Ebonee Davis in Chromat SWIM
Ebonee Davis is our shero.
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Are there any women in your life right now that give you strength? What about them inspires you?
My mom and my friends are always a source of strength for me. My mom has been through so much— she's the embodiment of a survivor. So I look to her when I need guidance. I can always count on my friends to keep me charged and to propel me forward with their encouragement. As cliché as is sounds, my friends are the definition of “strong black women.” They're doing such a beautiful job thriving and existing freely despite the oppression they face daily.
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Your open letter to the fashion industry was a call to action to fix the systemic racism plaguing America. It felt like a major moment both in your career and also in the industry. What does it feel like to be a trailblazer in representation in the fashion industry and what has your experience been sharing your voice with the world?
I might be a trailblazer in the fashion industry, but I'm carrying a torch, a legacy that was handed down to me. It’s a responsibility. I am my ancestors' wildest dreams. Sharing my voice with the world is the most important thing to me. It’s the reason I'm living not just alive. It gives me purpose. It’s an honor, really, to be able to use my voice and have this platform.
Do you feel that the industry has progressed or evolved at all since your letter was released last summer?
I do see some change in the fashion industry, which is refreshing. We still have a way to go, but its nice to see some progress being made.
What has been your family's reaction to your accomplishments in modeling and activism?
I don’t think my family even realizes what I'm doing but they support me 100 percent. My mom and dad both just found out what a TED Talk was.
What inspired you to create Pillow Talk, your new series documenting the experiences of marginalized people from around the world?
If we share our stories, we can break down the false narratives we harbor that we have been indoctrinated with and create a space where everyone can exist freely. When we share our stories and walk in our truth, we subconsciously give others permission to do the same. Living your truth is the most powerful form of resistance against oppression.
What article of clothing or way of presenting makes you feel powerful?
I love to get sexy, which looks a bunch of different ways for me. Sometimes I feel super sexy in a pair of sweatpants, sometimes I feel sexy with a whole bunch of cleavage and side boob! When I feel sexy is also when I feel the most powerful.
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What's your favorite Chromat piece and why?
I loooooveeeeddd the dress I wore to the CFDA party in Paris! Super sexy with interesting strong elements!
Ebonee Davis and Becca McCharen at the CFDA x Vogue's Americans in Paris event
What was your experience shooting with Erez Sabag and the Chromat Team?
It was incredible! Chromat is an inclusive brand and has always pushed past the beauty standards perpetuated by our society. Erez is amazing as well and the photos are incredible!
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You mentioned in your interview with W Magazine that you are working on a book. Can you give any hints at what you might be exploring as an author?
God, self-discovery, and the power of living your truth.
If you weren't in the fashion industry, what other profession could you see yourself in?
I wanted to be a doctor growing up, so maybe something in the medical field. I've always had a deep desire to help people any way that I could!
