Full Breakdown
1 Granary: Advocating for the Unsung Heroes of Fashion
12/10/2025, 11:51:14 AM
Introduction to 1 Granary's Mission
1 Granary, a platform founded by Olya Kuryshchuk in 2012, has emerged as a significant advocate for the often-overlooked contributors in the fashion industry. Initially established as a student magazine at Central Saint Martins, it has evolved into a respected voice that highlights the collaborative nature of fashion design. This month, the platform introduced the 1 Granary Design Awards, aimed at recognizing not just the prominent figures but also the entire teams behind successful collections.
The 1 Granary Design Awards
The inaugural 1 Granary Design Awards feature 20 categories, with winners selected by a voting body of approximately 1,000 industry professionals, including heads of brands like Veronica Leoni from Calvin Klein. While established names like Miu Miu and Chanel received accolades, the awards also spotlighted the teams responsible for these collections, aligning with 1 Granary's ethos of collective recognition. Kuryshchuk emphasized the need for fashion to credit all contributors, stating, “Architecture does it, music does it. Fashion, weirdly, is an outlier and it should not be like this.”
Impact on the Fashion Landscape
1 Granary has gained influence through its advocacy, boasting a following of 314,000 on Instagram and a dedicated Substack readership. The platform has sparked discussions on critical issues within the industry, such as the lack of diversity in leadership roles and the impact of artificial intelligence on stylists. Kuryshchuk distinguishes 1 Granary from other critical voices in fashion, asserting that their focus is on structural issues rather than individual shaming. “We’re more of a community hub that advocates for [jobbing] designers,” she noted.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite its positive impact, 1 Granary has faced scrutiny from some quarters of the fashion establishment. Critics argue that the platform's approach may disrupt traditional hierarchies and provoke discomfort among established figures. Dal Chodha, leader of Central Saint Martins’ fashion communication course, remarked that Kuryshchuk’s efforts make some industry members “nervous in the way that union members make people nervous,” highlighting the tension between innovation and tradition in fashion.
Official Statements & Responses
Kuryshchuk has expressed her commitment to maintaining a solution-oriented approach, stating, “If a story doesn’t help move the industry forward, we leave it.” This philosophy underpins 1 Granary's mission to advocate for those behind the scenes, ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and valued.
What's Next for 1 Granary
As 1 Granary continues to grow in influence, it aims to further its advocacy for the unsung heroes of fashion. The introduction of the Design Awards marks a significant step in reshaping how the industry recognizes talent, with hopes that this initiative will inspire a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and recognition of collaborative efforts in fashion design.
