Interview: Elly Mayday

UPDATE - 2019 - Elly tragically lost her fight with cancer earlier this year. She shared with us the raw truth of cancer and encouraged women to put themselves first, to trust when their bodies are telling them something isn't right. She may no longer be with us, but the information, stories and funds for research that she shared and raised have made a difference to many and will continue to do so.

To honour her memory and we will be donating 5% of all sales of the Felicity Hayward x Playful Promises Elly set to Target Ovarian Cancer. To shop, we ship worldwide from our UK, US and AUS websites.

You may have read our previous blog post discussing how the above charities are working towards eliminating ovarian cancer, but we also wanted to highlight a strong and inspiring woman who has been through the disease. Elly Mayday is a Canadian born model who shares her story to encourage body positivity and confidence. Elly was kind enough to answer a few questions about her experiences and how they have shaped her as a person.

Not only do we adore your modeling work, but we find it extremely inspiring to hear your story – how did it all start? When and how did you get diagnosed with ovarian cancer?

Thanks so much for this interview. I was diagnosed at 25 with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. At that time I was a year into lingerie modeling and also worked as a flight attendant. I began to understand just how insecure women were about their bodies, so when I was diagnosed I chose to continue modeling while I went through treatment. I had to quit my job flying in order to get the doctors attention— It was 3 years of appointments and scans, treating me as though I had cysts, but I knew there was something more. That's when I chose to quit work and "make a fuss" so to say. I was referred to a gyne doctor who, after a few appointments got me in for a biopsy and 5 days after the biopsy I was diagnosed. 

What was your experience like during the treatment?

I took treatment on like a new job. Go to work (chemo and operations) come back, recover, fuel up by eating well, sleep, laugh, exercise and repeat until you're in the clear. I've had many operations now totaling over 22 hours, including one that lasted 10hrs and a full hysterectomy. I've been through menopause and lost the ability to have children— needless to say, at 25, I have faced a lot. I'm pretty shocked at all my body has been through but my mind and the people who love me (including my fans) have been an incredible source of strength. You have to believe you're going to get through the tough things life hands you. 

Do you feel that women are taken as seriously as men when attempting to find a correct diagnosis?

I think women are used to putting themselves second, whereas most men won't. It's the culture we live in and it is unfortunate. I am trying to encourage strength in women and their voices for this reason. Women are strong as hell and we need to start acting like it. I've started a movement entitled #OneHellOvaWoman which shares our stories of strength and encourages that strength we all possess but may not unleash as often as we should. 

Elly looking stunning in one of our bikinis

While there’s plenty of information about breast cancer symptoms, there’s less awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. What would you suggest women keep a lookout for?

I suggest knowing your family history, knowing if you have aunts or grandmothers who passed from this disease. The BRCA gene is something more women should be conscious of, it has a direct connection and in carrying this gene you will know it increases your chances of having breast or ovarian cancer. Please take a minute to educate yourself.

The signs and symptoms are so subtle. I experienced lower back pain, feeling tired and pain in my lower abdomen. I mean.. these are symptoms every woman can experience on a monthly basis... it's why it is so hard to detect. Educate yourself and if your doctor isn't getting on top of everything, go to someone else who will. I just want to be very clear about this one thing, No— a pap test does not detect it. There actually is NO early detection of Ovarian Cancer. We are so behind and it fuels me to keep going, keep getting more funding for research. 

Body positivity is so important and so many people hide the scars, cellulite, and stretch-marks that make us human and powerful. What sort of response did you get from showing your own scars in images?

It's sad, isn't it? What a beautiful strong human being can be made to feel about their bodies. We learn to hate it. I've loved mine for a long time, so when I began modeling at a size 14 girl, it really got a lot of attention, mostly because I looked happy. I was excited to see how much I could push the boundaries by modeling with my scars and bald head. I think people loved it... I  think it was refreshing to see someone take something on so publically and show that this is life and real life includes scars. 

No one is guaranteed an easy ride so you've better start loving what you've got. 

What advice would you share for women who are struggling to feel confident?

If I had lived a life feeling insecure about how I looked and lacking in self-esteem, I know that getting through cancer would have been even more difficult— I would be living what could have been my last months with regret. Regret that I didn't enjoy, celebrate, thrive in this body that was whole and complete exactly as it was. 

Do you really want to look back and say I didn't live while I had the chance, because of a mark, some extra weight.. or because of others opinions? Take it from me, we're closer to the crypt than the cradle.. get living and loving the body you're so lucky to have. 

Elly Mayday wearing our Juliet Red set, shot by Rafael Clamente with MUA by Alyssa Lorraine

For more information on ovarian cancer, please visit Target Ovarian Cancer (UK) or OCRFA Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (US).

Valentine's Gift Guide

Whether you are a loved-up bunny or you prefer to ignore the fuss around Valentines Day, there's no fighting the holiday that's about to get everyone smoochy and doe-eyed. So we say that if you cant beat 'em, join 'em –  treat yourself or someone special with our easy Valentines Gift Guide below. Whether you are looking for something red-hot for yourself or you're stuck on sizing for that lucky, lucky partner, we have you covered. Because lush lingerie needs no excuse!

Stuck on Sizing?

Would love to surprise that special someone with a flirty little number but are unsure about sizing? Fear not as we have a selection of easy sizing options such as Audrey! Audrey comes in sizes X-Small to X-Large without the need to guess the band and cup size in the bra; with its lush strapping, lace and red colourway it is the perfect Valentines gift.

Retro Romance

Envisioning an evening of retro romance? Look no further than our ever-popular Bettie Page range, with the red corsolette & babydoll ticking all the boxes. The corsolette comes in a perfectly-themed red satin colourway, with mesh panels subtly creating a curvaceous retro shape. Pair with our fully-fashioned stockings for a perfect underpinning under that little pin-up number!

Still not confident about sizing? You can't go wrong with our babydoll set, which comes complete with matching (somewhat stretchy) knickers both in an easy UK 10 - 20 / US 6 - 16 sizing! With its flirty sheer tulle fabric and adorable pink rosette and frill detailing, your boo is sure to fall in love with this darling retro addition to their lingerie drawer.

A Naughty Night

If you are lucky enough to plan a naughty night in this Valentines, then look no further than the killer playsuit - Maya! With its lashings of strappy detailing, cheeky thong back, sumptuous lace and strategically placed peeks of the flesh, you are sure to leave them weak at the knees. There is also no need to worry about sizing as Maya comes in easy-peasy sizes of X-Small to X-Large!

Vintage Vixen

Are you a vintage vixen, or perhaps you would like to surprise your squeeze who's all about those sexy vintage vibes? You can't go wrong with our sell-out bullet bra, which has just come in stock in a sensuous, deep red colourway – perfect for the season. Available in easy Small to X-Large sizing, we can see this stand-out piece setting pulses racing either in the bedroom or as a centre-piece of an outer-wear outfit, especially if paired to perfection with our dark red French knickers. Add mesh gloves to complete the sultriest of vintage looks!

Sexy Squeeze

Loved up and want to shout it from the roof-tops? Treat yourself or your sexy bae to our Love set that is just lush perfection, and available in our full size range. With its pink satin base, red mesh and sumptuous red lace overlay, nothing says red-hot passion than Love. Pair with the matching briefs featuring sexy cut-outs, or with the kinky ouvert variety, no set is more perfect for a big reveal at the end of an evening!

Fuller Bust Fancy

Are you a fuller-bust darling, or maybe you are shopping for a fuller-bust bae? Our new fuller-bust fancy Irena is a perfect choice. The set comes in 32-38 DD-H (US K) and UK 8-18 / US 4-14, featuring red satin overlaid with delicate floral lace and thoughtful little details like stronger mesh at the back and thicker straps.

So whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a sex kitten, don't forget to show some love and appreciation this Valentines - with the Playful guide it couldn't be easier!

They'll Put Your Eye Out - The Iconic Bullet Bra

There is no denying that the fashionable ideal of a human silhouette has never stood still, as a slave to changing fashions and mores of the time, it has undergone countless drastic re-iterations over the centuries. From dramatic crinolines of the 1800s to the flat, androgynous looks of the swinging 20s, and the endless permutations and variations in between; it has constantly been moulded by the dictates of times. One of the clearest examples of this is the ever-changing and evolving shape of the bra over the last century – in particular, the dramatic bullet - or cone - bra!

While popular bra shapes have changed every decade since around the 1900s, it was innovation (both technological and creative) that gave rise to the daring experimentations of the 1950s; the decade that saw the meteoric rise of this dramatic bullet shape. But could contemporary fashion sensibility ever embrace such an exaggerated shape again as fully as it did back then?

The fun and experimental spirit that led to the creation and popularity of a bra shape of such extreme projection was in no small part due to the innovative techniques of the times, with designers competing as to who can come up with the most inventive fabrics, padding and underwiring, giving rise to some extreme structures. This was popularised by virtually every Hollywood star of the time – it’s impossible to think of Marilyn Monroe or Diana Dors and not picture them in what has now been termed the most iconic shape of the time.

The rise and rise of the bullet bra did not appear to stop at fashion, as it became iconic in numerous aspects of popular culture and imagination. It is no surprise that this outrageous and overstated bra shape coincided with the years of technological excitement. The space race fed into the imagination of popular culture, with creature features and b-movies proliferated both in sci-fi film and literature. As the technological discoveries paved the way for futuristic dreams, so they did for this aesthetic innovation in fashion.

While the everyday popularity of the bullet shape does seem to have peaked in the 50s, it by no means stayed there. Who can possibly forget the iconic, awe-inspiring costume created for Madonna by Jean-Paul Gaultier in the 90s? Or think of the revival of all things vintage and pin-up without mentioning the contemporary queen of burlesque that is Dita von Teese, who has frequently favoured theatrical and provocative lingerie, such as the cone bra?

So, can this provocative, daring – and sometimes even seen as aggressive! - bra be as popular again? We certainly think so! With the current proliferation of variety and choice of lingerie, there certainly is enough space for fashionable trends alongside retro pin-up styles that are offered by independent designers and highstreets alike. The trend of underwear-as-outerwear seems to march on unabated since it started to dominate style trends around a decade or so ago, and what better underwear to showcase to the world than the commanding cone bra. Gautier was by no means the only couture designer to embrace this audacious aesthetic – brands from Dolce & Gabbana to Atsuko Kudo bring back countless re-inventions of the bullet bra season after season, and high-street stalwarts such as John Lewis are reporting soaring sales of this shape.

Our Black Bullet Bra

In the current atmosphere of unbridled choice and endless stylistic possibility, the only thing that can limit anyone’s sense of their own panache would be their imagination. Never has there been an easier time to express one’s sense of individual self through style than now, as is evidenced by the speedy sell-out of our own tribute to the cone bra here at Playful Promises. Our popular Bettie Page Lingerie line has just restocked the much-coveted Retro Futuristic bra in classic black, and is joined by a new sumptuously sexy red colourway. Looking for a slightly more subtle shape? The softer bullet bras are also available in black, red, black & peach and teal!

As frequently noted – a T-shirt bra this is most certainly not! It creates a seriously commanding effect and is bound to turn heads, and in a world of endless possibility and choice where other, more demure options are plentifully available (and certainly have their place), why not have fun with your lingerie? And we cannot think of anything more fun than threatening to take a man’s eye out with those things ;)

Help Us Fight Ovarian Cancer

It will come as no surprise to our long-term followers as well as new fans alike that Playful Promises, a proudly feminist and ethical brand, is always on the look-out for ways we can contribute to improving the lives of women and to giving something back.

Over the next month, we will be doing just that, as we will be donating 20% of sales from selected sets (Marlene Wine, Valerie, Audrey, Love and Reina), to two large charities dedicated to fighting ovarian cancer. From 10th of January until 15th of February, the donations will be sent to OCRFA and Target Ovarian Cancer, both leading ovarian cancer charities in the US and UK respectively.

SHOP UK

SHOP US

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women, a type of cancer for which a cure is yet to be found. Each year, almost 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and more than 14,000 women will die from it worldwide. A woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is about one in 73. These are worrying statistics to be sure, but everyone can get involved to help fight this disease and raise awareness. OCRFA and Target Ovarian Cancer are just two of the large and dedicated organisations doing just that.

OCRFA, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, is the largest non-governmental funder for research and advocacy of ovarian cancer in the US, having raised close to $75million towards research and eradication of this devastating disease since 1998. The Alliance is funding top scientists and grantees in their field, who work on finding better diagnosis, more effective treatment, and eventually, a cure. This is achieved through a number of means such fighting for governmental funding – OCRFA has managed to secure about $170 million of annual funding, as well as securing its own fundraising and donation efforts by involving corporate partners, recruiting grassroots advocates and encouraging volunteering and donations. Some of their flagship programmes, such as Woman To Woman, Survivors Teaching Students, and a plethora of grass-roots volunteer schemes, ensure that women have support from the time of diagnosis through to treatment, as well as raising awareness, and encouraging participation in clinical trials.

Source: Target Ovarian Cancer

Target Ovarian Cancer is the UKs leading ovarian cancer charity, which works to further research as well as supporting 7,000 women diagnosed in the UK every year. Target Ovarian Cancer’s campaigns tackle the three biggest barriers to progress: late diagnosis, limited choice of treatments, and the isolation so often felt by women with ovarian cancer. Initiatives such as Pathfinder, and events such as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and World Ovarian Cancer Day raise awareness and fight for government-funded national campaigns and increased funding. Furthermore, research projects such as GTEOC study and Interleukin-6 regularly fund ovarian cancer specific research across the whole of the UK. It has already committed over £850,000 to several of the aforementioned projects and continues working with its reputation as an outstanding leader in this field of research. But we can always do more, and we need to do more.

Survival rates from ovarian cancer are much lower than for many other cancers, due to late diagnosis and a lack of effective treatment options. Research into new treatments lags significantly behind other cancer types, such as breast cancer, resulting in thousands of preventable deaths worldwide each year. There is definitely a long way to go - but you can help. Both charities, alongside their lobbying for government funding and corporate sponsorships, are always on a lookout for help and donations from people just like you.

We know that our fans and supporters want to contribute to ethical causes as well as being stylish, and our spotlight on this terrible disease over the next few weeks will allow you to do just that. Our lush new additions, including Marlene in wine, Valerie, Audrey, Love and Reina, will not only make fantastic additions to your lingerie and lounging wardrobes, but will help to continue funding the vital and varied work of the above charities, thus speeding up the day when a permanent cure will finally be found.

Fashion never looked this good. Or this ethical.

Make sure you keep an eye on the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and remember that it cannot be diagnosed via a smear/pap test.

NEW YEAR, NEW LINGERIE!

It's been an amazing year for Playful Promises! One which had many milestones for us as a brand; We shot with retro babe Vintage Vandalizm for our Swim Takeover. We did an Ageless Fashion campaign, featuring models in their late 60s Pam & Lina. We made our first overwire bras for our Bettie Page mini-brand. We launched Playful Promises US, shot with lingerie connoisseur Cora from The Lingerie Addict . We collaborated with plus size blogger Gabi Fresh, and shot our Bettie Page collection on the inimitable Violet Chachki (and broke the internet). To say we've been busy is an understatement! We feel incredibly accomplished and proud, but our work is never done and we're very excited for our new projects in 2018.

And with that, the new year is the perfect time to update your wardrobe and try some new styles. You don't need a total revamp - luckily, we have quite a few pieces that work amazingly to make a drab outfit, fab! The New In Peek & Beau is especially good for styling with outerwear, so take a gander at our outfit ideas to update the pieces you have already in your wardrobe for 2018.

Strap in with a harness!

A little red dress is great - simple, seductive, and can be accessorized however you want. We love the military-themed Tommy harness, and thought the red popping underneath it was the perfect accompaniment. Pair with brushed gold jewelry to match with that lace applique, and make sure to shimmy your shoulders wherever you go to get those tassels twirling!

Pretty in Punk

Bodysuits are a dream to style - just chuck on a skirt and a jacket and you're ready to go! The Margarita body is the perfect accompaniment for a night out, with it's plunging neckline and black lace. We've paired it with a tartan kilt and leather jacket to offset it's feminine charm with edgier pieces.

Modern Vintage

Our brands can be mix & matched together too! The Bettie Page Longline Overwire works perfectly as a bralet to wear outside and with a pencil skirt. Over the top we've zipped up the Kendalle Waspie to enhance that retro hourglass shape and create the illusion of an LBD.

What are your New Years resolutions?