Char Ellesse

Char Ellesse established herself as the founder and director of Girls Will Be Boys (GWBB), an online platform dedicated to blurring the lines between gender roles. She launched GWBB as a fashion blog with a friend in 2016, later taking full ownership in 2017 to transform it into a platform for exploring modern ideas of gender roles and amplifying stories of self-discovery and acceptance. Char’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces led to the launch of her first film, “omg shes bald,” which encouraged women worldwide to consider shaving their heads. This documentary has been screened in London, Amsterdam, and Paris.

Beyond her work with GWBB, Char Ellesse actively engages in discussions on social politics and shares her experiences as a Queer Black Woman. She utilizes her social media presence to foster open conversations around mental health topics like depression and anxiety. Her platform provides a voice for non-binary individuals, trans people, and women of color, making underrepresented groups more visible and validated. Char has participated in panel discussions, including the Louis Vuitton A/W 20 Menswear and Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY S/S 20 shows, further establishing her presence in the fashion and cultural commentary space.

Char Ellesse has collaborated with various brands on international campaigns, including The Body Shop, Weekday, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Her work often involves creative directing, as demonstrated in her role with GWBB, which was supported by Weekday. In 2021, she met Skye Lukowski Standley on Instagram, and they announced their engagement in Las Vegas in April 2022. Her work continues to emphasize community building and challenging gender stereotypes through content creation, visuals, and storytelling.