“I am pretty,” were the affirming words uttered by Chalice Smith, 42, one of the first models with Down Syndrome to walk the runway on Saturday, 20 April during Cayman InStyle Fashion Week.
Wearing a white, sparkly wedding gown, Smith made her way down the runway, showcasing the latest collection from local fashion designer and founder of the show, Norma Ebanks.
At the end of her catwalk, with hands on hips, Smith struck a pose for the flashing cameras. Smiling, she twirled around, flipped her long tresses, grabbed her dress, and swayed her hips back down the runway.
Her confident strides also marked her first bold steps toward a more inclusive fashion industry and reimagining the standards of beauty.
“I looked gorgeous,” Smith told the Compass.
She was not the only model with the condition, which is caused by an extra chromosome. Her friend Lee Ebanks, 25, was also part of the show in which more than 100 local and international models graced the stage, representing all ages, dress sizes, races/cultures, genders, and ethnicities. The kids and teens runway show also included models representing the beauty of disabilities and visible differences.
Cutting a dapper figure and with eyes straight ahead, Lee Ebanks made his way down the runway, also in an outfit designed by Norma Ebanks. He nailed his ‘signature’ pose at the end, giving a quick tug on his suit, then sharply twirling around to head back down the runway. He also modelled for international designer, D’Marsh.
Ebanks said he felt “confident” throughout the whole experience.
Smith, who took part in a series of modelling workshops, hosted by international runway coach, Alva Page in the run-up of the show, said she was keen on nailing her walk and style.
“I listened to him, and I focused,” Smith said, adding, “It helped me, and he told me to walk good.”
Inclusiveness and diversity
Norma Ebanks told the Compass it all started with a “vision”, and it was very “intentional” to have Smith and Ebanks included in the show.
“I was backstage when they stepped onto the stage, and I broke down. For me, it’s not about the whole modelling thing… [Chalice] said to me, ‘I’ve never been so pretty in my life, and I just felt accepted.’ I said to her you’ve always been accepted. That was it for me.”
“I am proud of them. They both rocked it,” Ebanks added.
The crowd at the adult fashion show clearly agreed, as they cheered and applauded the two models.
Among the audience were family members, friends, and staff and fellow clients of the Sunrise Adult Training Centre.
‘I am so proud of him’
Joy Ebanks, Lee’s mom, told the Compass it was a proud moment for her.
“It has given him so much confidence and I am so proud of him because he didn’t practise but seems to be a natural. I am beside myself knowing that Lee had participated in such a great, beautiful event.”
She added, “It makes me feel so good to know he has done this great performance, and he did so well that the crowd was giving him high praise.”
Kimberly Voaden, director of the Sunrise Adult Training Centre, said the facility is always looking for opportunities to have its clients out in the community.
“Inclusion is being asked to sit at the table, but belonging means you’re wanted there. It’s a different thing so that’s what we want for our guys,” she told the Compass.
‘Magical moments’
Voaden, who watched the pair walk the runway, said the two are “so confident and are both such great characters”. She added they take part in the Sunrise’s in-house fashion shows throughout the year.
She said she had “no doubt that they would pull it off. We knew they would be a natural fit for the catwalk… We try to find those magical moments where they have their moment to shine.”
Voaden said she is proud to help them break into a new industry. The hope, she added, is to include more of the centre’s clients in the show next year.
Smith and Ebanks were both shown the photos taken of their catwalk moments during their interview with the Compass on Wednesday.
Each cupping their face with their hands, they shared a smile and giggle, with Smith saying, “I love it,” and Ebanks noting, “It’s gorgeous.”
Smith said she “loved” every moment of the show with her highlight seeing world-renowned fashion photographer, Nigel Barker.
“I remember him from ‘America’s Next Top Model’… I was happy to see him,” she said.
While Smith and Ebanks said they enjoyed their brief moments in the spotlight, it was only when people praised them afterwards they realised their participation had also inspired others.
And asked if they would be willing to face the bright lights of the runway again, without hesitation Smith and Ebanks both said yes.
Related Videos
