Lingerie and loungewear: It's the stuff we wear closest to our skin, for extended periods of time. Sure, the primary purpose is usually to look and feel sexy (or, in the case of loungewear, to feel cozy and comfortable). But intimate garb can also be designed and worn with more pressing concerns in mind. Take AnaOno Intimates, a line of underpinnings created for women who've had breast-cancer-related surgery.
AnaOno's founder, Dana Donofree, launched the line in 2014 after being diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma, or IDC) at age 27 and grappling with lingerie fit challenges after undergoing bilateral mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and chemotherapy. The SCAD graduate wanted options beyond sports bras and camisoles, so she launched AnaOno with a series of lacy bralettes and simple, sleek front-closure bras. This month, Donofree expanded the label with the debut of Recovery Loungewear, created expressly for breast-cancer survivors.
"My goal with this collection is to offer thoughtful solutions for women so they can feel comfortable and confident the second they leave the hospital, and all the way through their road to recovery," Donofree said of AnaOno's new loungewear offerings.
Each of the three styles is named in honor of a woman who lost her battle with the disease: the Miena Robe, which has a removable recovery drain belt and is intended to be worn during or post-treatment; the Kara Wrap Dress, meant for wearing at home or out and about; and the Conley Romper, also intended to be worn at home or beyond.
Each style, priced from $68 to $78, is specifically designed to avoid rubbing on scar tissues or surgery incisions, with specific details thoughtfully incorporated to make the treatment (and post-treatment) experience as comfortable as possible. For example, the Conley Romper doesn't necessitate lifting up one's arms (which many breast-cancer-related surgeries make prohibitive), plus mesh-paneled sleeves to make the garment more breathable in that particular area. There's also a removable recovery drain belt on offer, available in two colors to coordinate with AnaOno's loungewear options.
"I could have never realized what it would feel like to have drains coming out of my body: No one can know until you’re there. They are very cumbersome, confusing to manage, and you’re on your own to find a drain belt or other solution to hold the pouches — these are not provided by the hospital," Donofree said in a release. "In my case, I left with safety pins attached to my surgical bra to keep the drains in place, [which is] hardly a solution."
The seven women featured in AnaOno's Recovery Loungewear imagery are all breast-cancer survivors. Learn more about these inspirational, resilient women ahead.
"I was diagnosed at age 39 with triple negative breast cancer, stage I, BRCA1+. My husband discovered a lump in my breast; my doctors say he saved my life. I went through six rounds of chemotherapy, had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I’ve since changed my entire life, EVERYTHING! I just completed flight-attendant training and am now a working flight attendant based in San Francisco. I am cancer-free, doing well, and taking life one day at a time." — Marenda, 41, San Francisco, CA( wearing the Kara Wrap Dress)
Photo: Courtesy of AnaOno.
Miena passed away in December 2015; she is pictured in the robe named in her memory. She was on a mission to never turn down an opportunity that came her way, including modeling for AnaOno, according to a rep for the brand; she had never done anything like it before.
She was battling inflammatory breast cancer and undergoing new and alternative therapies when the shoot occurred. She was tired but more than happy and honored to be included. She also wanted to share with other women that while cancer may beat you down and wear you out, it will not strip you of your beauty.
Photo: Courtesy of AnaOno.
"I was diagnosed at age 26 with stage I triple positive breast cancer. My diagnosis required me to undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone treatments. I was right in the middle of grad school when diagnosed, but decided to continue with my classes while going through treatments; it gave me a distraction.
"I have now been in remission for two years and five months! Life after cancer has had its ups and downs emotionally, but with the support of friends, family, and my soul sisters whom I have met through the breast-cancer community, I am thriving at age 30; I feel healthy and happy!" — Kami, 30, Los Angeles, CA (wearing the Conley Romper)
Photo: Courtesy of AnaOno.
"I was diagnosed at age 39 with stage II invasive lobular carcinoma and kicked it to the curb with a bilateral mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. I'm currently living life to the fullest by appreciating everyone and everything that comes my way. I give back by mentoring newly diagnosed breast-cancer patients and volunteering with my cancer center's charitable foundation. My life's greatest accomplishment thus far has been raising three awesome boys, who have been by my side every step of the way on this journey." — Sandi, 46, Clarksboro, NJ (wearing the Miena Robe)
Photo: Courtesy of AnaOno.
"I was diagnosed at age 33, a year and a half after my son was born and right as we were buying our house. Not exactly convenient timing! I discovered my own lump during a self-exam. Luckily, my doctor took it seriously and immediately referred me to have a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. They found cancer, which led to my decision to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction." — Fern, 34, Orange County, CA( wearing the Kara Wrap Dress)
Photo: Courtesy of AnaOno.
"This June I celebrated my third year of surviving Stage III IDC and nine surgeries, with a bonus total hysterectomy. Months of chemotherapy and radiation was exhausting, but as a young woman and mother of a young, vivacious little girl, breast cancer has made me a better person. Life goes on. I'm so grateful and thrilled to be alive.
"I spend my time now as a mother and floral designer; flowers are my therapy. Modeling (as a survivor) has been fun and a way to let others know that I am a face of cancer. You are never too young or too old. When shooting for AnaOno, I was one week out from surgery. I was literally a 'drain model.' The Miena Robe was something I wished I'd had for the three sets of surgeries in less than two years requiring drains." — Kathleen, age withheld, San Diego, CA (wearing the Miena Robe)
Photo: Courtesy of AnaOno.
"I was diagnosed at age 30 with stage II HER2+ disease, and am a BRCA1 mutation carrier. I just had my first baby, a healthy girl; I was pregnant during the AnaOno shoot." — Amanda, 33, Huntington Beach, CA (wearing the Miena Robe)
Photo: Courtesy of AnaOno.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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