Whanganui's speciality lingerie store, Top Draw Lingerie Boutique, has branched out into stocking mastectomy prostheses, bras and swimsuits.
The new line will be launched this Friday and Saturday (Oct 28 and 29). Representative Karla Bourne, New Zealand Specialists Breast Care fitter, with 16 years' experience with prosthesis fittings, will be available
for appointments on Friday from 2pm and Saturday from 9am until 2pm.
"I have wanted to do this for a long time. I had made inquiries over the years but it just hadn't worked," says store owner, Paula Wade. But this year it happened and good quality stock is on hand.
"Karla Bourne used to work for Trulife, which is one of the main companies that produces prostheses, then branched out on her own, so it's through her that I'm getting established."
Karla is based in Rotorua and uses Trulife products.
Paula says the problem has been that while some stock has always been available, it has not been especially attractive as far as lingerie goes. "And the same goes for bigger women. They say there are no attractive bigger bras around. But the market's changed in the last few years and there are more attractive things around now.
"Getting into this is going to help enable women to come in here to get bras and prostheses instead of travelling to Palmerston North."
The range available is quite extensive and Paula wants to see her stock grow to meet the demand.
Paula is offering a product launch special - buy any prosthesis and two Trulife breast care bras and get a Pink Barbara October Breast Cancer Month bra for free.
"I've signed up with the Ministry of Health, so when women have a mastectomy they get a grant that lasts them for four years to enable them to purchase their bras, prostheses and wigs." Signing up with the Ministry makes Top Draw an authorised supplier.
"Also, I am a trained and qualified corsetiere and I am quite au fait with the fitting procedure."
Top Draw will stock all size ranges and will include sports bras. Trulife developed the world's first breast prosthesis in 1958 and continues to lead the market. The company mission is to improve the quality of life for women following breast surgery by giving them confidence through well-designed and attractive lightweight prostheses, pocketed bras and swimwear. To make a booking to see Karla, phone Paula at Top Draw on 348 7557.
