They are South Africa's "supermodels", all radiantly beautiful, all cancer survivors, with stories that made their audience weep.
Twelve women, of all ages, shapes and sizes, took part in Living Beautifully, a world-first fashion show held in Sandton this week, under the auspices of the Breast Health Foundation and the Breast Care Centre of Excellence in Parktown, Johannesburg. The show aimed to raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa, and promote awareness about breast and other forms of cancer.
They modelled outfits by the cream of South Africa's designers, specially created to show that there is life after a mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast), and debilitating chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer, said breast health specialist Dr Carol Benn, a prime mover and shaker in the event.
One by one, the women took to the ramp and told inspirational stories of fear, hope, bravery, love and triumph that left not a dry eye in the packed house.
Among the tales of courage was Nelly Ndwami, 52, of Soweto, in an ethnic creation by Pierre, who joked to her husband that she had cancer when she first felt a lump in her breast.
Ndwami did not think of medical help because she "didn't know how common this disease is among women".
When she was diagnosed with cancer last year, she was filled with a fear of death, fuelled by "ignorance of my culture".
"People with cancer were never spoken about," said Ndwami. "We only knew that they died."
Lize de Jongh, 25, youngest of the unusual supermodels, was resplendent in a porcupine quill bustier and gathered beaded skirt by Marianne Fassler. She walked around with breast cancer for three years because doctors misdiagnosed it as eczema around the nipples.
When she was diagnosed last year with Paget's disease, a form of breast cancer that can present locally around the nipples, it had spread, and she lost both breasts.
She also lost medical aid cover because of "non-disclosure of eczema as a pre-existing condition". Benn managed to arrange sponsorship for De Jongh to have treatment and reconstructive surgery.
Bev du Toit (in her 30s), in a glamorous ballgown by Simon, set about "cancer-proofing" herself after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1996. She researched nutrition, psychology and psycho-neuro immunology (the scientific study of the effects of the mind on the body).
She founded a company, Renew, last year, and is passionate about a responsible approach to wellness.
Michelle Rivera, 41, modelled a figure-hugging evening dress by Marc and Michael. The physical-education teacher breast-fed her three children, exercised regularly, did not smoke or drink alcohol, and ate an "exemplary" diet.
When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year, she thought: "Why me? Where did I go wrong?"
She had both breasts removed and then underwent reconstructive surgery that has given her "the perfect 36C shape that most women wish for".
Lella Cullingworth, of Fourways, in a power suit by Julian, had a toddler and was eight months pregnant with her second child when she discovered she had breast cancer six years ago, aged 31. Four days before giving birth, Cullingworth had one breast removed, and breast-fed her infant son with the other for nine months.
A breast reconstruction gave her "a fine pair of 34B boobs".
Shobini Trikam, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago, and said the disease had changed her life and priorities, from success in the information technology industry to her health, her husband and son.
When Trikam glided down the ramp in a gorgeous Andre Croucamp outfit, with a beaded top and a layered skirt, proudly wearing her bald head from chemotherapy like a crown, the audience gave her and the rest of the women a standing ovation.