A lingerie shop is to hold a special event promoting body confidence – with live mannequins in the shop window aiming to spark conversations around body image and self-acceptance.

Sunflowers Lingerie Boutique in Lindley will host the head-turning event in collaboration with AWWA – Accepting Who We Are.

As part of the campaign, AWWA co-founders Rachel Peru and Tina Boden will appear as live mannequins.

Alongside the window installation, the event will offer free professional bra fittings, body confidence and breast awareness conversations.

Sunflowers will also donate 10% of all sales to Cancer Research UK.

The event, which also celebrates the refurbishment of the Lidget Street shop, will take place on Friday August 7 (11am-3pm).

Research by model and body confidence advocate Rachel found that out of 200 women, almost 40% can’t remember the last time they had a bra fitting, despite the positive impact it can have on how they feel about their bodies.

Rachel said: “It’s such a simple act but a professional bra fitting can completely change how you carry yourself and how you feel about your body.”

Sunflowers is passionate about working with the local community and making bra fitting accessible for young girls in care and care leavers.

Something as simple as going for a professional bra fitting is often seen as inaccessible for some young women, but it’s something that can make a huge difference to their confidence levels.

Sunflowers will also offer an opportunity for these young women to gain retail experience working in the boutique, placing the community at the heart of its ethos.

Tina added: “We want women to feel seen, supported and accepted. This campaign is about reminding women that they deserve to feel good in their own skin – and sometimes that starts with something as everyday as a well-fitting bra.”

In October Rachel and Tina plan to launch The Big Knickers Network.

A combination of an online group and in-person events, The Big Knickers Network is for women who want to put on their metaphorical big knickers, believe in themselves, support each other and build business, life and body confidence to take on whatever comes next.

Sunflowers can be found at 46 Lidget Street, Lindley, HD3 3JP. For more information visit www.acceptingwhoweare.com

Main image by: Mary Davies