Michella Filipowitz: A Model of Resilience and Philanthropy

Michella Filipowitz’s journey from the fashion runways of Paris to co-founding the DR Family Foundation is a story of embracing life’s unexpected paths. Starting her modeling career at just 15, Michella quickly learned the importance of resilience. Her experience in the fashion world shaped her ability to adapt and overcome challenges, especially when she became a single mother to her son, Benjamin, who was later diagnosed with autism.

Her passion for both fashion and philanthropy shines through her work today. Michella, now an art dealer and co-chair of the DR Family Foundation, focuses on creating opportunities for children and families in need. With her fiancé, she is set to open a home for disadvantaged children in 2025, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.

Michella’s life is a testament to the fact that fashion is not only about beauty and style but also about strength, empathy, and making a difference in the world.

How did your experience in the fashion industry influence your approach to philanthropy?

That’s a good question. My time in the fashion industry was from a young age so there was no easily accessible resources for me back then for mental health or to even speak to someone all of the difficulties I experienced as a young model in the fashion industry. It definitely impacted me and therefore my philanthropic work is driven by my own experiences. I wish I was fortunate enough to have had the resources we can provide today back then.

How has becoming a mother shaped your view on balancing career and family life?

Becoming a mother has been the most amazing thing that has happened to me. It shifted my view on every aspect of my life. The balancing of my career and family life, I would say is with routine and patience. I am thankful for such a tight knit family that I have so much support from, as they say it takes a village.

What inspired you to start the DR Family Foundation with your fiancé?

My fiancé and I have always wanted to start our own Philanthropic Foundation. Seeing my son go through his many challenges as an autistic child and truly understanding how much support children with disabilities need, gave us the motivation to start the DR Family Foundation. Establishing your Foundation enables you to dictate where and how support is provided and seeing the direct results of this support. The inspiration was not only the children impacted by a disability, but the extended impact on and support needs of the families of these children.

In what ways do you incorporate the lessons from fashion into your philanthropic work?

There have been many lessons from the fashion world that have impacted me personally, These lessons have also been key drivers to some of the initiatives we are working on with the Family Foundation, such as mental health. The wellbeing in your mind is as important as your physical health, and that’s what I have incorporated in my work by what I saw and lived through in my very young years as a model.

What challenges did you face as a single mother raising a child with autism?

An easier question would be what challenges did I not face? But in all seriousness, finding out my son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3 came with many challenges. Thankfully I had my dedicated mother by my side as I navigated through the unchartered waters of understanding the support needs of an autistic child, including schooling, therapy, nutrition, neurology to name a few. Also, navigating the world for my son alone without a partner was challenging. To the best of my abilities, I believe I have done a good job considering all the challenges I faced.

How do you think fashion and philanthropy intersect in today’s world?

Fashion and philanthropy intersect in many powerful and useful ways. Designers, brands and even influencers drive social change through their power in the fashion world and online. Many support causes like education, healthcare and environmental sustainability, fashion also can raise awareness by partnering with non profits and other charities using runway shows etc.

What advice would you give to women balancing a career in fashion with motherhood?

Understanding that perfection isn’t always possible, for me its having a good support system such my wonderful mother and my amazing fiancée. Always give time to those who matter. The key is finding your own rhythm and not comparing your journey to others. Each womans balance will look different.

Can you tell us more about the home for children your foundation is building?

It is our aim to build a home care facility in Sydney with specialized support services dedicated to disadvantaged and underprivileged children and their families who are unable to access and in need of fundamental and critical support. This is a major undertaking that I will update on as we progress with this exciting project.

What does fashion mean to you beyond aesthetics?

Fashion beyond aesthetics is such a powerful way to express yourself. It shows who you are, what you show the world and expresses your individuality. Fashion has a social and psychological dimension. It can empower, inspire and give confidence. For me it speaks volumes without saying a word.

What are your future plans for both your fashion career and philanthropic work?

In fashion I plan to continue exploring its beauty, art and culture using my platform to highlight perspectives and voices that deserve more recognition. As for my philanthropic work I am dedicated in expanding my efforts to support children in need, specifically focusing on autism support, awareness and resources for families. I envisage creating initiatives that bridge my passions for art, fashion and philanthropy using creativity to drive social change and awareness.

Credits:
Talent: Michella Filipowitz / @PrincessMichella PR Agency: @IntriguePublications Photographer: WADED / @WadedPhoto
Stylist – Kelvin Harries / @KelvinHarries
Hair and Makeup: Susan Lilian / @SusanLilianMakeup Videographer: Angi Kim / @Angi.Kim
Studio: Lunar Studios / @Lunar.Syd
Retouching: Roma Nechaev /@neretouchev