From Runways and Photoshoots to Overcoming the Big C: How Fashion Prepared Me for My Journey with Lymphoma
Blood Cancer Awareness Month is a global event helping to raise awareness of one of the world's most prevalent and dangerous cancers: blood cancer. September turns red each year as the spotlight is put firmly on blood cancer and the impact it has on our communities and the urgent need for more action.
As told to the co-lab
Rebecca works in fabric research and development focused on women and men’s fashion. She has 12 years of experience across six luxury fashion houses in New York and London. She has worked for renowned houses including Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, and most recently Galvan London. She also helped to launch, manage, and elevate start-up luxury labels Monse in 2015 and Casablanca Paris in 2020. Rebecca is a founding member of the Co-Lab since its inception in April of 2020.
Hello all Co-Lab Members! September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, so I’d like to share my personal story of a pivotal moment in my life.
“Illness is an opportunity for personal growth and transformation”.
Throughout all my years in the fashion industry, I could’ve never imagined how my experience in luxury fashion would help me overcome such a transformative time in my life. Even less so how the Big C would be a pivotal moment to allow me to see a better version of myself and become even more confident at work and everyday life.
I’ve been working non-stop since I was 25 when I decided to sell my car and move to New York City with no connections or formal education in fashion. I was lucky that key figures in the industry gave me an opportunity and fast-forward 12 years, I’ve now worked for renowned designers and shown my work at both New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.
I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in March 2021, a type of blood cancer. It was the very first time in my career where I took a pause; and when all the daily work stresses of preparing for a show, following up with a fabric mill, or pressuring a factory to finish a dress for the Met Gala all felt so insignificant.
With the unwavering support of my wife and our trusted network, I was led to one of the top lymphoma oncologists in the world and treatment at the Royal Marsden in London, UK. A globally renowned cancer hospital where Princess Diana used to be the President. In fact, her portrait is still hanging in the reception area for daily inspiration. My wife and I would refer to my chemo treatment as my “summer retreat”.
For me, losing my hair, a limited diet, and fear of the unknown were the toughest parts. I was very fortunate that thanks to my eye & talent, I managed to embrace my new look and styled myself with printed scarfs, large hoop earrings, and new sunglasses. Also, due to the fact I lost weight I managed to fit into old dresses that I haven’t worn since I was in my 20s, which in some strange way helped me feel better about myself.
The first time I went to my summer retreat session, I wore a casual sweater dress and no makeup. A few minutes later, some ladies showed up to their session dressed up with full makeup & shopping bags from Harrods. I took that as a sign that I was strong enough to do the treatment, and I also made sure I would come to the rest of my sessions feeling confident and stylish. The messages, flowers, and healing crystals from near and far also gave me strength to move forward each day. I felt so loved.
I am a very creative person, and I was lucky that I was able to continue to do some work from home. I also needed the distraction, so I helped support my team by managing the development of an embroidered top and skirt. It made me realise how much I genuinely love what I do and how resilient I am.
Fast-forward and on September 20, 2021, I was given the news that I have gone into complete metabolic remission. A day to remember and celebrate. From this day forward I mindfully changed my diet, began a workout routine, added daily meditation, and generally began living in the present.
I am now the healthiest I’ve ever been in my life. I now know that my illness was the universe giving me the boost I needed to see the best version of myself. I am more confident at work than ever. I don’t take anything for granted and truly embrace all the good, all the bad, and genuinely am grateful for it all.
In the end, if I managed to execute projects while also overcoming the Big C there is really nothing I cannot do. I am my own hero and am now stronger in body and mind than ever.
xx Rebecca
