How Melbourne content creator Ebony Binion stays true to her original style in the digital age

“Personal style means dressing in a way that serves you and makes you feel good, no matter what that looks like.”

As anyone who has ever looked back at photos of themself in high school is acutely aware, personal style is a journey, not a destination. As we move through life and the culture around us evolves, our style gradually changes as well.

Melbourne content creator Ebony Binion has always been a fashion obsessive. From going viral dancing to Bhad Bhabie in a fuzzy hat and a halter top to becoming a beloved Australian TikToker, her style journey has come a long way. Although there are a few items that have stood the test of time: long skirts, kitschy graphic tees and a pair of adidas Superstars.

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Since its inception almost a century ago, adidas seeped into all aspects of fashion, from the courts to the streets. Born for basketball and embraced by hip-hop and street culture, the Superstars are not just an iconic pair of shoes, but a source of inspiration for unending creativity. For Ebony, they’re a wardrobe staple, whether styled with feminine frills or a classic sporty look. 

Last month, we caught up with Ebony in Fitzroy and captured her in outfits that feel quintessentially true to her sense of personal style. Accompanied by her Superstars (as well as adidas’ Sambas and Gazelles), she shares her biggest fears, the garments she’s constantly stealing from her housemates, the driving forces behind her current style and how her identity has changed over time. 

What was your relationship with fashion like growing up?

Growing up I LOVED to play dress-ups and create the most outrageous outfits that I’d wear anywhere and everywhere. I always had a big passion for expressing myself through fashion and loved to have as much fun with it as I could. Through my teen years, I definitely shied away from being too out there with my fashion, but I’m so glad that as I’ve gotten older, that spark I had as a child has come back. Once again, I like to be playful with my style.

How’d you describe your style now?

I find it hard to put personal style into words because, at least for me, it’s ever-changing. Putting labels on it makes me feel as though I need to stick to them! I’d say currently my style is an eclectic mix of super pretty dainty pieces mixed with fun statement pieces and good neutral basics. I love mixing different vibes and aesthetics together to make my outfits more interesting and having fun with colour and accessories.

What does personal style mean to you?

Personal style, to me, is a way to feel more comfortable in my own skin and help me express what’s within me. One of my biggest fears is honestly losing all of my wardrobe because it would truly feel like a stripping of my identity to no longer have access to the pieces that make me feel like myself! [Personal style] means dressing in a way that serves you and makes you feel good, no matter what that looks like.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Honestly everywhere but I have to say, above all, I get inspired by the beautiful people I surround myself with. My housemates [and] besties Megan, Bella, Michelle and Tanya all have such amazing and unique styles and I’m constantly stealing ideas from them to recreate with my own wardrobe, or nicking my fave pieces from their closets to switch things up, which is always fun! 

I’d be nothing without our communal sharehouse wardrobe – my outfits are always levelled up with Megan’s gorgeous vintage coquette pieces, Bella’s iconic slogan tees, Tanya’s stunning designer collection and Shelly’s fun colourful statement pieces! It’s so amazing to have friends now as an adult who love fashion as much as I do and we can share the love together.

How did your social media career start?

Well as some may know, I had a pretty random jump into a social media career through my Gucci flip flops era, where I would film myself dancing on the street [and] just being silly out with my friends. For some reason, it blew up? That was honestly where it all began. After I gained a small following, I just kept posting the usual videos I would on my TikTok and it just grew from there into something really awesome!

What’s your ultimate ‘you’ outfit?

This is really hard because I don’t like to put myself in a box and this answer really does change every day. I’d say right now my most ‘me’ outfit would probably consist of a pretty midi skirt – it could be patterned, maybe tartan – with my classic adidas Superstars that I wear every day because they always make me feel cool and a cute top that makes me feel good.

Then, bows everywhere to accessorise [as well as] all my favourite jewellery staples, and of course, a cute bag that matches. Recently, [I’ve] love[d] to mix sporty and dainty pieces to create a cool contrast in my ‘fits and make it more interesting.

How do you stay true to yourself in the online age?

This is something that can be challenging for me, but the most important thing I’ve learned is to stay present out in the real world and take breaks if social media becomes too consuming. I’ve had so many breaks from my socials because sometimes I get too sucked into the online world.

In those moments it’s important for me to spend time with the people I love and remind myself that I have a whole life outside of my image on social media. [I] remember that it’s only showcasing snippets of mine and everyone else’s lives. 

adidas Originals champions creativity, find out more here.