Underlines chats with Melanie Luxton-Brookes, creator of Lady Survivors (swimwear brand for survivors of breast cancer). Qualified as a beauty therapist Melanie has worked in the beauty industry for over 24 years. Along the way she married and had two children (Todd, 14 and Lois, 8) and acquired a dog and two ponies!
How did the Lady Survivors brand come about?
I have always loved my job and got a lot of satisfaction from making people feel good – it is a very rewarding job. However the roots of Lady Survivors began in 2017 and at the age of 39, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer whilst both my children were under the age of 10. My treatment plan meant mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
18 months after my initial diagnosis we decided I was well enough to go on a foreign holiday, so it was then that it became apparent that bikini shopping wasn’t going to be the enjoyable experience it had once been pre cancer. I had always enjoyed bikini shopping in my favourite holiday destination ‘Lake Garda’ but my needs had changed, I now needed more coverage due to the scarring from surgery and radiotherapy also comfort and support.
So why swimwear?
When I started looking on the internet the limited range of swimwear that was available was aimed at older women and was very expensive: this is when the idea for ‘Lady Survivors’ came to me. I have always enjoyed fashion and knew there must be other women in the same situation.
I love the style of Italian ladies, they always look sophisticated whilst being on trend and I also love how confident they are in their swimwear. When designing mastectomy swimwear you are not only thinking about what would look good but also what is practical and what will work for the clients’ needs, many women have increased concerns about body image following breast cancer, which can include single or double mastectomy, with or without reconstruction and scarring from radiotherapy so my vision is to bring confidence back to women whose bodies have been put through testing times, by providing them with swimwear that will give them self-assurance that whilst wearing it no one will know what they have been through whilst being able to keep up with current trends.
For younger women who have had breast cancer they not only have to come to terms with living with cancer they will also be thrown into the menopause years too early so the physical and mental changes are tough, so if I can help women feel confident again then that alone will make Lady Survivors journey all wort while.
Where was your starting point?
My first bikini and swimsuit have been designed where the client can choose which side they want the one sided strap to go to, left or right ,depending on which side they need the most coverage and support , usually the side they wear the prothesis. The response from ladies who have purchased the swimwear so far has been great, it’s overwhelming that something positive has come from such a challenging life changing experience and very rewarding. I have women from outside the UK , Netherlands, America, Spain and Germany who have purchased the swimwear.
How do you keep up with consumer and style trends?
I don’t get much time to read unless on holiday but when I get chance I enjoy reading biographies., I have just purchased Sarah Harding’s book but not started it yet as I know it will be quite emotional.
On Instagram I like to follow Australian and American swimwear models and magazines, with these having the good weather all year round the swimwear industry is really big and I like watching the swimwear runways online. Also the cancer community on social media is like extended family.
And your ‘target’ consumer?
The women who wear Lady Survivors will have been through a life changing experience, but that doesn’t stop them from wanting to be stylish and on trend. I like to think that anyone and any age could wear Lady Survivors.
So what is daily life like?
I have a very busy life which I love, one thing cancer has taught me to live life to the fullest, with children, work and lots of animals I am never still !
Your proudest moment to date?
My proudest moment apart from my children would definitely have to be Lady Survivors, I still can’t believe how far it has come and how I have managed to get from an idea on paper to an actual product for sale. My next challenge is getting Lady Survivors onto the high street and becoming a brand people will know and love.
Your worst move?
I think my worst move so far would definitely be launching my brand during a pandemic, Lady Survivors hasn’t had the best start with people not being able to travel, but I am hopeful things are changing and Lady Survivors will start to grow.
Any other design plans?
In the future I would love to expand the brand with beach wear, sportswear, I have so many ideas and designs and I my dream is to design evening wear for ladies who would love to wear braless, backless dresses with a prothesis, this is something I find disappointing when I now go shopping that I can’t wear the styles that I love.
Time out?
I just love being outdoors enjoying all weathers and seasons, and being with the ponies is my happy place where I can go and forget about everything that needs doing and be in that moment. I get to experience some of the most beautiful sunrises being up early to see to them which is very humbling.
