At Brodie, we’re passionate about clothing that goes beyond trends. We create pieces that feel good, last and empower. So, when we partnered with fashion influencer Isabelle Handley Allen (@belle.so.chic) to promote our Summer Collection, we knew we were working with someone whose story was as compelling as her effortless elegant style.
Isabelle has built a following of over 325,000 on Instagram by sharing her love for timeless, wearable and elegant fashion. But what many people don’t see at first glance is her journey with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) a chronic illness that left her completely bedridden for years.
Between 2015 and 2018, Isabelle’s life changed dramatically. In her own words:
"I went from having a life, a job and independence to being unable to walk, eat or speak. I couldn’t take myself to the loo or get out of bed. I relied on my family for everything."
Isabelle lived with severe ME, a debilitating condition that can include chronic pain, extreme fatigue, noise and light sensitivity, and cognitive impairment. For Isabelle, the worst part was the constant pain, made worse by how little support or understanding there was available.
For many living with ME, an illness that affects hundreds of thousands in the UK, the journey is marked by invisibility and misunderstanding. Around 25 percent of ME sufferers will experience the illness in its most severe form, yet awareness and medical support remain limited.
At the beginning of 2019, Isabelle was admitted to hospital where she genuinely expected to die. However, thanks to what she calls luck, sheer determination, and a combination of medication, doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists, she walked out of that hospital 13 months later. It was a slow and painful recovery, but, she says, worth every moment to be able to live her life again.
Today, she’s a thriving influencer, using her platform not just for fashion but also to raise awareness about chronic illness and break down the stigma surrounding it.
Our summer collection pieces are all about versatility, comfort and style. That’s why collaborating with Isabelle felt right. Her curated edit reflects what we design for, clothes that are easy to wear, feel soft on the skin, empower as well as being effortlessly stylish.
May is officially recognised as ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) Awareness Month. To learn more about ME, its impact on people's lives, and how you can offer support, please visit https://meassociation.org.uk/me-awareness-week/ and help raise awareness for this important cause.
Brodie x Belle So Chic Summer Edit:
Follow Isabelle on Instagram @belle.so.chic
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