Q&A: Ebon
☆ By Saachi Gupta ☆
IT WAS ONLY IN HIGH SCHOOL that New York-based creative Ebon began to feel more comfortable with his identity, and started experimenting more with style and fashion. Since then, he has grown a lot to say the least. Over the years, Ebon has managed to become the queer, black inspirational figure that he always needed when he was a child.
Representation has always been as important to Ebon as expanding his knowledge to help marginalized communities. It is these factors that inspire him to use his voice and stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice.
Read on to find out more about Ebon's journey with style, what representation means to him and how he feels brands should be responding to the Black Lives Matter Movement.
*Please note Ebon uses she/her and he/him pronouns.
LUNA: First things first, how are you? How are you taking care of yourself these days?
EBON: In all honesty, I feel very inspired right now! With everything going on in the world it’s hard to not seek any kind of happiness in the small things. I’ve been really surrounding myself with a community of friends that allow me to be self-expressive and that always counts for something. I guess you could say I’m taking care of myself by being as self-aware as I possibly could. I’m a gender-fluid, black, queer person who knows that if I’m not aware of current events and who I surround myself with, it could get very dangerous. so that’s my definition of self-care! Awareness.
LUNA: When did your journey with your style and fashion begin?
EBON: I think my journey with style and fashion began when I started to get more comfortable with my sexuality in high school. I don’t look back on that journey a lot because it wasn’t the best (style wise lol), but that was the start of everything.
LUNA: I love that you play around with such a variety of colors with your looks. What inspires you visually/style-wise lately?
EBON: I’ve been reading a book called Club Kids by Walt Paper and it has inspired my recent spike of color. I also realized that trying new clothes and going outside of the common black boost my overall mood! I definitely wasn’t as colorful as I am now a few months back, but my style genuinely does change often and right now color is my go to if I can help it.
LUNA: What does representation mean to you?
EBON: Representation to me simply means that all marginalized groups of individuals are represented. In my personal line of work, representation is including black trans women and black femme’s into your PR packages and editorial work. Including the people who don’t fit that narrative of beauty, into that specific narrative of beauty.
LUNA: How do you feel you have grown in the past few years?
EBON: I’ve grown so much in not only style but also just personal growth! It’s a bit odd to look back on because I truly feel like my growth is influenced by the people who I allow into my space. I know my high school years were a bit dark because of the people that I let influence me, but as I grow up and come to terms with current times I realize that I’m so much happier because I have people who encourage that.
LUNA: What role are you trying to play in the development of the creative community?
EBON: The role that I am playing in the development of the community is contributing to the comfort of black and brown bodies in the creative scene. My only role is to make sure that people like me feel seen and validated in a market that doesn’t necessarily consider them first. My line of interest is fashion and with that being said, it’s not hard to look back and notice that black people created many trends but rarely get credited. Not to mention also being queer, the lgbtq+ community has give so much energy to creating content. So my only role is to create for myself and others like me!
LUNA: How would you like more brands/companies etc to respond in response to the Black Lives Matter movement?
EBON: Well for starters, I would love to see action outside of social media. I would also love to see acknowledgment of black transgender people who have lost their lives due to police violence. Cis black people are not the only people who exist and without the acknowledgment of ALL black people, the ally-ship is unnecessary.
LUNA: Why is it important for you to use your platform and voice for current events?
EBON: It’s important for me to speak on topics that affect me on a personal level because I know someone else will be affected and value what I’m saying. I try to surround myself with people who have the same interests and values so that isn’t usually hard but I like to stay true to my own morals and always say how I feel regardless of who’s around to appreciate it. I would like to think that there’s someone in the world who cares just as much as I do about all the things I do care about.
LUNA: I know a lot is up in the air these days, but do you have any upcoming goals or plans you'd like to share? Any intentions you'd like to speak out into existence?
EBON: I plan on expanding my knowledge with ways to help my community! As I think everyone should. As quarantine does lift, I do want to continue to work with brands and insert myself in places that my peers and I deserve to be in. Recently a few of my friends all got separate studios that we’ve been creating a lot of work and beautiful memories in, so the goal is to keep the ball rolling and give as much content as our angel queer bodies can. I hope that we continue to peak and the world notices that black and brown people have been at the forefront and don’t plan on moving anytime soon.
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Listen
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From Pavietra 🕊️ https://t.co/BXVgWlZud8 -
slowthai by Rosie Matheson 🤩 https://t.co/z7SDfFQ5iF
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RT @i_D: Ian Kenneth Bird photographs young punks on Polaroid: https://t.co/MKT0tMUqO9 https://t.co/a0tTl12ML5
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RT @AnOtherMagazine: #DreamHome – this isolated idyll in the mountains of Lanzarote 🌵 📸 via Nowness, photography by Clemence Blr 🔁 https://t.co/GUusdxD0cg