Aug 13, 2008 7:04 pm US/Eastern
Women's Clothing Line Designed For Cancer Patients
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
For some breast cancer survivors, finding clothes that fit and are fashionable used to be a challenge. But not anymore. CBS 2 caught up with a local designer who has an entire line dedicated to the unique concerns of these special women.
The brand is called "Chikara," which actually means strength, power and energy. It's those three qualities that New York City designer Hilary Boyajian puts into her collection and is transferred to the women who wear the clothes. Chikara dresses and blouses are designed to balance the body of woman who are experiencing breast asymmetry.
The clothes restore symmetry to the body post breast cancer surgeries through draping, ruffles and twists," says Boyajian.
These clothes are not only functional, but are also at the cutting edge of fashion. Chikara gives these women the freedom to put the clothes on and know that they will fit properly and look fabulous.
"If I knew about these clothes before my surgery I would have bought everything," says Jennifer Phillips, a breast cancer survivor.
Adds Susan Kaplow, also a breast cancer survivor: "These clothes are beautiful, they have nothing to do with cancer except celebrating that we are alive."
And women say the clothes are a breakthrough, there aren't any others out there like them.
"We could find clothes to wear but not that took you to the next level," says breast cancer survivor Liz Goldman.
The sense of joy is not limited to the women who wear them. Their partners are unanimous in their approval.
"Finding clothing that enhances their beauty and let's it come out when it was hidden for so long is beautiful," says Chuck Phillips, Jennifer's husband.
Lois Uttley/Susan Kaplows Partner- "She looks wonderful and fulfilled," says Lois Uttley, Kaplow's partner. "I can see she loves to wear them."
Chikara plans to add both swimwear and lingerie to the line next year. To find out where to buy the clothes, visit
the Chikara Web site. And you can see much more on Chikara in our CBS 2 Special, "Koman: The Race for the Cure," airing September 6th at 7 p.m.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
World's Greatest Fighter Jets
Click to enlarge
Former NFL QB Steve McNair Shot To Death In Tenn. 5 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Reporting
