Sexy after Breast Cancer: The Jocelyn Binder Story

FCM: I am very excited to interview Jocelyn Binder for the re-launching of our blog FCM Style.

We understand that you're a fashion model whose a Cancer survivor. Please tell us about your experience?

Jocelyn: Yes! I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed at 28 with breast cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes. I underwent eight cycles of chemo and a double-mastectomy, which put me out of modeling for a while, as I

Jocelyn Binder

recovered. Last year, I was diagnosed stage 4 when the cancer reappeared on my sternum bone this time. I began endocrine therapy, along with making many lifestyle changes, and was back in remission in ten months!
FCM: So, you wrote a book " Sexy After Breast Cancer" Please tell your inspiration behind this book

Jocelyn: Yes! I was inspired to share my journey, as someone who is a breast cancer thriver, in hopes of helping other women battling. I had the advantage of assembling an exert team, including both Western and Eastern medicine doctors, therapists, acupuncturists, yoga teachers and a plethora of other spiritual leaders. So, you could say I took one for the team and am sharing what I found worked the best in my healing!

FCM: What Breast Cancer Support Organizations do you support? Why are they important to you ?

Jocelyn: I support Susan G Komen, as a breast cancer community leader and recently donated my time to shooting a video for them. It is important to me that so much awareness is being brought to breast cancer, so  that we can better manage this disease and hopefully both prevent and cure more cases going forward.
                                             

Jocelyn Binder

FCM: What do you hope to accomplish by writing this book?

Jocelyn: If only one woman heals after applying my book’s concepts to make changes in their life, it will be a huge success to me.

FCM: What's next for you Jocelyn?

Jocelyn: I’d like to become even more involved in the breast cancer community. Whether is raising money, public speaking or otherwise contributing. My goal is to aid in the efforts to enhance the healing and thriving of my fellow breast cancer survivors.

FCM: Thanks for the interview.

FCM: Do you have any parting words for our audience?

Jocelyn: Whether you’re battling with your health or just trying to make the most of the one life we have here on earth, be positive and love yourself.  Photography by Caroline Malouf

                                                                                                               Azhar Harris                                

Interview with Liz Black, fashion designer

1) What is your inspiration?

Each season, I am inspired by different things. My first season was about art and photography and the following season, architecture was the main focus. My latest collection, AW 12/13, was inspired initially by the Olympic spirit of London and the atmosphere of the whole city. As a result I looked at Superheroines for their strength and sporty look.

2) What was it like working with Lady Gaga? Where did that inspiration come from?

It was an amazing feeling to see Lady Gaga wearing the iconic circle bow dress! I always had her in the back of my mind when I was designing it. Her stylist spotted it and we have been collaborating since. The inspiration for the dress came from artists, Sophia Delaunay, an Orphist painter who did a lot of work with circular forms.

3) What other celebrities have you worked with? What was it like?

I am very lucky, some great celebrities, including Amber Le Bon and Noemie Lenoir, have worn my collections. My garments have walked down the red carpet at The Brits, The Grammys and Cannes Film Festival. It's great to see my hard work recognised and -most importantly- that people like it!

4) What is in store for the future?

I am working towards developing my label into a high-end luxury brand and will continue to exhibit during London and Paris Fashion Week, with hopes to show in New York in the future. I am always willing to be involved in collaborations as well.

 

5) What item might you begin donating to breast cancer and how did you decide to do so?

We have designed a luxury, pink garment and will donate a percentage of the profit to breast cancer. Every year we collaborate with a charity, last year we raised money the help victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake and most recently, we’ve also done work with Chamos de Venezuela, a charity that helps deprived children in Venezuela.

To check out more on Liz Black, take a look at her website.

Jennifer Novoseletsky