Lady Mary Charteris
Lady Mary Olivia Charteris Furze | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 23, 1987 United Kingdom |
| Occupation(s) | Model, DJ, musician, socialite |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Known for | Vocalist and keyboard player for The Big Pink |
Lady Mary Olivia Charteris Furze (born 23 April 1987) is a British model, DJ, musician, and socialite. She contributed as a vocalist and keyboard player for the English electronic rock group The Big Pink.
Early life and family
Born to James Charteris, 13th Earl of Wemyss and 9th Earl of March and the Hon. Catherine Ingrid Guinness, daughter of Jonathan Bryan Guinness, 3rd Baron Moyne, Lady Mary Olivia Charteris has an elder brother, Francis Richard (Dick) Charteris, Lord Elcho. Her maternal aunt is Daphne Guinness. Belonging to the Scottish noble Charteris lineage, her parents separated in 1988. Subsequently, her mother remarried Robert Hesketh in 1990, while her father wed Amanda Feilding in 1995. She received her education at Francis Holland School in London, where she studied classical civilisation, art, and ethics.
Modelling
Charteris embarked on her modelling career during her teenage years after being introduced to the Storm Models agency by family friend and magazine editor Isabella Blow. She has represented high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Nike, Iceberg, Philip Treacy, Markus Lupfer, Thakoon, Jason Wu, and Topshop. Her appearances include editorials in publications like Vogue, Vogue Italia, British Vogue, Vanity Fair, Love, Tatler, Glamour Spain, Elle Korea, L'Officiel, Flaunt, and Purple. Notable photographers she has worked with include Mario Testino, Terry Richardson, and Ellen Von Unwerth.
In December 2012, Charteris was chosen by Amazon UK to present their new premium women's fashion line during the launch of their online platform. Later, in September 2018, she took to the runway for Alice Temperley at the 2019 Spring-Summer edition of London Fashion Week.
Music
Charteris initiated her musical journey as a DJ, blending retro and dance tunes at various festivals, weddings, and fashion-related events. She is a regular attendee at prominent music festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella. In June 2018, she performed as a DJ during the Cartier Queen's Cup.
MPRSSS
In January 2013, she launched an electronic music venture named MPRSSS, inspired by her husband's band. The project emerged from experimenting with synthesizers and beats in his studio. The accompanying video was directed by Rob Hawkins.
The Big Pink
After beginning a relationship with Robbie Furze, her future husband, Charteris became involved with the electronic rock band The Big Pink. Initially assisting with tour merchandise sales, press relations, and stage lighting, she officially joined the group as a keyboardist and vocalist in 2016. Her debut recording with the band was the single Hightimes, featured on the EP Empire Underground, released on 4 March 2016. That year also saw her touring North America as a vocalist with the band. Together with Furze, she performs DJ sets under the names Big Pink and Big Pink Stripped Back.
Personal life
In 2012, Charteris wed rock musician Robertson "Robbie" Furze at Stanway House, the Gloucestershire estate belonging to her family. Their ceremony was attended by notable personalities including Florence Welch, Lily Allen, Poppy Delevingne, Keira Knightley, and Georgia May Jagger. The gown she wore, crafted by Pam Hogg, was subsequently displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The couple currently makes their home in Los Angeles.
Charteris is recognized for her daring style choices and maintains strong connections with celebrities such as Cara Delevingne and Rita Ora. She frequently appears at prestigious social gatherings. On 21 May 2021, she welcomed a daughter named Wilde Jessie.
In November 2022, Charteris participated in the launch of the annual Claridge’s Christmas Tree in London, an installation designed by Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo. The celebration included a mirrored art piece and a live gospel choir, with other distinguished attendees like Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath and actress Golda Rosheuvel.
By April 2023, she was present at the inauguration of Studio Frantzén’s rooftop terrace at Harrods in London, joining notable figures including Emma Thynn, Lady Clara Paget, and Julia Restoin Roitfeld.