Rebecca Donaldson is a Scottish model and entrepreneur, known for her signature minimalist style. With a degree in International Fashion Branding, she has the confidence to navigate the industry from all perspectives. Her fundraising work for Glasgow’s Children's Hospital laid the foundation for her desire to create meaningful change.

@rebeccadonaldson


Hear Rebecca’s perspective on what defines a strong woman

Why did you choose The Stockholm Shoulder as your limited-edition Icon?
The Stockholm Shoulder immediately stood out to me because it perfectly embodies the kind of bag I naturally gravitate towards. It’s timeless, effortlessly elegant and incredibly versatile. I think it’s equally suited to everyday wear or a more elevated look. The craftsmanship also felt like the ideal canvas for collaboration. It was exciting to explore subtle refinements that reflected my own style while staying true to the essence of The Stockholm Shoulder.


What drew you to collaborating with DeMellier?
A couple of reasons. First, DeMellier naturally aligns with my personal style: polished, understated, and timeless. I've admired the brand for a long time and have worn DeMellier pieces previously, so partnering with them felt like a very authentic fit. Secondly, our values are closely aligned. I really admire DeMellier’s commitment to ethical European manufacturing, female empowerment and its ‘A Bag, A Life’ initiative. Those shared values were a big part of why I wanted to partner with them on this project.


Who are the women in your life that inspire you?
Definitely my sister. She's one of the hardest-working women I know and someone I've always looked up to. She approaches everything she does with so much passion and dedication, whilst also being the most incredible mother to my niece. Watching her balance both with such grace is really inspiring. She reminds me every day that women can have it all.


What advice would you give your younger self?
I'd probably tell my younger self to trust my gut more. Even now, but especially when I was younger, I spent a lot of time worrying about the future. Deep down, I always believed I would achieve the things I set my mind to do and was capable of doing them. I've learned that your intuition is there for a reason. That feeling in your stomach, whether it's encouraging you towards something or warning you away from it, it's worth paying attention to. I’d tell my younger self to understand that feeling, trust it, and not let fear or self-doubt drown it out.

You’ve established your own voice and career, how have you done it?
I’ve always had goals that I’ve worked towards, but I’ve also learned how important it is to have people around you who genuinely believe in you and to let go of those who don’t. I think the people you surround yourself with have such an impact on your confidence, your mindset and even the choices you make. For me, it comes from staying true to who I am and just trusting the process. There have definitely been challenges along the way, but I’ve always believed that consistency, hard work and authenticity are what build a lasting career. I’m still learning about myself and discovering what makes me feel most comfortable and confident, both personally and professionally. I don’t think that journey ever really ends. I’ve learned that it’s okay to evolve.


Before fully committing to modelling, you chose to pursue a degree in International Fashion Branding. How has that foundation influenced the way you navigate your career today?
Choosing to spend four years in further education before fully committing to modelling was one of the best decisions I think I ever made. At the time, I thought I was simply working towards a degree, but looking back, it gave me so much more than that. It taught me the importance of always learning, growing and staying curious, and that mindset has shaped the way I approach my career today. Whether it’s understanding the business side of fashion, collaborating with brands or taking on new opportunities, I never feel like I’ve stopped learning. I think having that foundation has given me a broader perspective and the confidence to navigate the industry with intention.


What role does giving back play in your life and how do you hope to inspire others to create meaningful change within their own communities?
Giving back has always been something that’s important to me. Ever since I was young, I loved getting involved in charity initiatives through school, and that has stayed with me throughout my life. I think when you’re fortunate enough to be in a position to help others, it’s important to give back in whatever way you can. Glasgow Children’s Hospital has been my chosen charity for many years, but it became even more meaningful when a close friend’s son was treated there. Seeing firsthand the incredible care, compassion and support they provided to the children and their families gave me an even greater appreciation for the work they do. I hope that by supporting causes I’m passionate about, I can encourage others to do the same. Creating meaningful change doesn’t always have to come from grand gestures. Even small acts of kindness or support can make a real difference within your own community.