Depending on how badly you want to believe, Cass & Co.’s copper-infused luxury shapewear is either an anti-aging “revolution” or more pseudoscientific gobbledegook that preys on our culturally ingrained fear of aging. Derived from Cupron, a patented form of copper oxide that supposedly grants polymers antimicrobial and antiviral properties, the “Repair” collection claims not only to nip, tuck, and lift all your wobbly bits but also boost said bits’ tone and texture, staving off the hollow-cheeked, leathery fates that inevitably await us all. Wrinkle removal, you’re doing it wrong.
NEED A LIFT?
Cupron isn’t all bunk, at least not according to one of the biggest brain trusts of our time. In 2009, Gadi Borkow, the company’s chief medical scientists, received a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a Cupron breast-shield that prevents the transmission of HIV from nursing mothers to their babies. A study led by Borkow found a dramatic reduction in the number of HIV-1 isolates in infected breast milk after exposure to copper oxide—more than 98 percent, in fact.
“The ‘cosmetic fabric’ is like a firming cream in a fabric form,” says Cass & Co.
More nebulous are Cupron’s alleged powers of restoring the “look of healthy, glowing skin.” Comprising 66 percent raw copper, the material is “like a firming cream in a fabric form,” says Susan Ledyard, founder of Cass & Co., adding that it’s “clinically proven” to improve your complexion as “oxygen is drawn to the surface of skin while worn.”
There are far worse things than dropping $96 on a scoop-neck compression garment with magical regenerative abilities—whither the face mask? or neck brace?—but wouldn’t you rather spend that money on a nice facial massage? A good exfoliation always does wonders for our pores.
+ Repair
I say HELL YES!!! These items are amazing and well worth the money aside from being very comfortable. Would recommend to everyone!!
I say HELL NO!!! Aren’t there a million more environmentally friendly fabrics that are just as comfortable? Why would you want to contribute to pounding more heavy metals out of the ground when there are so many attractive alternatives? The words “conspicuous consumption” jump to mind…But mostly: it’s just LAUGHABLE. Work the crowd in a room and ask 200 people, “Shhh don’t look but hey, that girl in the corner is wearing a copper infused dress, REALLY. What do you think?” Surely most will have a hard time keeping the Margaritas from coming out of their noses: “Doesn’t she know copper is the stuff carrying electricty through the romex behind her drywall? I think she thinks she’s Wonder Woman. She’s collecting cosmic rays. NO! A she’s GIANT ANTENNA! A PENNY!!!” kyle sager helioshirt.com (If the HIV data is real I certainly would not fault that application – but anti-aging?? Whew! ri-i-i-ight)
The fibers used by Cass and Company were developed by Cupron, Inc. based in Richmond, VA. Cupron, founded over ten years ago, has developed proprietary and patented processes for manufacturing and use of highly ionic forms of copper in polymer carrier systems. Copper is an essential element for life and is needed for the body. Cupron’s technology is backed up by solid science and much clinical research.