One-handed model in bra becomes overnight sensation

A one-handed model who posed in a bra for a charity ad campaign has become a European sensation.

The 35-year-old graphic designer has been swamped with requests for interviews from around Europe after appearing in a print ad for CAP48, a nonprofit organization that highlights disability issues in France and Belgium, Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper reported.

Tanja Kiewitz, who was born with her left arm ending just below her elbow, is featured wearing a low-cut black bra, with a tagline that translates from French as: “Look me in the eyes … I said the eyes.”

“They see that I am above all a woman and can be beautiful and sexy, and that disability is secondary,” Kiewitz said. “I wanted people to confront the ambiguity of beauty and disability.”

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It seems the campaign has had the desired effect, capturing the attention of people around the continent.

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“There’s been a huge reaction,” Kiewitz told the GlobalPost. “I’ve been besieged on Facebook. Mostly the reactions have been great, really positive feedback.

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“I’ve got journalists from around the world calling,” she added. "It’s been a bit crazy.”

In addition to bringing recognition to the disability campaign, the ad has also made an impact on the charity’s coffers. CAP48 has raised more than 4 million euros — the equivalent of more than $5.5 million — from an annual telethon, 10 percent more than the previous year, the U.K. Daily News reported.

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