We sat down with Yoly Belizaire and Vanny Veras, both organizers at the Miami Workers Center, as well as memory workers, artists and friends based in Miami, Florida to talk about the ocean, how their first time seeing Chromat shifted something inside them, and gender affirming swimwear. 

Yoly recently modeled for our Spring/Summer 2025 collection with Anastasia Garcia, and is pictured here with friend and fellow organizer Vanny Veras. They were photographed in Miami Beach by Bex McCharen. 

What is your favorite water activity? 

"My favorite water activity is going to the beach with friends and just completely floating and surrendering to the ocean. It feels like a baptism every time." -Yoly

" My favorite water activity is going to the beach and communing with the water spirits. Just being under the moon and the stars at night and surrendering myself to the ocean is a constant rebirth I am very grateful for." -Vanny

Yoly wears the Delta X Suit and Vanny wears the Strata Suit in Cobalt

How does wearing Chromat make you feel in your body?

"Chromat makes me feel confident in my body. I feel held, supported, and the fabric feels really beautiful on my skin." -Yoly

"Chromat makes me feel so sexy and dynamic. I feel so adventurous and colorful and powerful every time I wear it." -Vanny

Yoly wears the Airdrop Top and Tourmaline Tennis Skirt, Vanny wears the Strata Suit in Cobalt

Looking back on the past 15 years of Chromat history, what is something that sticks out to you? 

Yoly: One thing I'll always remember about Chromat was seeing Mama Cax, a Haitian disabled model, wearing Chromat. She passed away [in 2019], but I remember seeing her wearing Chromat walking down New York Fashion Week. And I remember what it felt like for me. It felt like Chromat was more than just a brand, but a movement for all bodies. I remember her legacy and the fight for disability justice through Chromat.

Chromat is a movement for every body and all people. It's the people's swimwear line. 

Vanny: One thing I’ll always remember about Chromat is all the beautiful people I met through the brand and all the ways I was able to see people who are traditionally so disempowered by society be able to be bold and empowered through Chromat.

I’ll always remember how included this brand has made me and my community feel.

Yoly wears the  Airdrop Top and Cusp Tie Bottom

Yoly wears the Strata Top and Strata Bottom in Sand, Vanny wears the Strata Top and Strata Bottom in Waves

What are your thoughts on gender inclusive swimwear? 

"Gender inclusive swimwear is care, love, and it's for you and it's for me." -Yoly 

Yoly wears the Strata Top and Strata Bottom in Sand, Vanny wears the Strata Top and Strata Bottom in Waves

"Gender inclusive swimwear is a loving embrace we all deserve to experience and revel in." -Vanny

 

Chromat SS25 worn by Yoly Belizaire and Vanny Veras

Photographed by Bex McCharen

 

Shop the SS25 Collection here.