My name is Clare Turnbull. I’m a textile designer based in Edinburgh who has had skin cancer. This blog is about my journey from A (diagnosis) to B (launching a sun safe fashion brand). Over the course of the blog, I’ll tell you how it all happened and how, through the poor choice of UV protective clothing available, I was inspired to create FiftyFigs.
This picture is kind of where it all began. Here I am with my family, in the South of France, in August having just had my final round of stitches removed following surgery for melanoma. I lived in that rash vest, not because I loved it - I didn’t even like it - but because I had to. What I wanted, and still want, was normal clothing to wear in the sun. By that I mean clothing that I choose to wear rather than have to wear. I don’t want to wear anything that looks protective or prescribed by my doctor. And what I mean by ‘in the sun’ isn’t just at the pool or the beach. When the sun shines, it shines everywhere. I want to feel protected whenever I go out but still be able to wear great clothes. Why not?
So, there’s lots to do. Finding the fabric will be a challenge; it has to be UPF 50+, soft, light and draping and ethically and sustainably sourced. Yikes!
Stay tuned and tell me what you think. I’d love to hear from you.
Clare x