September 19, 2025 | Sydney, Australia
Australian supermodel-turned-actress Abbey Lee is once again redefining the boundaries of fashion and film as she appears on the September 2025 cover of Vogue Australia. The captivating shoot, photographed by Dan Jackson, takes inspiration from the glamour of the 1960s and was shot on Long Island, blending vintage femininity with modern cinematic flair.
This marks Lee’s eighth appearance on the magazine’s cover and arrives at a pivotal point in her evolving career — one that now straddles the worlds of global fashion and Hollywood storytelling.
A Personal Health Journey Revealed
In the accompanying Vogue feature, Lee opens up for the first time about a chronic health battle that has deeply influenced her life and work. The Melbourne-born star, who rose to global fame under her full name Abbey Lee Kershaw, reveals that she spent much of her 20s navigating an autoimmune condition that affected her stamina and confidence during fashion’s busiest years.
Her openness marks a growing trend of transparency among public figures about wellness and resilience. Similar to Elle Macpherson, who has drawn both praise and skepticism for discussing alternative health regimens, Lee’s story reflects a shift toward more authentic celebrity narratives.
Health experts have responded positively to the conversation. Dr. Emily Zhang, an oncologist at Stamford Health, noted that “discussions like this can help destigmatize health struggles in the entertainment industry — as long as they remain rooted in medically sound advice.” She pointed out that evidence-based treatments for early-stage cancers, such as chemotherapy, maintain a 50–70% efficacy rate according to the Journal of Clinical Oncology (2023), reinforcing the importance of scientific literacy in health advocacy.
Black Rabbit: A Thrilling New Chapter
Abbey Lee’s interview coincides with the release of Netflix’s new series Black Rabbit, in which she stars alongside Jason Bateman, who also directs the first two episodes. Written by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, the drama explores the chaotic lives of two brothers who manage a Manhattan nightclub while confronting family secrets and self-destruction.
Lee’s role, described by Vogue as her “most vulnerable yet,” represents a significant departure from the high-gloss characters she’s played before. Critics who previewed the first episodes have praised her “quiet intensity and disarming realism.” The series’ score, featuring original tracks by The Strokes’ guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., adds an indie edge that complements its nocturnal, emotionally charged setting.
In interviews, Lee expressed gratitude for the chance to bring her personal experience of struggle and resilience into the role. “Acting gives me a place to channel the messiness of life,” she told Vogue. “You can’t fake vulnerability — the audience knows.”
Fashion Meets Nostalgia
Stylistically, the September issue of Vogue Australia serves as a bold counterpoint to the minimalist aesthetic dominating global runways. The creative team, led by Editor-in-Chief Christine Centenera, curated a series of looks reminiscent of 1960s icons like Jane Birkin and Marianne Faithfull, blending mod silhouettes with bright hues and sculptural accessories.
The shoot comes amid a wider fashion movement that embraces nostalgia and texture. According to the Business of Fashion (2024) trend report, global search interest in “vintage maximalism” increased by 47% year over year, signaling a cultural hunger for bold self-expression after a decade of pared-down minimalism.
Design houses such as Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Zimmermann have also revisited retro tailoring and metallic fabrics, echoing the same energy captured in Lee’s editorial spread.
Fashion critic Anika Devlin commented in The Guardian Australia that “Abbey Lee’s Vogue cover is more than a fashion statement — it’s a cultural mirror reflecting where femininity and rebellion intersect in 2025.”
Cultural Impact and Industry Response
The timing of Abbey Lee’s resurgence is notable. After years of conversations about body image, wellness, and representation in fashion, her latest appearance signals a new era of holistic storytelling — one that values emotional depth alongside aesthetic perfection.
According to data from the Australian Fashion Council (2025), engagement rates for editorial campaigns that highlight authentic personal narratives have risen 62% since 2022. Experts attribute this to Gen Z and Millennial audiences demanding transparency and purpose in celebrity branding.
Media researcher Dr. Carla Ng, from the University of Melbourne, notes: “Abbey Lee’s openness about her health isn’t just a personal revelation — it’s a strategic cultural moment. It humanizes glamour in an era where audiences crave honesty.”
Case Study: The Power of Authenticity in Media
A case study conducted by Deloitte Digital Australia (2025) found that campaigns featuring real personal stories — rather than stylized perfection — generate three times more audience retention across digital platforms. The Abbey Lee cover aligns with this insight, balancing aspirational imagery with human vulnerability.
By blending nostalgia, fashion innovation, and emotional depth, Vogue Australia successfully transforms what could have been another glossy spread into a multi-dimensional narrative — one that resonates with contemporary audiences navigating identity and self-care.
Expert Summary
Abbey Lee’s transition from model to actress mirrors the evolution of modern celebrity — where success is not only measured by aesthetics but also by authentic communication and personal integrity. Her willingness to discuss health and vulnerability within the polished pages of Vogue bridges the gap between glamour and humanity.
The September 2025 issue stands as a reminder that fashion journalism, when executed thoughtfully, can shape cultural dialogue, not just style trends.
