Levana Bratique in Pine searching for fashion show models
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The word “Levana” (levare) means “to lift” in Latin.
For Judy Masucci, owner of Levana Bratique, that definition is both literal and figurative.
With her vast collection of brassieres, she hopes to lift the breasts — and the confidence — of the women she serves by providing them with the most comfort and support they’ve ever experienced.
Her Pine boutique sells bras in sizes ranging from 28-60 bands and A to W cups.
“Bras are my passion,” Masucci said. “We strive to change women’s lives one bra at a time.”
Masucci said 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.
Her boutique specializes in hard to find sizes with bras made from all over the world. Underwire bras, soft cup bras, sports bra, and nursing bras – which is how the company started. She expanded from the nursing bra business where she began.
“We are inclusive,” said Adrian Foy, assistant manager at Levana Bratique. “We love when we hear women say they are comfortable in a bra. We can find something in your size. The sky’s the limit. We embody teamwork here and are more than just a bra store.”
Masucci advises every woman to have a professional bra fitting regularly.
“Your body changes over the years,” Masucci said.
A perfect opportunity for that bra fitting would be to enter the boutique’s model search for women of all shapes and sizes. Entrants have to be 18 years old. They will participate in a photoshoot through the end of January and the top 12 with the most votes will be announced in February to participate in the “Embolden Your Beauty” fashion show on March 7.
“We want real women for the show,” she said. “Wearing the right bra can be life-changing.”
Proceeds from the fashion show will go to “I Support the Girls,” a non-profit in Silver Spring, Md., founded by Dana Marlowe, that has provided more than 7.2 million bras and menstrual products to women all over the world.
Masucci and her team also provide bra fittings for women in recovery, those in homeless shelters, anyone in need in Western Pennsylvania.
“Judy is amazing,” Marlowe said. “Giving back is important to her. She has provided a platform to help other Pittsburgh women in need. It’s about dignity.”
Sheila Bigelow of McCandless has recommended the store to family members and friends.
“I want to support local business, and Judy is so welcoming,” Bigelow said. “She makes buying a bra super convenient. Buying a nursing bra was so challenging for me, but she had so many options. I was like, ‘this is my place.’”
Dealing with some weight fluctuations, Krystle Grandy of Pittsburgh was thankful to find Levana Bratique.
“When I met Judy, I was uncomfortable all the time,” Grandy said. “My old Victoria’s Secret bras were so uncomfortable to wear that I had resorted to wearing sports bras everywhere. Even when I met Judy at a professional networking event, I had a sports bra on under my blouse.”
Grandy said when she put on the right size bra it was life-altering. Foy said they can find something to fit everybody because of the wide selection of inventory and if they don’t have it, they can get it.
“I’ve suffered from back pain for a while and it helped to alleviate some of my back pain, plus my bras are now the most comfortable I’ve ever owned,” Grandy said. “It’s really been amazing the way it’s slimmed and shaped the way my bust area looks too when wearing a well-fitted bra. I buy all my bras there now.”
So does Sharon Salmon of Squirrel Hill, who said Masucci and Foy took the time to talk about Salmon’s overall health.
“Shopping for bras was dreadful until I met Judy and Adrian,” Salmon said. “I felt a little self-conscious because I had gained some weight and had some apprehension. But they made me feel extremely comfortable. They were amazing.”