First Nations model and actor Charlee Fraser has teamed up with renowned Australian fashion designer Toni Maticevski for a unique and rewarding collaboration. With a professional relationship spanning a decade and a strong friendship, the duo has designed and created an elegant custom piece for Fraser’s appearance at the Australian premiere of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” First Nations Creative Charlee Fraser and Designer Toni Maticevski Collaborate for Charity
Following its debut on the red carpet, Fraser and Maticevski have announced that the one-of-a-kind gown will be auctioned, with 100% of the proceeds going to Fraser’s chosen charity, Bush Heritage Australia. This organization is a leading not-for-profit conservation group dedicated to protecting ecosystems and wildlife across the continent, a cause close to Fraser’s heart.
Bush Heritage Australia uses science, conservation, and right-way knowledge to achieve landscape-scale impact. They collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the agricultural sector, working across 1.4 million hectares of land on Bush Heritage Reserves and many more through partnerships. Their efforts ensure deep, sustainable, and collaborative environmental stewardship.Charlee Fraser behind the scenes wearing the Toni Matičevski gown. (Image: Luke Dumbelde)Charlee Fraser wearing the Toni Matičevski gown in a recent editorial photoshoot. (Image: Luke Dumbelde. Hair by Madison Voloshin, makeup by Isabella Schmid, styling by Dale Mckie)
Bush Heritage Australia’s chief executive Rachel Lowry expressed the organization’s gratitude for being chosen as the charity partner for this project. “The gift is incredibly generous and reflects our shared passion for conservation and sustainability. This beautiful dress will help us protect our most precious ecosystems – places that, just like the dress, are unique and irreplaceable,” she said.
Launching Repeat For Purpose
The auction of the dress marks the inaugural action of Fraser’s new philanthropic initiative, Repeat For Purpose (RFP). This ongoing initiative embodies Fraser’s core values of artistic collaboration, sustainability, and philanthropy. “Sustainability is something I hold close to my heart. It’s very near and dear to my culture. Being Indigenous Australian, the land is what gives us life. So it’s important that we live in an ecosystem that protects the land,” Fraser explained.First Nations model and actor Charlee Fraser behind the scenes with fashion designer Toni Matičevski. (Image: Luke Dumbelde)Charlee Fraser wearing the Toni Matičevski gown in a recent editorial photoshoot. (Image: Luke Dumbelde. Hair by Madison Voloshin, makeup by Isabella Schmid, styling by Dale Mckie)
A Sustainable Design
In creating the dress, both Fraser and Maticevski emphasized sustainable elements. Maticevski repurposed existing fabric stock rather than investing in new materials, aligning with the charity’s environmental focus. While Maticevski led the design process, Fraser selected the color, opting for a gown in navy, blue, or a darker hue. The fringing detail on the arm, back, and leg adds a touch of softness to the dress, contrasting with its sharp neckline and extending train for dramatic effect.
“There has to be an initial connection, an initial spark, otherwise it’s just another dress that I’ve created for a beautiful friend. It has been amazing to be in a creative space whilst also Charlee and I being able to create together, and then use that to give back to others; to intentionally choose this moment to make an impact,” Maticevski said.Charlee Fraser on the red carpet of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Australian Premiere @WarnerBrosAU. (Image: supplied)
Supporting Bush Heritage Australia
Fraser hopes the auction will significantly benefit Bush Heritage Australia. The auction will commence at 12:00 PM on Friday, June 21st, and close at 12:00 PM on Friday, June 28th (AEST), with the gown going to the highest bidder. This initiative not only highlights the intersection of fashion and philanthropy but also underscores the importance of sustainability and conservation in today’s world.
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