Copping a feel with Ann Summers and Coppafeel! for Breast Cancer Awareness

   As many of you know, October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month; an international campaign fronted by charities to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for research into prevention and treatment. According to statistics, nearly 50,000 people every year are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK (source). Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, around 400 men are diagnosed annually, meaning that it is vitally important for everyone to check themselves regularly and understand what normal feels like for their body.

   Coppafeel! is an amazing charity that has been particularly busy in their crusade for cancer awareness since 2009. Coppafeel! was founded by Kris Hallenga, who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at just 23, and since then, she has made it her mission to bring breast health to the forefront of young people's attention. Coppafeel! integrates their message into 'everyday life' by taking to festivals,  universities, schools and workplaces, organising events, social media campaigns, fundraisers and celebrity collaborations to encourage people to 'cop a feel' and, ultimately, save lives! 

   This October, Ann Summers has become the latest brand to collaborate with Coppafeel! through the launch of their #showthemsomelove campaign. As a brand by women, for women, Jacqueline Gold (CEO of Ann Summers) states: "We are incredibly proud to support Coppafeel! and their vital message. Breast cancer devastates the lives of too many women and it is our hope that this partnership will help remind all our customers to check themselves often, be aware of the symptoms and give generously to Coppafeel!, who work tirelessly in the fight against breast cancer".

   Ann Summers has been flying the flag for breast health and cancer awareness through the distribution of in-store awareness leaflets and a free text reminder service has been created to encourage customers to check themselves regularly (text ANN SUMMERS to 70300). Additionally, Ann Summers has organised in-store (and head office) fundraisers to support the cause, including a special press event to celebrate Ann Summers' partnership with Coppafeel!

   The event took place at the Westfield Stratford City Ann Summers store and there was a real buzz outside the store as guests (and celebrity VIP's) started to rock up. The event saw appearances from TOWIE's Sam Faiers and Carol Wright, singer Lydia Lucy and MIC's Ashley James (who I had a little natter to about fuller bust bras!)

   Never ones to shy away from the 'sex factor', Ann Summers caused a stir both inside and outside of the store by enlisting some topless 'Adonis' hunks to support the fundraising initiative!

 Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel! and Jacqueline Gold (CEO, Ann Summers) (Credit: Ann Summers)

   On arrival, guests were treated to a complimentary glass of champagne (or a smoothie!) and were free to peruse the current collections of sexy lingerie and accessories on sale.. (as well as marvel at the giant bunny display piece!)

   Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel! and Jacqueline Gold (CEO of Ann Summers) both spoke passionately about their collaboration and the breast cancer awareness cause, with Kris affirming that the partnership with Ann Summers "throughout October and beyond gives Coppafeel! an amazing platform to reach our core target audience."

    (L-R: Jacqueline Gold, CEO of Ann Summers & Kris Hallenga, Coppafeel!)

   

     Afterwards, I headed off to the Ann Summers changing rooms for a bra fit and I was delighted to see a continuation of the Ann Summers/ Coppafeel! partnership there too! On the mirror was one of Coppafeel!'s latest adverts, shot by reknowned fashion and portrait photographer, Rankin. The image serves as a great reminder to customers to 'cop a feel' whilst they're trying on their lingerie in the changing room, but also to check themselves regularly!

  At the end of the evening, Ann Summers kindly gave guests a fabulous booby goody bag to take home, including a bra of our choice, Coppafeel! information leaflets and a brilliant "I love boobs" mug and 'stress boobs' - the perfect gift for any lingerie blogger!

   A huge thank you again to Ann Summers for inviting me along to this wonderful event - it was a brilliant evening and a great opportunity to show support for such an important cause!

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   Don't forget to keep 'copping a feel' so that you know what normal feels like for you. You can find out more about Coppafeel!'s amazing work here and if you want to receive those all-important free reminders to check yourself monthly, text 'ANN SUMMERS' or 'BOOBS' to 70300.

Stay tuned for another Ann Summers blog post coming very soon..!

Love,

Cosmopolitan #fashfest Lingerie Show 2014

    Following the successful launch of Cosmopolitan FASHION (Cosmo's new stand-alone fashion magazine), Cosmo have launched the UK's first fashion festival, #FashFest! Running from the 15th-19th September, Fash Fest delivers a spectacular line-up of events, kicking off with a live lingerie catwalk show, followed by a celebrity fashion masterclass, online shopping evening, Cosmo fashion awards night, culminating in the Cosmo wrap party on Friday 19th. 

   In the throes of London Fashion Week, #fashfest presents the very best in high street fashion and with sponsors such as ASOS, Very and Brand Alley, Cosmo seeks to give its readers the "ultimate fashion experience", showcasing key A/W14 trends and translating them into wearable styles that can then be purchased post-event. Unlike many LFW shows (which are limited to industry insiders), #FashFest is special in that it puts the fashion-loving consumer firmly in the front row and tickets are available to the public from just £30! 

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

    Having already heard great things about the Cosmopolitan lingerie show last year, I was delighted to be invited as one of Cosmo's VIP bloggers to the sell-out lingerie show this year, which took place at the grand-looking One Marylebone.

   After meeting Cheryl from Invest in Your Chest in the queue, we were greeted by Taylor, the editor of Cosmo BODY, who gave us a tour of the stylish venue. With a glass of bubbly in hand, we ascended the spiral staircase to the galleries to explore the many delights that were on offer; from hair styling by Paul Mitchell to 'face-mapping' by Dermalogica, makeovers by Urban Decay and manicures by Barry M! 

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

 (Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

   Aside from the array of complimentary pampering delights on offer, there were (of course) rails upon rails of a lingerista's dream-come-true; beautiful lingerie from names such as Wonderbra, Triumph and B.Tempt'd!

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

I loved B.Tempt'd's flirty lingerie offerings! Paintbox brights, playful sheer lace bralets and contour bras with cute polkadots, lace and bow motifs!

Wonderbra (Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

I spent quite a lot of time nattering to the Triumph team - their 'Magic wire' bra really caught my eye with its buttery soft fabric and lightweight silicone underwires!

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

   I was also happy to see that the Freya booth had made an appearance, giving Cosmo readers the opportunity to get a personal bra fitting to ensure that they were wearing the right size!

(Pic credit: Coppafeel)

   I also stopped by the Coppafeel 'boob booth' and met the team behind the amazing breast health and cancer awareness charity. Coppafeel's #brahijack campaign involves lingerie brands placing a 'breast care' label in their bras as an all-important daily reminder for women to check their breasts.

***

   Next, Cheryl and I were lucky enough to be invited backstage to experience the pre-show set-up and take a peek at the looks that the models would be sporting on the catwalk! There was a sense of excited anticipation as the event organisers and stylists added the finishing touches and the models prepared to hit the runway...

   

   After seeing exactly what goes on behind-the-scenes, we headed into the main hall; a breath-taking 27 foot high room with beautiful mosaics, stained glass windows and majestic columns and arches - the perfect backdrop for the Cosmo lingerie show!

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

   We took our seats on the front row and before we knew it, the hall had filled with hundreds of people! The show kicked off with an introduction from Cosmopolitan's editor, Louise Court, followed by a talk by Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel - the overarching message being that lingerie is a stylish and essential foundation that has the ability to support and empower the wearer (hear, hear!)

(L-R: Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel and Louise Court, Editor of Cosmopolitan)

   Before the catwalk show started, canapés arrived and guests were treated to a special performance by 'The Voice' runner up, Leah McFall (Will.i.am's protegée). As a fan of Leah's from the TV show, I was delighted by her live performance and impressive vocal runs!

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THE CATWALK

   After a quick trip to the bar to grab a delicious 'Cosmopolitan' cocktail, the lights dimmed and the hotly-anticipated Cosmopolitan #fashfest Lingerie Catwalk Show began! Models strutted their stuff on the runway in a show-stopping array of lingerie from highstreet favourites such as ASOS, Pour Moi, Triumph, Brand Alley, Very, Wonderbra, B.Tempt'd, Gossard, and Accessorize.

   Autumn/Winter 2014 trends were grouped into 8 categories, making for a cohesive and fluid catwalk show that really made sense to the viewer. From cleavage-enhancing push-ups to bright lace triangle bras, embellished basques and kimonos, feminine floral nightwear and cut-out detail strappy bras and bodysuits, there was indeed something for everyone...

COLOURFUL BRIGHTS

   Although neons seem to have faded along with Summer, lingerie is staying bright for A/W14 - cue rich jewel tones in purple, blue and raspberry alongside dusky pinks. Both padded and unpadded styles featured strongly, with lace overlays, trims and bow motifs being the order of the day.

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

WICKED WHITES

   Classic, crisp white lingerie never dates and brands gave white a modern update through the use of layered lace, edgy strapping and cut-out detailing (Pour Moi) and sexy sheer fabrics contrasted with delicate embroidery (ASOS). Whoever said that white lingerie was boring!?

ANIMAL PRINTS

   Lingerie goes into the wild this A/W14, with models appearing in a range of soft cup bras, padded plunges, sexy basques and floaty kimonos.. all in leopard print! ASOS and Pour Moi set off their bold leopard prints with contrasting black trims, whereas B.Tempt'd and Brand Alley took a slightly softer approach to animal print, with a palette of muted browns and greys.

EDGY BOUDOIR

   Definitely one of my favourite A/W14 trends from the catwalk show, these designs embody the ultimate in sexy, fashion-forward boudoir lingerie! Models sashayed down the catwalk in heart-stopping shapes made from chiffon, lace and sumptuous satin; cinched-in strappy bodysuits, simple-but-sexy padded and unpadded bras, floaty babydolls and retro high-waisted knickers.
 

SMOKY TONES

   Models smouldered in smoky hues, with chic black and and slate grey dominating the catwalk. Wonderbra, Triumph, ASOS and Brand Alley proved that shapewear can be sexy, showcasing a range of lingerie designs; from slip skirts to bodies, strapless bras to high waisted knickers. Mesh inserts, lace trims, strapping and sequins were added to classic shapewear pieces to give them the 'wow factor'..and wow us they did!

FLIRTY FLORALS

   Although I normally associate florals with Summer, Monsoon & Accessorize presented some gorgeous transitional nightwear pieces to take us into Autumn. Fabrics were light-weight (predominantly satin, chiffon and lace) and colours were muted and feminine, with an abundance of dusky pinks, greys and purples. Prints ranged from floral blooms to birds, butterflies and even bicycles!

FLATTERING FLESH TONES

   'Flesh tone'/ beige lingerie is often seen as 'practical' rather than sexy, but brands really pushed the boat out with a gorgeous selection of satin, lace and chiffon pieces in rose, beige and creamy hues. Longline bras, boleros, bras and nightgowns were embellished with lace, embroidery, beads and diamantés, for a touch of luxe sophistication!

RED HOT

   Sizzling, racy and undeniably glamorous, red lingerie is here to stay for A/W14. Brand Alley, Triumph and Gossard at Brand Alley showcased sophisticated shapes that exuded retro appeal, whilst B.Tempt'd took a playful approach with their unpadded red lace longline. Very and Pour Moi ramped up the sex appeal with strappy, cut-out lace bras and bodysuits, whilst ASOS made the audience go weak at the knees with their plunging scarlet bodysuit and raunchy embroidered mesh triangle bra.

(Pic credit: Cosmopolitan)

***

   The evening concluded with a live DJ set, more cocktails and an unbelievable goody bag, packed full of lingerie, fashion and beauty goodies from the show's sponsors!

   The Cosmopolitan #fashfest lingerie show was a truly fabulous event from start to finish and I feel incredibly lucky to have been invited to attend. #Fashfest is definitely a celebration of fashion and femininity and I love that Cosmo are consumer-centric. Cosmo gave guests a unique 'VIP experience', whilst making the catwalk fashion accessible and wearable. All of the looks from the catwalk are available to purchase online from:

ASOS

Accessorize

Pour Moi

Wonderbra

Very

Triumph

Brand Alley

B.Tempt'd

To find out more about #fashfest, check out the official website and keep your eyes peeled for tickets for the next show - it really is an unmissable event for fashionistas and lingeristas alike!

What were your favourite catwalk looks? Are there any pieces that you have your eye on?

Love,