PRESS RELEASE - Bras are the Stars! One-off creations for breast cancer charity lead the way at V&A!

Models at the V&A Museum in London showcase breast cancer charity Walk the Walk’s designer decorated bras. 

Specially created bras were showcased for “one night only” on Wednesday 16^th October at “Walking Works of Art” – a unique show at the famous V&A Museum in London.

A selection of incredible one-off bras worn by models graced the catwalk at the V&A. The stunning outfits were created by some of the UK’s most renowned designers, including Dame Zandra Rhodes, Julien Macdonald, Bruce Oldfield, Jeff Banks, Jimmy Choo, Lindy Hemming, as well as Vin and Omi, who recently collaborated with Prince Charles for their new collection.

The stylish occasion marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month and highlighted the achievements of grant-making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk over the past 23 years.

Walk the Walk’s unique trademark is the decorated bra. It is thanks to walkers wearing elaborate creations as they take part in the charity’s famous midnight MoonWalks that almost £133 million has been raised to help fight breast cancer.

Since it was founded in 1996, Walk the Walk has been expanding its collection of bras, created and signed by a vast array of talented and leading designers, sculptors, celebrities and personalities, each one with a very unique and very personal interpretation.

23-year-old Fashion Designer Patrick McDowell graduated last year from Central Saint Martins, presenting his most recent collection at London Fashion Week 2019. Patrick created one of the incredible bras being showcased at the V&A. He said: “My work is so closely linked to my family and where I come from, and part of my family story involves losing loved ones to cancer. Using upcycled Swarovski crystal and Burberry dead stock fabrics, I hope this piece can draw attention, support Walk the Walk and help raise money and awareness for their amazing work”. 

Nina Barough Founder and Executive of Walk the Walk said: "Walk the Walk is a charity of many different sides and faces and tonight it was a pleasure to be able to exhibit some of our fabulous bras at the V&A! The bras are synonymous with Walk the Walk – it’s our trademark and it’s not often that we get the chance to show the collection we’ve had created by authors, sculptors, designers, artists, a real raft of people. It was wonderful to have such a lovely crew of make-up artists and models, stylists and choreographers all donating their time, because it meant something to them. But it was also fantastic for us to hold a very different event to our usual marathons and I think that surprised a lot of people. We called our exhibition Walking Works of Art, but the whole day was a work of art, just by the sheer bringing together of people who didn’t know each other. Their skills and combined energy were incredible - I don’t think it gets better than that."

TV and Radio Presenter Gaby Roslin hosted this very special event at the V&A. She has supported the charity for a number of years, most recently taking part in The MoonWalk London 2019. She said: "The reason I’m here tonight, is that number one, I love Nina. Number two I love walking! I’ve also lost too many friends to breast cancer, one very recently and more of them are fighting. That’s why I was delighted to host this fantastic event and why I will always support Walk the Walk."

Walk the Walk makes grants to fund both research into breast cancer and to help improve the lives of those living with cancer now.

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The MoonWalk London 2020 takes places on Saturday 16^th May. Sign up at www.walkthewalk.org

For more information, contact:

• Sally Orr at Walk the Walk: 07796 080 675 [email protected]
• Claire Duncan at Walk the Walk: 01483 741430 [email protected]
• Jennifer Broh at Walk the Walk: 01483 741430 [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

The MoonWalk London 2020

• Saturday 16^th May 2020, Clapham Common
• Two challenges are available: Half Moon (15.1 miles) or Full Moon (26.2 miles) challenge
• This year’s theme is “Out of this World”.
• All participants must be aged 13 and over to take part
• Walkers are asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship
• This is the 23rd MoonWalk London
• For more information, go to walkthewalk.org

Walk the Walk

• Walk the Walk specialises in fitness and Power Walking challenges.
• HRH The Prince of Wales is the official Patron of Walk the Walk.
• Walk the Walk has so far raised almost £133 million.
• As a grant-making charity, all funds are raised for Walk the Walk and then granted to where the charity feels they will do the most good.
• Walk the Walk funds are granted to projects that not only support research, important to all our future health, but also support a variety of projects that are supporting cancer patients now throughout the UK.
• To date grants have been made to charities and organisations throughout the UK including Breast Cancer Now, Breast Cancer Haven, Penny Brohn UK and hundreds of NHS Hospitals and Trusts for which we supply Scalp Cooling Systems. These are wonderful machines, which help many people undergoing chemotherapy to avoid losing their hair.
• The charity also has a community grant fund which each year grants to smaller organisations. Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, Tenovus Cancer Care, The Christie, Cancer Kin, FACT and others, all receive funds which enable them to continue their work.
• ‘The MoonWalk’ is the flagship event of the charity currently held in London, Scotland and Iceland.