‘perfect body’. When they can strut the beach full of confidence, these warriors who won their battles can show us all that they’re not any less of a woman. The designers also want to bring light to the subject of a social taboo of what is considered appropriate – showing something that isn’t there. While you can consider showing your uncovered breast as nakedness, can you really consider it nakedness if there isn’t a breast?
Normally, swimwear is designed for women with both breasts intact, but many women who have gone through a mastectomy for breast cancer do not want to have breast reconstruction operation, but then this becomes a problem because wearing a bikini will look very awkward when you only have one breast. This drove the creators of Monokini 2.0, Katriina Haikala and Vilma Metteri to create the Monokini 2.0. This collection has 10 bikinis, and 10 empowered women who model for them. Here are the 10 amazing models with the swimwear they modeled for:
Camilla (Swimwear design by Timo Rissanen)
“When I heard about this project I knew I HAVE TO participate in it! I knew I had to challenge myself to do this, just had to. We´ve been watching Top Model (USA) for soooo many seasons now with my kids, it looks so easy to get a good pic….so this was extremely fun to try out what it´s really is like. I did find out pretty quickly that posing isn´t easy at all, just a simple pose was hard work 🙂 You really have to put your soul into this, otherwise the photo´s don´t turn out that good at all. But, I loved it !!! This was my moment of glory (since I´ve never even been married…) somebody did my make-up, my hair, told me what to wear… The team really made me look good and the were lots of fun to work with. Thank you for having me and guess what, I love the photo of myself. :)”
Elina (Swimwear design by Elina Halttunen)
“I do not want to hide, I do not want to stop swimming, I do not want to undergo extensive plastic surgery operations, and I do not want to be forced to use the uncomfortable prosthesis on the beach. I want to feel as free and active as I did before my cancer, and Monokini 2.0 gives me a chance to do exactly that.”
Solja (Swimwear design by Kaksitva)
Sirpa (Swimwear design by Tärähtäneet Ämmät)
“On my long and sometimes tough journey with breast cancer, Monokini 2.0 project has been an amazing experience. I hope that my picture will give strenght, belief and courage to the women gone trough mastectomy: womanhood is not about all breasts (or not having them). I hope that within this project the discussion of these matters will become easier and more natural.”
Reetta (Swimwear design by Vilma Riitijoki)
“This is absolutely the most remarcable project that I’ve ever seen, heard, or been part of; considering that there is no need to see women with mastectomy as sad persons. It shows that project has achieved maybe even more that it originally was planned. Happy and proud to be part of it, a big thank you!”
Milsse (Swimwear design by Tärähtäneet Ämmät)
“Being part of this project has been very empowering and I thank you for that! I hope that trought these pictures everyone can find strenght, courage and certitude to endorse her/him self. Everyone is perfect exactly as they are!”
Marjaana (Swimwear design by Sasu Kauppi)
“Cancer has drilled holes to my bones and taken away my breast, that’s all. I don’t let it in my mind to steal all the precious things in me. I’ve heard from many people “you are so brave”, but with you, first time, I really felt like it. ‘To indefinite and beyond’.”
Kristiina (Swimwear design by Outi Pyy)
“I am so happy and proud that I can be part of this important and amazing project. Thank you!”
Virve (Swimwear design by Tyra Therman)
“It was an amazing experience to be part of a project as great as this. I hope my participation gives strenght and courage to my sisters in same situation. Living with one breast can be amazing!”
