Miami, FL – October 1, 2019 – World Red Eye is proud to announce our new program titled WRE Gives Back, highlighting Miami’s most influential people by giving them a platform to tell their story. To kick start the program, we’re proud to honor fashion visionary, stylist, breast cancer survivor, and founder of Fashion Strikes Cancer, Angeles Almuna. Almuna is seen as one of Miami’s most fashionable, but there’s more to her underneath all the fabulous outfits. In 2015, after learning about her breast cancer diagnosis, she took to social media to share her very personal and relentless fight. In 2016, she founded Fashion Strikes Cancer, a Miami-based fundraising event that supports breast cancer research and honors cancer survivors.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we interviewed Angeles at one of her favorite stores, Miu Miu Miami Design District, to find out who Angeles Alumna really is. The 4th Annual Fashion Strikes Cancer fundraiser will take place on October 25th, 2019 at the Moore Building in Miami Design District. Click here to purchase tickets.

By Marissa Scarpulla

WRE: How did you first become interested in style and fashion? 

AA: I had a very stylish mother; she was a Spanish pianist with a fabulous personality. I looked at her so many times when she was dressing up for parties and would always play in her closet, discovering new fabrics, shoes, and accessories. I loved pretending that I was the owner of a boutique. My entire life, I also danced and studied arts, which allowed me to perform on stage wearing amazing ballerinas costumes and gowns. Fashion is a very fabulous way to express myself and a way for me to always embrace a new character; a new Angeles.

WRE: How have you maintained such a distinctive wardrobe? 

AA: I love to collect things from different places such as art, photography, and of course, vintage clothing, runway pieces, and other new items. I keep them in my little apartment, which over time has become a big “closet”. I take extra care of my pieces because each of them has a story to tell and special memories attached. I remember when, where and why I wore each of them.

WRE: You’re never seen in an outfit twice (we have the photos to prove it!) What are your favorite places to shop in Miami or online?

AA: Funny that you say that, but I love to wear pieces more than once. However, I always like to change something to make the look interesting. As far as my favorite places to shop in Miami, I love local boutiques. Knowing the owners or the managers of a store makes the shopping experience much more enjoyable because we can catch up and have fun at the same time. Other places I like to shop are ViBe Designer Consignment + EDITION, En Avance, Beach Boutique, Loewe, Miu Miu, Simonett, The House of Findings, and more. As for online, my favorites are YOOX, Moda Operandi, Zara, Shein, and The Real Real.

I decided to use social media as my best friend; a tool to battle this ugly sick illness because I needed help, companionship, love, and wanted to inspire people with my journey.

Angeles Almuna

WRE: As a breast cancer survivor, how has your journey inspired you to tell your story to the world? 

AA: I was alone and I made a mistake. I was depressed after a divorce and put off getting my mammography on time, waiting almost 2 years. When I found the first lump it was big, about 5 cm, and the doctors found another one after a metastasis. It was the worst day of my life. After learning about my diagnosis I was completely alone; no family, no partner. It was just me, my clothing, my books, and my little apartment. One day, I decided to use social media as my best friend; a tool to battle this ugly sick illness because I needed help, companionship, love, and wanted to inspire people with my journey. I said “I have the Big C…”… and if I am here now, right now, writing this answer, it’s because of YOU; my Miami magic community. The Miami community gave me a hand when I was at my worst and I can’t thank everyone enough for that.

WRE: In 2016, you helped found Fashion Strikes Cancer, a Miami-based fundraising event that supports breast cancer research and honors cancer survivors. Tell us a bit more about the foundation’s vision and purpose?

AA: I created this fundraiser to say thank you to the fashion and arts community for all the support I’ve received since I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Thankfully, we partnered with Miami Design District who opened their doors to work together to create this amazing annual benefit. Fashion Strikes Cancer aims to raise awareness and assert that women with breast cancer can still be themselves and fight this illness with dignity. Fashion Strikes Cancer provides a platform for breast cancer survivors to tell their story. 100 percent of the profits benefit BCRF.org, for breast cancer research. The first year was a huge success. I talked about my own experience: the good, the bad, and the reality of living with breast cancer while working in an environment where people always expect you to look perfect. The reality of breast cancer is that it affects women’s confidence and self-image.

WRE: On Instagram, you’re very transparent about your life. Why do you choose to be an open book? 

AA: I want to be real; I am not perfect. I’ve made many mistakes in life and want to help others do better by sharing my story. People tend to look at me sometimes and only see the surface: my clothes, my makeup, my accessories. I want people to know there is more to me than my outfits. I am a human who wants to be loved for who she is and make a difference in others’ lives.

WRE: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also marks the 4th Annual Fashion Strikes Cancer fundraiser. What are you looking forward to the most?

AA: This year’s 4th Annual Fashion Strikes Cancer will be the best year yet, with as many guests as possible! The overall message for this years event is how the fashion community can do so much more to understand the cause of this illness and let people know that they’re not alone. With everyone’s support, we can help find a cure by funding the necessary research. Research is key to finding a solution to fight and end breast cancer. Whether donating as little as $1.00 or as much as $1,000; every dollar can make a difference.