One-off Maticevski gown worn by Charlee Fraser set for charity auction

Phoebe Blogg Published June 24, 2024 at 5.00am (AWST)

fashion

First Nations model and actor Charlee Fraser behind the scenes with fashion designer Toni Matičevski. (Image: Luke Dumbelde)

First Nations creative Charlee Fraser has joined forces with Australian fashion designer Toni Maticevski for a unqiue yet rewarding collaboration.

With a long history of collaborating professionally as well as a 10-year friendship, the duo recently took their relationship to new heights, designing and creating an elegant one-off custom piece for Fraser's Australian Premiere of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

After flaunting the gown on the red carpet at the premiere, the pair have now announced the garment will be auctioned with 100 per cent of the proceeds donated to Fraser's selected charity; Bush Heritage Australia.

Bush Heritage Australia is a leading not-for-profit conservation organisation that protects ecosystems and wildlife across the continent – something of great interest to Fraser. Bush Heritage Australia use the science, conservation and right-way knowledge to deliver landscape-scale impact. They are on the ground, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the agricultural sector to make sure their impact is deep, sustainable and collaborative. They currently work across 1.4 million hectares of land on Bush Heritage Reserves and many millions more through their partnerships.

*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: Image: Luke Dumbelde. Hair* by *Madison Voloshin, makeup by Isabella Schmid, styling by Dale Mckie)*

Bush Heritage Australia chief executive Rachel Lowry said the organisation is "delighted and very humbled" to be 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.

The auctioning of the dress represents the first action of Charlee's new philanthropic initiative Repeat For Purpose (RFP). Repeat for Purpose will be an ongoing initiative that encompasses all of Charlee's core values of artistic collaboration, sustainability and philanthropy.

"Sustainability is something as well that 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," she said.

*First Nations model and actor Charlee Fraser behind the scenes with fashion designer Toni Matičevski. (Image: Luke Dumbelde)*

When it comes to the design, aesthetic and functionality of the dress, both Fraser and Maticevski ensured it featured sustainable elements. This can be seen in the way in which Maticevski repurposed and reused existing fabric stock, instead of investing in new fabric inspiring the selection journey of partnering with a charity in the sustainable space.

While Maticevski led the design process, Fraser selected the colour as she knew she wanted a gown that was either navy, blue or a darker hue. The introduction of the fringing came as an element reflecting fragility and delicacy in contrast with the sharp neckline. The fringing detail on the arm, back and leg gives this piece a softer edge. The train was extended for dramatic effect as it was designed with the red carpet in mind. These details further added to the gown's exclusivity.

"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.