Sky Cubacub is the creator of Rebirth Garmentsa line of wearables for the full spectrum of gender, size and ability. The fashion line was started in 2014, when Cubacub was 23. Cubacub is now 27, but their young age is certainly no impediment on the road to success.
Cubacubwho recently described themself to Windy City Times as "a non-binary Filipinx mermex"has taken part in the Chicago's History Museum Out at CHM event, "Celebrating and Contextualizing Queer Fashion." They have also been featured in Paris Fashion Week and have been named a Windy City Times 30 under 30 honoree. Also, their designs have been featured at numerous shows.
Cubacub is also editor of Radical Visibility Zine, a magazine QueerCrip Teens based off their manifesto, as well as a leader in anti-oppression accessibility workshops.
They are spearheading the QueerCrip dress-reform movement that is based on claiming one's body using bright colors, exuberant fabrics and innovative design. They refuse to assimilate.
"I've been queer my whole life," said Cubacub. "I want to really get out there and want my message to be spread so that folks think more about disability representation and think more about queer disabled folks. The visibility helps save our lives. All together is shows people that they have a future and they're not alone. "
Cubacub refuses to use the word "handicap," as it's a label they feel was given by society.
"'Handicapped' was never chosen by disabled folks," they said. "It was a label given by society and was never chosen by disabled folks."
Cubacub uses visible and invisible disability and apparent and non-apparent disability.
"Everyone can self-identify however they want," they said.
Cubacub shared how they wrote their manifesto at the same time they were developing their clothing line. "I did a lot of research, interviewed a lot of folks with identity issues, and made sure I got their truths," said Cubacub.
Cubacub has used personal experiences and knowledge to create their designs, but also understands that people have different stories and lives. Rebirth Garments is a line for those who feel as if they don't fit in. Cubacub said they believe that being different doesn't mean a person can't be fashionable: "It is important to make sure that my experience is totally different from others. Everyone has a unique experience. I tried to make clothing based off that."
As for working here, "I love being a Chicago designer. I am a very diehard Chicago fan," said Cubacub. "I wouldn't want to work anywhere else."
Cubacub lives on the North Side, but they told Windy City Times they aren't a Cubs or White Sox fan.
"I really don't like sports," said Cubacub. They know their Chicago food, though: "I eat my hot dog with everything on it."
Returning to discussing attire, Cubacub said it is important to feel sexy and comfortable in your clothesand that's an idea behind Rebirth Garments.
When Cubacub first launched their line in 2013, they received lots of pushback for the designs focusing on queer individuals.
However, Cubacub said they stood tall and refused to conform.
"Don't let other people try to tell you what to do or who to make your clothing for," Cubacub advised. "I want people to feel really comfortable and super sexy. I feel like a lot of people don't see the power in fashion. I feel like it's extremely powerful."
To learn more about Rebirth Garments and to make purchases, visit RebirthGarments.com .