The Pink Ribbon Foundation’s newly released photography book BOLD, was launched at The House of Keune by Bloom salon in London, in an event which saw over 80 guests gather in a celebration of power and positivity.
Now available for purchase, the book is an open embrace of one of the most difficult moments in a woman's cancer journey. Over the course of 200-pages, BOLD challenges our beauty standards with every striking portrayal of a woman as her newly bald self. The book is a powerful message of self-love for the millions of women in the UK who are experiencing hair loss—many of whom are undergoing breast cancer treatment, the most common cancer among women in the UK.
BOLD features the portraits of more than 100 women of all ages, from all over the world, who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, intensive radiation treatment or the autoimmune disease alopecia. Images from the book are currently on display at The House of Keune by Bloom and will shortly move to the Glasgow salon as part of a roaming exhibition.
Bloom Founder Sheona Will says: “When we had the opportunity to support The Pink Ribbon Foundation, we didn’t hesitate. It was an honour to host such an inspirational gathering of people and celebrate the beautiful work that has been created with the BOLD photography book and images.”
Speaking at the launch, BOLD model Anaïs Muczynski said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 years old. The first question you ask yourself is am I going to die? The second question is am I going to lose my hair? I was always someone who did a lot with my hair, from pixie to blonde to brunette, but when you go through chemo you suddenly lose your choice. You lose your hair, and it isn’t your choice.
“I tried a wig, but I think I only used it once. I decided to embrace the bald and I sold myself as a warrior. I was being a strong woman, ready to go to battle. I was amazed when I saw my picture; that Caroline was able to look right through my armour, she showed my vulnerability. She also showed me that I can love myself and my vulnerabilities. I am grateful for that.”
Caroline Sikkenk’s BOLD photo project was inspired by her sister's experience in supporting women during the delicate process of choosing their first wig. The Pink Ribbon Foundation's limited-edition book reflects Caroline's decade-long journey to give voice to women navigating one of the most challenging aspects of their cancer treatment.
Lisa Allen, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Fundraising, Events and PR at the Pink Ribbon Foundation says: “It’s been 18 months of Caroline and me bringing this project to life, and it still gives me goosebumps. We were capturing people at a very hard time in their lives, but what has come from that is incredible – the friendship amongst the 13 women we worked with for BOLD is something we didn’t anticipate but really means a lot to me. We know that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the UK, with 55,000 diagnoses every year, but with BOLD, I think we can send a powerful message of support for those going through it.”
Andrew Barton, Group Brand Lead at the Bloom salon group says: "It was an honour to host the BOLD book launch at The House of Keune by Bloom in conjunction with The Pink Ribbon Foundation. At Bloom, we are passionately committed to collaboration. We care deeply about our communities and supporting initiatives that showcase wellbeing, especially those like The Pink Ribbon Foundation that helps others when their lives have been turned upside down by cancer. Across the Bloom salon group, our teams are aware of the devastating effects of cancer, and we've supported many of our own clients through their hair loss journeys. It was an amazing night, and we are delighted to open all three of our salon doors to display these beautiful images from the BOLD exhibition and bring people together beyond just our hairdressing services."
