From Warner BrosBorn in Newcastle, a small city on the coast of New South Wales, Australia, model, actress and activist CHARLEE FRASER (Mary Jabasa) knew little of the fashion industry when she was suddenly thrust into the global fashion scene. After being scouted at the age of 18, Charlee quickly joined IMG and became a rising star in Australia, before a breakout season at the Fall/Winter 2016 shows that cemented her place as an international star.
Fraser’s ‘star is born’ moment came when the iconic hairstylist Guido Palau chopped her long tresses into a chic bob right before she hit the Alexander Wang runway at New York Fashion Week. Charlee was immediately dubbed the “new face to know” by American Vogue and caught the eye of top casting directors. That season she walked 40 shows, including Prada, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy and Celine. A proud Awabakal woman, Charlee’s success doubled as a historic moment in fashion—she was the first Indigenous Australian model to work with the international fashion houses.
In 2020, Charlee moved from New York City back to Australia, where she became the ambassador for First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), a not-for-profit organization that aims to build an ecology of Indigenous artists and talent within the fashion industry. In December of 2020, she helped lead and produce the ‘Walking in Two Worlds’ program, in which she mentored up-and-coming Indigenous models from community, and in 2022 she accepted a role on FNFD’s board of directors. Charlee also founded the sustainability campaign NOT JUST TRENDING, unveiling the project at Australian Fashion Week in 2021. Defined by her passion for ethically sourced and produced fashion and beauty, Charlee parlayed the success of NOT JUST TRENDING into a much-downloaded sustainability guide.
In 2023, Charlee turned her eye toward acting for the first time, quickly winning significant roles in two major film productions. The first, in “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” due for release in May 2024. The second, Sony’s romantic comedy “Anyone But You,” which was released in cinemas 26 December 2023.
Charlee is also co-founder of Clearly Music, Arts & Wellness Festival, a unique annual event focusing on wellness, community and inclusion held in Kiama, New South Wales. Charlee’s focus will be strategizing and implementing sustainable practices within the festival, overseeing every element of the event’s planning to push all sectors to adopt the most sustainable options available. The inaugural Clearly Festival was held on November 11, 2023, and featured acts including Xavier Rudd, Skegss and Gretta Ray. The two-day festival delivered a range of opportunities for the next generation of creatives and artists.
With a singular look, a passion for advocating for her community and a creative energy that spans from fashion to film, Charlee is a unique force in both Australia and internationally. Her star will only continue to rise.
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