Ink on Pink
To celebrate the launch of Ink on Pink, ghd held a stunning and emotional event at London’s LABS House which included a discussion panel from tattoo artist David Allen, ghd muse Grace Lombardo and Breast Cancer Now.
I arrived at the gorgeous location, first of all overwhelmed with happiness when the air conditioning hit me after walking in the 38-degree heat! I was greeted with a much-needed gin and tonic, with an edible strawberry straw may I add! The attention to detail was simply perfect. Pink canapes, pink syrups to add to your cocktail, each one representing a state of mind which a cancer patient may go through on their journey, a hair styling booth and a tattoo station.
This year ghd celebrates its 15th anniversary in supporting Breast Cancer charities and with our support, the goal is to raise a further £1million with the latest ‘Ink on Pink’ collection.
Once I had enjoyed a drink and admired the inspiring exhibition of the ‘Ink on Pink’ story, we gathered around to listen to the panel discussion, hosted by Nicola Moulton. We heard very moving words from the Chicago based mastectomy tattoo artist David Allen who ghd have partnered with to celebrate this momentous year. David uses his signature floral tattoo creations, to transform and build back self-esteem for women affected by breast cancer.
“The connection with ghd and this partnership makes sense. When I work with my clients, it takes time, we build back their confidence together and these incredible women open up to me. Much like that time you spend with your hairstylist, that intimacy and power of transformation is akin to one another” – David Allen
We then heard from David’s client Grace Lombardo (the latest face of the ghd pink campaign), who worked with the tattoo artist following her own breast cancer treatment. For Grace, her mastectomy tattoo has allowed her to recapture the femininity that cancer began to steal away.
We were shown an incredible documentary which featured Grace as she told her phenomenal story: “Cancer takes away more than your breasts. It takes your hair, your confidence. But my tattoo is something I decided to have, because I wanted to take back control.” This was when the tears came in thick and fast. I, and I think the rest of the guests, were captivated by David’s work.
I walked around the room admiring David’s iconic abstract floral artwork created on the stylers which evokes a fierce sense of femininity. His work is much more than a tattoo, and instead a powerful statement of self-love and returned confidence, symbolising rebirth.
