The renowned photo studio L’Atelier XVe in Vence offers breast cancer patients and survivors a path to celebrating their resilience and rediscovering body positivity.

Breast cancer patients and survivors face not only the physical impacts of their diagnosis and treatment but also profound emotional and psychological challenges. Changes in body image, surgical scars, and a transformed sense of identity are common hurdles. In response to this, Julie Proietto and Yan Mattio, owner-artists of Vence-based L’Atelier XVe, have launched a unique campaign to help women* regain their confidence, self-esteem, and self-love. In collaboration with the charity organisation SOS Cancer du Sein  and to honour the global Pink October movement, the studio provides something deeply intimate: the gift of emotional healing through photography.

Concerned women could apply, and 16 were selected, for a free photo shoot on the first weekend of Octobre Rose. “This cause is close to our hearts because, like many people, our family has been affected. It seemed only natural for us to offer a moment of escape and self-reconnection to these courageous women,” says Yan, the photographer. And his wife Julie, a stylist and makeup artist, adds, “It’s like a new beginning, as they see themselves in the mirror with a renewed image, learning to reintegrate with their bodies and love themselves once again.” The unique experience is rounded out by poet and slam artist Carole Proietto  who captures the personal histories of patients and survivors in words, and who also teaches creative expression.

Julie Proietto and Yan Mattio

Reclaiming Body Image Through Art

L’Atelier XVe’s artistic mission has always been to serve as a place where art and deeply personal experiences meet… a sanctuary for self-expression, personal transformation, and celebration of life that allows clients to transcend time and connect with their inner beauty. Here, you can be a medieval princess, a Viking warrior, or a Fine Art model – all while remaining yourself.

This artistic calling is echoed in the studio’s Pink October campaign. These sessions go beyond the usual glamour or boudoir photography; they are a statement. Focusing on the woman’s individual personality and experience, they celebrate not just survival but also honour the journey. And they teach the model that with the right approach, even a scar becomes a beautiful landmark on the topography of their body.

Sessions are personalized, encouraging the participants’ active involvement. From choosing their wardrobe to deciding on the artistic direction of the session, they are in control of how they are represented. Whether they want to celebrate their scars, their triumph, or their beauty in whatever stage they are in their health journey, the photographs serve as a timeless reminder of their resilience. This initiative highlights the power of art as a form of therapy, helping to bridge the gap between illness and identity. Survivors leave with more than just beautiful photographs; they gain a sense of closure and renewal, seeing themselves not as victims of a disease but as strong individuals who have survived.

L’Atelier XVe’s signature style is deeply rooted in Renaissance art, which emphasizes grace, dignity, and strength. These elements are especially poignant when applied to the studio’s breast cancer survivor portraits. The rich lighting and historic backdrops imbue each photograph with a sense of timelessness, helping survivors feel like the empowered heroines of their own stories. The studio’s location in the heart of Vence also adds to the sense of serenity and reflection. Surrounded by centuries-old architecture and rich cultural history, the environment provides an escape from everyday life, helping survivors feel like they are part of something greater than themselves. Expats or visitors to the region don’t have to be shy to push the door: Julie also speaks fluent English, having lived in Canada.

A Broader Mission of Awareness and Support

L’Atelier XVe’s participation in Octobre Rose goes far beyond these photo shoots. As part of the Pink October movement, which aims to spark conversations around breast cancer and promote early diagnosis, the studio also collaborates with local breast cancer organizations and charities to support fundraising efforts for research and services to women currently undergoing treatment. And it mobilizes other businesses in town. “Many shops in Vence rallied to the cause and donated magnificent gifts. We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to them, as it’s also thanks to them that the women left with smiles on their faces,” says Yan. For a list of participating companies, scroll down here .

Breast Cancer: A Closer Look

Breast cancer affects millions worldwide, with the burden particularly heavy on women, but also impacting men. Over the past decade, both France and the global community have seen significant numbers of new cases. According to 2023 data, around 58,500 new breast cancer diagnoses occurred in France alone, and globally the annual new case load is in the millions (2022: an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths.) Breast cancer incidence increases with age, but younger people are not immune. In France, a significant portion of cases is diagnosed in women aged 50 and older, yet about 20% of cases occur in women under 50. Globally, around 9% of all new cases occur in women younger than 45 years old, with the average age of diagnosis being around 62 years. Notably, men can also be afflicted by tumours of the breast tissue, making it a lesser-known, but significant, issue which is often overlooked.

By featuring breast cancer survivors in their stunning and powerful portraits, L’Atelier XVe helps to humanize the statistics, showing that behind each number is a person with a story of courage and resilience.

CONTACT
L’Atelier XVe
6 rue de l’Évêché – 06140 Vence
Tel. +33 (0)9 83 05 00 42
Email: contact@latelier-xv.fr

All photos © and courtesy of L’Atelier XVe