A former supermodel who beat breast cancer has bravely revealed the results of her double-mastectomy in a powerful topless photo shoot.
Claire Farwell, 45, who spent most of the 1980s modelling with Naomi Campbell in Paris, decided it was time to stop hiding her post-surgery figure and start being proud of it.
In 2014, Claire contacted fashion photographer Byron Atienza and posed for series of arresting black and white photographs celebrating her new body.
And it’s just as powerful today as it was three years ago…
“I realised I did not for one second feel any less of a woman from having my breasts taken away,” Claire says. “I feel even more of a woman today than ever!”
“I don’t look (at the photos) and say, ‘I wish I had a nipple’. I don’t have nipples and I’ve got used to looking like a Barbie doll.”
Claire was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2009 when she was 40. Photography by Byron Atienza (Warning: Some of Claire’s pictures are confronting).
Claire had both breasts removed in February 2010 and had reconstruction surgery two months later. She chose not to have the extra surgery to rebuild her nipples. Photography by Byron Atienza.
“I feel so positive today. If I’d waited a year to get the mastectomy, I’d probably be dead. Photography by Byron Atienza.
Claire wanted to show she is proud of her new body. Photography by Byron Atienza.
Claire in her modelling heyday.
Claire and her husband Gus have two young daughters.
Claire was one of Britain’s most successful models in the 1980s.
