FROM THE EDITOR
W
elcome to the first issue of PUNCH zine. My vision for PUNCH was that it would become an ever evolving outlet for creatives and
a sanctuary for people to express their thoughts and
frustrations
however
controversial
they
might be. Our first issue offers a wonderous collective of work from photographers, writers and
illustrators
from
Devon
and
Cornwall
to
celebrate the thriving local talent. I hope you enjoy reading through this issue as much as I and my contributers enjoyed creating it and that PUNCH Zines first issue adds a little bit more joy to your day.
- JASMINNE G WA LT E R
A HAIKU FOR EVERY GIRL THAT I’VE EVER SLEPT WITH - POETRY BY BENEDICT SMITH
THE POWER OF THE SLOGAN T-SHIRT - JASMINNE GWALTER NICKI MINAJ - FEMINIST OR FAUX? OLIVIA LOWDEN
ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANIELLE TWEEDIE PUTTING A GRADE ON CREATIVITY FLEUR LOWDEN CLASSIFICATION OF PRESENSE PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVER ALEXANDER JONES
CON CON
WRITTEN IN THE STARS RS - Z ZODIAC SIGNS AND THEIR ELEMENTS FLEUR LOWDEN
CHANGING THE FACE OF MASECTOMY BRAS - JASMINNE GWALTER & JEMIMA LANGSWORTHY
TENTS TENTS
1. The haiku form is
9. You learned of my pain
Of an appropriate length
And said you’d try to fix me
To describe this fuck
That wasn’t your job
2. When I handcuffed you
10. You weren’t attractive
It was so insanely hot
But alcohol and codeine
I came in my jeans
Made a mess of me
3. We used to have sex
11. You liked to be choked
So we didn’t have to talk
You stuffed animals for fun
Now we do neither
You were just my type
4. We had a threesome
12. Halfway through you sobbed
You, me and my depression
Said you were touched as a child
Depression fucks hard
I stopped and held you
5. I shouted my love
13. 13 is bad luck
From the rooftops before I
But three’s a lucky number
Very nearly jumped
14 would agree
6. You didn’t like me
14. It wasn’t awkward
But you did like my writing
It was just double the fun
I guess that’s enough
That’s arithmetic
7. Entangled, twitching
15. Puked everywhere
We came down as cenotaphs
And then fell into a bush
Numb with limbless minds
You still wanted me
8. Tried your fantasy And pretended to rape you It felt a bit forced
16. Our contrasting skin
24. You liked taking charge
Meant some passersby would stare
And I went along with it
And we just loved it
Out of laziness
17, You were a model
25. I tried to whip you
Who found me through my writing
Then I hit my testicles
Thank you, internet
It ruined the mood
18, We made a sex tape
26. It took twenty five
I hope I find it before
Twenty five misconnections
My family does
Before I found you
19. I whipped you too hard Inadvertently drew blood Apologised quick 20. Cars drove by as I Fingered you at a bus stop (A romantic date) 21. It’s strange to think it But before you miscarried Was I a father? 22. We both bared it all Online for our followers In different ways
POETRY POETRY BY BY
23. “You don’t care” you said So I pretended to cry And then we had sex
BENEDICT SMITH
1. R
E P 2. O
3. Y
T
THE POWER OF THE SLOGAN T-S H I RT
For decades, the slogan t-shirt has long been the means of self-expression, its unique ability to bring together groups of like-minded people whether it be for political reasons or as a fashion statement is a quality that not many other items of clothing can claim. Although the first examples of the political slogan t-shirt were often hand made by the wearer, it was inevitable that in time the slogan t-shirt would become a familiar face on some of the most prestigious catwalks and on some of the most sought after celebrities. The subsequent commodification delegitimeses the political slogan t-shirt and due to this their anti-establishment messages can lose their potency. Never-the-less, it’s fair to say that through its commodi-
fication, the slogan t-shirts that bare political statements can reach farther audiences and in-turn creating the impact it was intended, but on the other hand, when the item is monetised it could over shadow the meaning behind the statement, raising the point that is it possible that the price of the t-shirt can determine the value of slogan it carries.
Popular culture and politics exist symbiotically, however the relationship between the two can over waver on a thin line between socially acceptable or outright ludicrous but the slogan t-shirt was never intended to merely act as an embellishment to the outfit of the person wearing it. One of its most exciting qualities is that they can carry a multitude of meanings depending on the opinions of the wearer or the viewer, it’s entirely subjective however controversial, trivial or questionable it may be. These instances combined have managed to make the slogan t-shirts one of the most important and influential sartorial items of the past century and for that it is unapologetically sublime.
Fashion has always served as a form of self-expression, and that is why politics and fashion go hand in hand, an industry strongly populated and inspired by people who are willing to disrupt social ideologies the wearable billboard effect that the slogan t-shirt has is a property that will always stand as the perfect way to make a statement without uttering a word.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARIA ZAMMIT
WORDS BY
J A S M I N N E G WA LT E R
NICKI MINAJ, FEMINIST OR FAUX? Upon hearing the name Nicki Minaj, ‘feminist icon’ are probably not far up the list of words that spring to mind. However, this is a question of much debate: can Nicki Minaj be considered a feminist? Nearing seven years since the release of her first album, Nicki Minaj still garners much media attention, helping her to become one of the biggest artists of our time. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, this is quite a feat. Whether you like her or loathe her, her success is undeniable. However, her hypersexual persona and outlandish appearance seems to be what the media mainly focus on and far less attention is paid to her social media presence, which is what brings many to declare her as a ‘feminist icon’ Feminism is usually
WORDS BY
OLIVIA LOWDEN
defined as the doctrine advocating the equal rights of women. There have been many forms and waves of feminism since its conception, and arguably, no one’s version of feminism is quite the same as someone else’s. That’s what makes Nicki Minaj’s feminism so ambiguous. However, content aside, Minaj’s achievements alone present her as a commendable figure for women. Although her music may not be to everyone’s taste, it is admirable that in an era of vapid performers, all of Minaj’s songs are either written or co-written by herself. She received especial critical acclaim for her verse in the song ‘Monster’, which she features in alongside Kanye West, Jay Z and Rick Ross. Her verse is considered to be the best in the song and, as she was still an upcoming rapper at this point, this is particularly admirable. Minaj fought for her place in a male-dominated industry, and is now classified amongst the most popular rappers of today.
A lot of criticism surrounding her feminism stems from her music videos. ‘Anaconda’ is a particularly notorious case. The music video exhibits Minaj and other curvy backing dancers, nearly naked, and twerking throughout the entirety of the song. While I am the first to argue that the naked body can be an empowering and positive tool in the media, I understand the backlash that arose from this video. Rather than praising different shapes and sizes, Minaj only uses dancers that resemble her curvy figure whilst rapping ‘fuck the skinny bitches’. Not exactly empowering and otherwise demeaning to women whose body shape is different to that of the women used in the music video, the ‘skinny bitches’.
Despite this, Minaj is undeniably conscious of the limitations of being a woman – particularly a black woman can face – and is not afraid to voice this. In 2015, she criticised MTV music awards for not nominating ‘Anaconda’ for the Video of the Year award, implying that as a black woman she is not seriously recognised in the industry. You may roll your eyes at this, but the attention and impact that ‘Anaconda’ created was undeniable, and arguably worthy of a nomination – so Minaj’s frustration is understandable.
Another poignant moment in Minaj’s social media history was, again, surrounding the ‘Anaconda’ release. The artwork for the single garnered a somewhat outraged response by the general public, who deemed it ‘unacceptable’. The Guardian even suggested it was ‘too racy for its own good’. Minaj decided to use this controversy to draw attention to some home truths about female sexuality. Why are some forms of nudity deemed ‘acceptable’ and others not? She used her Instagram to post a photo of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, featuring three topless, white female models. Minaj posted this photo next to her own censored image, pertinently captioned ‘Angelic. Acceptable’.
It is clear that the issues addressed by Minaj make some undeniable statements about sexism in the music industry. Minaj presents herself as a woman who is unafraid to make her voice heard in an industry that constantly tells her it is not worthy. Furthermore, in one powerful line, Minaj destroyed the concept of the malegaze with her song ‘Lookin’ Ass’. The song is a criticism of men who only value her for her appearance, and proceeds to claim that ‘there should be no reason’ for this to still be happening. Arguably, this line holds greater significance regarding Nicki Minaj’s reputation. Why is the mainstream media so focused on her body? Why are people obsessing over her looks, when she’s a self-made, chart-topping female artist? Isn’t that enough?
Furthermore, in one powerful line, Minaj destroyed the concept of the male-gaze with her song ‘Lookin’ Ass’. The song is a criticism of men who only value her for her appearance, and proceeds to claim that ‘there should be no reason’ for this to still be happening. Arguably, this line holds greater significance regarding Nicki Minaj’s reputation. Why is the mainstream media so focused on her body? Why are people obsessing over her looks, when she’s a self-made, chart-topping female artist? Isn’t that enough? Clearly not. Minaj chooses to present herself sexually, and, why shouldn’t she? Why is sexuality a bad thing? Shouldn’t we be spreading messages of self-love and acceptance rather than shame? Yet, something is still amiss with Minaj’s feminism. While wears her sexuality like a badge of honour and raps with some of the most elite male rappers in the world, this seems to be a rather exclusive club. Minaj is quick to empower herself, yet claims the industry as her own – leaving little room for any female counterparts. Nicki Minaj will receive criticism whatever she does, so she may as well do it on her own terms. Her feminism may not be the most empowering and undeniably has its flaws. However, Minaj is a figurehead for women who are unafraid to speak up for themselves. She could be butt naked and still make it very clear that her body is her own, and not for these ‘Lookin Ass’ men. Minaj destroys female expectations as being placid and sweet by proudly declaring ‘I’m a bad bitch, I’m a cunt’. If that doesn’t make some sort of statement on feminism, then I don’t know what does.
I’M AN ILLUSTRATOR BASED IN PLYMOUTH, DEVON AND I CREATE INTRICATE AND ORGANIC LINE AND DOT-WORK ILLUSTRATIONS FOR BOTH PERSONAL AND CLIENT BASED WORK, RANGING FROM TATTOO TO LOGO DESIGN. MY WORK EXPLORES PATTERN AND FORM FOUND WITHIN NATURE; TAKING INSPIRATION FROM A VARIETY OF MEDIUMS, WHETHER ITS MAP CONTOURS, WATER RIPPLES OR ROCK FORMATIONS. EACH ILLUSTRATION IS UNIQUE, EXPERIMENTING WITH DIFFERENT COMPOSITIONS, LINE DEPTH AND SCALE. A LOT OF MY INSPIRATION COMES FROM THE PROCESS OF ILLUSTRATING; STARTING WITH A SINGLE STROKE ON THE PAPER, THIS INITIAL STROKE THEN INFORMS THE REST OF THE PIECE, SO THE WHOLE PROCESS OF ILLUSTRATING IS RATHER ORGANIC FROM START TO FINISH.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANIELLE TWEEDIE
Leaving school can be a daunting pros-
good option as it’s a chance to move
pect, working to get the best grades
away from home, meet new people and get
while deciding what options are avail-
pissed more frequently than you study,
able and figuring out what you want to
but is an art degree really the answer?
do for the rest of your life can be really intimidating. When I was eighteen I
With the government’s drastic efforts
was more interested in vodka and tumblr
to deter young people from higher edu-
than my future career, but with it com-
cation, such as rising the course prices
ing from all ends; my family, my school
and getting rid of grants, one should
and my friends I decided to swap eve-
really consider if studying a course
nings scrolling social media to browsing
like the one I enrolled in, Illustration
universities
UCAS
is really the best idea for your career
points. In 2015 the number of 18 year
and even as a creative outlet? How can
olds accepted into a full-time course
a personal piece of art, a reflection
at university was at a record high with
of your inner self really be judged and
235,000. With all this pressure and no
graded as easily as a course like maths
real direction of where people see their
where there is just one conclusion.
and
worrying
about
future an art course can seem like a
W WO OR RD DS S C CO OU UR RT T EE S SY Y O O FF FF LL EE U UR R LL O OW WD D EE N N
You don’t need to study for three years
is defining us and why should we change
to be able to call yourself an artist/
this unique perspective we have on the
designer. You can roll out of bed, spray
world that’s evolving around us? We are
paint a tree and you’re an artist – if
the only ones who see it this way and a
that’s what you want. So why are these
lecturer, however talented and intelli-
courses becoming so prestigious? In a
gent, cannot relate. Growing up in the
day and age where contemporary, digital
digital era is a phenomenon we share
artists such as Molly Soda use social me-
with each other.
dia as their artistic platform, it seems unnecessary to then have that worked
To give art schools their due, they are
graded by someone triple your age who
an amazing opportunity to mix with oth-
has never used Twitter in their life.
er like minded individuals and lecturers
How will they ever understand something
can provide a different view, a source
so exclusive to our generation, and how
of wisdom. It also shows an employer
can they grade it? It’s too subjective,
that as well as a strong knowledge on
too personal, and who are they to deem
your subject, you can manage your time
something you’ve poured your heart and
and motivate yourself to work towards a
soul into right or wrong? Youth culture
deadline and it is a good judge of independence. Just consider what you are really getting out of it, paying so much for so little contact time and a brief about something you couldn’t care less for.
ILLUS TRATION
LY N D A B A R RY
CLASSIFICATION OF PRESENSE “IT WAS AROUND THIS TIME FOUR YEARS AGO. WE WERE MOTORCYCLING THROUGH SICILY, HIM ON THE BACK WITH THE HOLD-ALLS. I WAS CHASING THE HIGHEST POINT. SO WE STUMBLED ACROSS IT, ABANDONED THE BIKE AND WALKED OVER TO THE EDGE BEFORE PULLING OUT THE MEDIUM FORMAT WITH THAT WOODEN GRIP I WAS ALWAYS SO FOND OF. AROUND DUSK, THE LAST LIGHT HIT THE MOUNTAIN PEAK AND THAT WAS THE FIRST OR AT LEAST MOST VIVID TIME I CAN REMEMBER EXPERIENCING THE SUBLIME. THE SUBLIME, AS BELIEVED BY VARIOUS THEORISTS AND PHILOSOPHERS, IS A THEORY DEFINABLE SOMEWHAT BY BEAUTY IN ASTONISHMENT, A MOMENT OF THE GREAT OR A MOMENT OF THE TERRIBLE - A FEELING OF OVERWHELMING INSIGNIFICANCE AND VULNERABILITY AS TO THE POWER OF MOTHER NATURE. IN THIS ONGOING SERIES, I AIM TO CHALLENGE THE INTANGIBLE ASPECTS OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR EXISTENCE AS BEINGS ON EARTH - ALL THE WHILE PUSHING TO MAINTAIN A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE SUBLIME AMONG MY AESTHETIC.” A PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES BY OLIVER ALEXANDER-JONES
PERSONALITY IS THE COLLECTION OF QUALITIES AND TRAITS THAT ARE OBSERVED AS IN CHARACTER OR BEHAVIOR DISTINGUISHING ONE PERSON FROM ANOTHER.
UNDERSTANDING OUR OWN PERSONALITY HELPS US TO DISCOVER OUR PURPOSE IN LIFE, ASSISTS IN BRINGING OUT OUR SUPPRESSED DESIRES AND WISHES AND ALSO WE LEARN OUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES.
WORDS AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY FLEUR LOWDEN
The earth signs, like the name suggests are grounded. Down to earth human beings that you can depend on. Can become materialistic. Feminine element.
Taurus: the bull, ruled by Venus and is the second sign in the zodiac. Emotionally strong, stable and reliable, like most earth traits, but like their symbol of a raging bull suggests, can become very stubborn and can become very angry.
Virgo: the maiden, ruled by Mercury. Virgo’s are witty, wise and intelligent, but often critical of themselves and others around them. You can rely on a Virgo but, have your guard because they can be judgmental, they are a paradox.
Capricorn: the mountain sea goat, ruled by Saturn. Capricorn’s are confident, disciplined and don’t get carried away with their own fantasies. Although quite a stable sign, be careful of their erratic mood swings and stubbornness.
Air signs have a strong intellectual connection to the world. Good problem solvers and overall thinkers. Air signs can be cool like a light breeze of air on a hot beach or a harsh gust of air whipping through your hair. A masculine element.
Libra: the scales, ruled by Venus. High social skills, and very level headed like their symbol suggests. Good diplomats but also spontaneous fun people to be around. Although don’t rely on this sign as they have a tendency to let people down.
Aquarius: water bearers, ruled by Saturn. Aquarians want to help people and make the world a better place. Can be more introverted than other signs, probably due to their deep intelligence and thoughtfulness. Very uncompromising which can make them difficult friends.
Gemini: the twins, ruled my Mercury. Gemini’s get a bad rep, as they have completely opposing sides and can be twofaced. They are great writers thanks to their quick wit and expressive personalities. Inquisitive and open to change, but can suddenly turn sour.
Water signs are intuitive and sensitive. Their thoughts and emotions run deep like the ocean, which gives them the ability to become very withdrawn. Feminine element.
Cancer: the crab, ruled by the moon, like the water on earth. Famous for their moodiness, it is such a sensitive sign. Although, this helps their creative side and are very family orientated. Cancer’s are hard to understand.
Scorpio: quite obviously is the scorpion, ruled by Mars. Passionate and stubborn. They are brave signs who use their emotions quite differently from the other water signs. They make good leaders, but as the name suggests don’t get on the wrong side of a Scorpio as they have a sting in their tail.
Pisces: the fish, ruled by Jupiter. Very open to change, this is the best thing about the sign, the go with the flow. A gentle and compassionate sign who aren’t afraid to express their emotions. They often look for dominant partners and can be too wrapped up in themselves.
Fire signs are adventurous and courageous. Fiery people and passionate travellers, excitable and impulsive. Don’t like to be tied down but can often get out of control.
Aries: the ram, ruled by Mars. The turbulent Aries, confident and enthusiastic, very hard workers which helps their academic side. Be careful of their moodiness though, all that energy and passion can manifest itself negatively.
Leo: the lion, ruled by the sun. Theatrical, dramatic and an obvious leader, like the lion who rules the jungle. You want to be around a Leo as their warm heart, sense of humour and cheerful laugh brightens the mood. They are self-centered though so watch your own back as they wont.
Sagittarius: the archer, ruled by Jupiter. The traveller, doesn’t like restraints and wonders with an open mind. Intensely curious people with a straight forward approach in their words, that can be tactless and hurtful. Fun with a strong sense of humour.
CHANGING THE FACE OF MASECTOMY BRAS
AN INTERVIEW WITH JEMIMA LANGSWORTHY
BREAST CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON CANCER IN WOMEN WORLDWIDE, WITH NEARLY 1.7 MILLION NEW CASES DIAGNOSED IN 2012 (SECOND MOST COMMON CANCER OVERALL). THIS REPRESENTS ABOUT 12% OF ALL NEW CANCER CASES AND 25% OF ALL CANCERS IN WOMEN IT IS ALMOST BEWILDERING WHY SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS OF BATTLING BREAST CANCER IS SO WIDELY OVERLOOKED. UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNFLATTERING DRAB AND DREARY MASECTOMY BRAS ARE THE CULPRIT AND I SPOKE TO JEMIMA LANGSWORTHY ON WHAT INSPIRED HER TO SHINE A LIGHT ON THE MATTER.
- JASMINNE GWALTER.
What does a post mastectomy bra actual-
it comes to the technicalities of the
ly need to include, are they attributes
bra itself it must be supportive and
that are so important that they should
well-fitting otherwise it will not be
affect the appearance of the bra so
able to hold your prosthesis in place
much?
and you will feel uncomfortable. The band of the bra should take 80% of the
Immediately
after
surgery
a
woman’s
weight and 20% of the weight is then
chest will be swollen and very sore,
taken in the straps. The issue with this
wearing a bra at this time in your re-
is a lot of companies tend to then cre-
covery is probably not the best thing to
ate bras with very thick and unattrac-
do and something like a crop top style
tive straps which can be very visible
bra might be more suitable. As your body
under clothing and can restrict what
begins to heal and your swelling goes
you can then wear. Additionally, most
down you can start to explore mastecto-
mastectomy bras come with thick chunky
my bras. A mastectomy bra should first
bands with extra reinforcements around
and foremost include pockets inside the
the side of the bra, this is to add some
cup which hold your prosthesis in place.
compression to the chest and around the
Some bras have removable pockets which
back which can help with healing but it
can be buttoned or clipped into the bra
often results in unattractive and un-
and some have them already sown in. When
feminine bras.
What was the biggest issue with post mas-
What can this do to a person’s self-con-
tectomy bra’s that you’ve come across?
fidence?
For me the biggest issue is the boring,
As part of the project I have spoken
dull and unfeminine designs which are
with over 40 women who have had this
widely used for the mastectomy bra mar-
surgery and the general feeling I gath-
ket. I feel as though as soon as you have
ered from everyone I spoke to was a
a mastectomy you’re disregarded and are
real lack of self-love and many said
sent to the back of the lingerie depart-
they felt they had just given up looking
ments and shown a small rail of beige,
for anything pretty and sexy and have
white or black bras and nothing more.
settled for frumpy beige bras, some-
Ladies who could walk into any store
thing your gran would wear! One lady
and purchase a bra before their sur-
who was only 30 years old spoke about
gery are then thrown into this world of
her self-confidence as a result of the
having next to nothing to choose from.
bras on offer for women over coming
It’s very disheartening and I think this
this surgery. She said “I just want a
really doesn’t help with the recovery
bra that I can feel sexy in when being
after such life changing surgery, this
intimate with my spouse.” Another lady
kind of disappointment every time you
wrote “pretty, sexy and feminine bras
go shopping can really wear you down and
are a must. Just because you’ve had a
make you feel unattractive.
mastectomy does not mean you’re not a woman without feelings”. After this surgery, the way you feel about yourself can be completely confused and you’re still coming to terms with the physical effects that breast cancer has so to then have to deal with feelings of low self-confidence because there just isn’t the right bra out there for you just adds to the distress.
Why do you think that this is the case
Breast cancer being the most common
and why do you think that it is so wide-
cancer with women worldwide why do you
ly over looked? Do you think this would
believe it has taken this long to be
be the case if it was for men?
addressed or has it even been address properly yet?
Sadly, some very influential large high street retailers who I am obliged to
I believe that when the subject of breast
keep anonymous told me during my re-
cancer is discussed the main focus is,
search that the mastectomy bra market
of course, the treatment, the surgery
does
for
and the recovery. We are bombarded with
them to spend any money or invest any
ways to ‘prevent’ breast cancer or signs
time to it. It is considered a spe-
to look out for. There is a lot of talk
cialist market therefore is very often
about the physical and medical effects
overlooked and women are advised to go
of the cancer but there is little about
online to search for the right bra. One
the mental effects it can have. These
retailer said that in a lingerie market
being the self-confidence issues and the
worth £1.6 billion the post-surgery mar-
feeling of “who am I” after you have to
ket is just not big enough to focus on
start rebuilding your life. At the hos-
and therefore women are left with vir-
pital, they’re treating your cancer they
tually nothing to actually choose from.
aren’t thinking about the struggle you
I think often in our society women and
might have in finding a bra! Of course,
their breasts are view and considered
the most important thing is treating
as sex objects and unfortunately many
the cancer, that cannot be ignored, but
brands make all their money by selling
I feel mastectomy bras are forgotten
products this way. Breasts mean more
about slightly. A bra is very important
than just sexual objects and for women
to any women, it defines your gender,
who have had breast cancer not feeling
makes you feel sexy and supports you.
represented in main stream media can
Their importance should not be over-
be very disheartening and can add to
looked!
not
generate
enough
profit
the low self-confidence issue. I think a lot of the issue is all mind-sets. If companies took a chance and tried to create more fashionable, stylish mastectomy bras which catered for younger women, in turn the subject of losing a breast (or two) would become less of a taboo topic and perhaps we would see a vast selection of women being represented properly.
“ “ II T T II S S A AB BO OU UT T U UP PL L II F FT T II N NG G W C WO OM ME EN N ,, CE EL LE EB BR RA AT T II N NG G T B A TH HE E II R R BE EA AU UT TY Y AN ND D U UN N II Q QU UE EN NE ES SS S” ”
What do propose to change with this pro-
celebrating
ject and how far would you like to take
ness. The bra itself will be comfortable
it?
only using the softest and responsibly
their
beauty
and
unique-
sourced fabrics to give the wearer the Watching my own mother struggle with a
most comfortable bra they’ve ever worn.
lack of self-confidence was hard, I felt
It will be stylish and reflect current
her pain when she was turned away con-
lingerie trends so that no more women
tinuously at various high street stores.
are made to feel unattractive.
I was angry with the lack of understanding and knowledge there was about
I would love my brand to be noticed by
mastectomies and I set out to change
large stores, I really want the sub-
that. My project will see me designing
ject to be spoken about. I would love
a bra which encapsulates all the key
to raise awareness about breast cancer,
elements of a mastectomy bra without
what to look out for so you can catch
compromising on the beautiful design.
it sooner but also for people to realise
My brand is called Élan which translates
that the after effects of treatments.
to ‘spirited self-assurance’. I wanted
I would love more brands to consider
to describe in one word what my brand
rolling out more designs at reasonable
was about. It is about uplifting women,
prices, I think they would be surprised at how popular they would become!
FOLLOW JEMIMA’S JOURNEY ON WWW.ELANLINGERIE.CO.UK PHOTOGRAPHY - JEMIMA LANGSWORTHY
With Special Thanks To
Fleur Lowden - For sharing your words and illustrations
Danielle Tweedie - For sharing your work with PUNCH zine
Oliver Alexander-Jones - For sharing your photography with PUNCH zine
Olivia Lowden - For contributing your words to PUCNH zine
Jemima Langsworthy - For sharing your work and photography with PUNCH zine
Maria Zammit - For sharing your photography and shooting our first cover photo
Contact list: Editor - Jasminne95@hotmail.com m Illustrator - Fleurlowden@gmail.com