For all that don’t know, I’ve been in the event planning industry for 8+ years, and was producing corporate events up until COVID when everything came to a screeching halt. Last Thursday, I was brought on as a freelancer for a private event hosted by Dior and Angeles Almuna called “Curious Conversation.” The event was a discussion and an inspiring moment for 3 women who have battled and overcome breast cancer. The event took place at the outdoor Dior Cafe in the women’s Miami Design District boutique. To paint a picture for those who have never been to the cafe, it’s like this modern, upscale modern jungle feel with life size giraffes, monkeys and elephant statues surrounding the space. It’s a great vibe and will re-open to the public on November 1, 2020.

As guests entered the event, they were handed pink masks with a breast cancer ribbon adorned to the side. Waiters were ready with champagne, pink hand bags were out for display to play into the theme and crisp white tables and lounge vignettes were carefully spaced for this intimate 15 person private event.

As we know, October is breast cancer awareness month, so it was only appropriate for some of the leading women in fashion and in the fight to end breast cancer come together for a discussion. These women are continuously dedicating their lives post cancer to spread awareness and educate men and women on signs to look out for. The women courageously sharing raw stories on how they dealt with loneliness, feeling weak, talking with their own children about what they were going through and knowing when to ask for help.

The Guest Speakers

Dressed head to toe in Dior, the line up for the night was star-studded to say the least.

The Host: Angleles Almuna (@angelesalmuna)
Angeles is a survivor, artist, visionary, stylist and founder of Fashion Strikes Cancer (@fashionstrikescancer) which benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (@bcrfcure). Angeles has partnered with the Miami Design District (@miamidesigndistrict) for the last 5 years on her non-profit and this event was a series of 5 awareness events to celebrate the 5th year of Fashion Strikes Cancer.

The Moderator: Eva Hughes (@evahughes31)
Eva’s resume is beyond impressive. She was the former CEO of Conde Nast Mexio and Latin America and was also the former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico and Latin America. Bringing 15+ years of experience, she is currently the Founder of Adira Consulting, Public Speaker, Philanthropist and Board Member of Istituto Marangoni Miami.

The Panelist: Ana Hughes-Freund (@ahughesfreund)
Sister to Eva and also having worked for Vogue Mexico as a Project Director and Beauty Director for 15 years, Ana is a survivor and philanthropist for multiple organizations.

The Panelist: Kinga Lampert (@kingabcrf)
Kinga is an avid philanthropist, survivor and co-chair of the highest rated breast cancer organization in the U.S, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, also known as BCRF. In an interview with Haute Living, Kinga proudly shares the progress that has been made in tandem to BCRF’s efforts to end breast cancer, “The overall deaths have dropped by 40 percent in the last 20 years. In the U.S. today, there are 3.5 million survivors who are thriving.”

All of the women’s stories were heard loud and clear. Their strength to power through probably the toughest time in their lives was no doubt felt throughout the room. It was such an eye-opening experience for me personally because I have never had to deal with cancer like this in my family or with anyone that I even know (thank god). It was a reminder of how lucky I am to be healthy and for the people around me as well.

My Three Take-Aways

There were three major takeaways that I took with me from this event that I believe are important to share.

The biggest takeaway I had from this discussion was the simple reminder that you know your own body best! The women spoke on how when they initially felt something was wrong, they went to the doctor and for some of them, their symptoms were labeled as hormones and they were sent home. All doctors are doing their best and I fully believe that, but if you feel in your gut that it’s more than what you are being told, there is no shame in getting a second, third or even fourth opinion. It’s a matter of life and death! In Angeles case, she was going through a lot in her life at the time and kept pushing off her mammogram. For years she pushed it off and by the time she actually went the cancer was advanced. A scary scenario to say the least that could have been avoided.

The second biggest takeaway was that men are not immune to this disease. Although the numbers are much lower, it is still possible for men to get breast cancer and so it’s important that the discussion is had. There is such a stigma around this, which is to no ones surprise since the disease is highly focused around women, but the men cannot be forgotten. Some are struggling too. I thought this was important to bring up because even though women were being celebrated at this event, the men often go forgotten and it was something that triggered me to be more aware of.

Finally what really tied the whole event together was when Anegeles and Ana Hughes-Freund spoke about how fashion and make-up were so important to them as they felt like their own self-identity were slipping away. It’s obviously very challenging to see the ones you love or to see yourself loose hair and possibly appear weaker due to chemotherapy. These women were not going to let their new appearance have an effect on them and as they looked in the mirror and didn’t see the woman they once knew, they used their strength to go get their makeup done, put on a beautiful outfit and wear an amazing head piece. As much vanity as fashion has within it, it’s moments like these when you have the ability to take back a piece of yourself through fashion and beauty and to walk out in public and feel like yourself and feel good. Fashion was able to make them feel more like themselves and give them that little bit of strength they needed to keep going. A little red lip can go a long way!

Enough of me, I want to share this incredible video of Angeles speaking at that event about her story and her organization.