Breast Cancer Survivor Stefanie Larue modeling the 2010 collection

This time of year, swimsuit shopping is hard enough for most women, but for breast cancer survivors it can be brutal.

Patricia Brett, founder and designer of the Veronica Brett swimwear collection for breast cancer survivors and pre-vivors (woman who have had risk-reducing surgeries), is trying to make the experience a little easier.

After testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, Brett had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy at age 39. Her sister Regina, diagnosed at age 41, is a 12-year survivor, and Regina’s daughter Gabe, who also carries the BRCA1 gene, opted for risk-reducing surgery at age 29. All three were frustrated by matronly selections that currently existed.

This is not a medical apparel, it is swimwear made of exquisite Italian fabrics with buttery soft linings. Every detail of the suits has been carefully considered, down to the little loops on our lace-front halter.
The suits have been strategically designed to cover surgical scars while still giving a semblance of cleavage. The intricate interior construction of pockets can conceal a prosthetic breast as well as properly fit a reconstructed breast. The collection features three one-piece silhouettes, retailing for $198: bandeau (sizes 2 to 14), front-lacing halter (sizes 2 to 16), and a classic wrap (sizes 4 to 16), available in red or black.
Veronica Brett is the only post-mastectomy swimwear collection available in sizes starting at 2.