At Fiibers Fabric, we are deeply committed to sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the exciting feature on our founder, Corinea L. Austin, in a recent article by *YKK Americas*. In the piece titled *“Designer Corinea ‘Coco’ Austin is Making the Sustainable Fashion Space More Inclusive for BIPOC, One Fabric at a Time,”* Corinea’s groundbreaking work in the sustainable fashion world is celebrated, shining a light on her efforts to bring diversity and accessibility into an industry that has long been dominated by a narrow, often exclusionary standard.
A Vision for Inclusive, Sustainable Fashion
Corinea’s passion for sustainability goes beyond eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. She’s on a mission to change the way the fashion industry thinks about inclusivity—especially for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. Through her company, Fiibers Fabric, Corinea is creating opportunities for people of color to not only learn about sustainable fashion but to also actively participate in its evolution.
As the article highlights, the sustainable fashion industry has often been criticized for lacking diversity. Too often, its focus has been on a predominantly white, Western-centric viewpoint. Corinea is challenging that status quo by providing a platform for BIPOC voices, stories, and creativity to thrive within the sustainable fashion space.
“Fashion should reflect all of us, not just one group,” Corinea says in the article. “For so long, communities of color have been left out of the conversation, despite the fact that we’ve been at the forefront of innovation in fashion for centuries. At Fiibers Fabric, we’re creating a space where everyone can see themselves reflected in the sustainability movement.
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"Breaking Barriers with Every Stitch
Corinea’s work with Fiibers Fabric is not just about sustainability in the traditional sense—it's about *sustainable access*. Whether it’s through teaching workshops, offering resources, or collaborating with other designers and artisans, Fiibers Fabric is empowering people, especially those in underserved communities, to take part in shaping the future of fashion. Corinea’s dedication to education and inclusion ensures that the tools for creating sustainable fashion are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
One of the standout initiatives mentioned in the *YKK Americas* article is the creation of “Sewing Zines” and hands-on projects like the mini tie-dye kits and scrap fabric packs that Fiibers Fabric offered at the *Overheated* event. These activations were designed to make sewing and upcycling accessible, providing people with the knowledge and materials to create their own sustainable pieces from home.
Sustainability Beyond the Fabric
In addition to her work with Fiibers Fabric, Corinea is actively involved in a variety of efforts that amplify BIPOC voices in the sustainability movement. Whether speaking at panels, collaborating with other changemakers, or mentoring the next generation of designers, Corinea’s work exemplifies her belief that sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s also about creating a more inclusive, equitable world.
As she shares in the *YKK Americas* article: “Sustainable fashion is about making choices that respect both people and the planet. We can’t truly have a sustainable future unless we address the social and cultural impacts of fashion as well.”
Celebrating Corinea’s Leadership
We’re incredibly proud of Corinea’s leadership in the sustainable fashion space, and we’re excited to see how her work continues to inspire others to join the movement. Whether you're looking to dive into sewing, explore sustainable fabrics, or learn more about the cultural and social aspects of fashion, Fiibers Fabric is here to guide you.
Corinea’s vision is clear: Fashion is for everyone. And with the work she’s doing at Fiibers Fabric, she’s making sure the sustainable fashion space becomes more inclusive—one stitch at a time.
To read more about Corinea’s impactful work and her journey in sustainable fashion, check out the full article from *YKK Americas*