Thread Lightly: Rebecca Valance On Creating A Ramadan Collection That Resonates Around The World
With bespoke beading and statement draping, the Rebecca Vallance Ramadan capsule is unveiled in Qatar
Rebecca Vallance is always on the move. Bazaar Qatar meets the Sydney-based designer in Doha, ahead of the Fashion Trust Arabia gala; with Rebecca having just landed from Australia via Dubai, ahead of her scheduled trip to London and then New York. It’s a punishing schedule that pays tribute to both her hands-on passion for her eponymous brand and the ability of her designs to resonate with a truly international audience. In short, everyone loves a Rebecca Vallance gown – and the Middle East has become a particular focal point.
“I absolutely love being in this region,” Rebecca tell us. “The atmosphere, the architecture, the way that women dress. We have made some amazing connections here and the Middle East is our biggest growth market. Harvey Nichols Riyadh was actually my first ever wholesale account over fifteen years ago, so we have really had that synergy since inception.”
What is it about her brand DNA that has so enraptured audiences here? “I think the Middle Eastern woman relates to the way we design. The collections are elegant, sophisticated, and they have the wow factor about them. The quality is also beautiful. Women here love dressing up so it’s really a perfect fit.”
That relationship is reciprocated, with Rebecca designing increasingly with the Middle Eastern aesthetic in mind. “We want to speak to that more. I’ve created a modest collection inspired by Ramadan. It’s a capsule collection of 12 gowns. They’re really beautiful – rich colour palettes, gorgeous fabrics and incredible embellishment. I’m already looking ahead to next year to see how we can continue this further.”
It’s a design ethos that has seen the brand become a staple on the red carpet and with a host of international celebrities, from Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton, to Hailey Bieber, Priyanka Chopra, Lady Gaga and members of the royal family in the UK and beyond. “There’s always a pinch me moment,” says Rebecca modestly. “Many of these women wear pieces and then become friends of the brand. We have never, ever paid a celebrity to wear the brand and I never will. It’s all about a natural affinity.”
That eclectic range of A-Listers is testament to the brand’s appeal across a broad range of demographics. “The Rebecca Vallance woman can be anyone from a 16-year-old girl
looking for her first prom dress, to a 70-year-old mother of the bride. It’s all about the aesthetic, the silhouette, and their ability to make you feel and look elevated. I like to transform women. Sometimes you have to attend an event but you just don’t feel quite yourself and then, all of a sudden, you put a dress on, and it transforms you and you feel really good about yourself. I want everyone to feel their best selves wearing the brand.”
As for how she manages the demands of motherhood, her career and a hectic travel schedule, Rebecca swears by regular facials, cutting-edge beauty products and quality time with family. “I’ve got a great support network, which I’m so grateful for. Ultimately, you’ve got to really love what you do.”
Imagery Supplied
Lead Image Credits: The Rebecca Vallance Modest Collection
From the Harper’s Bazaar Qatar Spring 2026 issue