The 1 Granary Design Awards: Honoring Unsung Heroes of Fashion
Last month’s Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall saw prominent figures like Jonathan Anderson, who was awarded Designer of the Year for his work at both his eponymous label and Dior. Anok Yai earned the title of Model of the Year, while Delphine Arnault, CEO of Dior, received special recognition for her efforts in nurturing new talent through the LVMH Prize. This event celebrated the stalwarts of the fashion world.
Despite the accolades, critiques surfaced regarding the British Fashion Council’s new CEO, Laura Weir, with the anonymous Instagram account boringnotcom labeling the winners as “the same names rotated… how utterly boring.” This sentiment highlights a growing desire for change within the industry.
A Shift Towards Collective Recognition
In response to the prevailing criticism, a groundbreaking award initiative is emerging. The 1 Granary Design Awards, managed by the platform 1 Granary, aims to spotlight not only the leading names but also the entire creative teams behind fashion’s renowned collections. For each recipient, the complete team—from junior designers to creative directors—will be acknowledged in an effort to celebrate collaboration in the fashion industry.
The initiative is rooted in the belief that fashion should be celebrated collectively rather than focusing solely on a singular figure. As Anderson articulated in his acceptance speech, “I am only the show girl up here. There’s an entire team … I can’t do it without them.”
Celebrating Designer Collaborations
The 1 Granary Design Awards feature 20 distinct categories, with winners selected by peers within the industry, including leading designers from major brands such as Calvin Klein and Dries Van Noten. Approximately 1,000 votes were cast, ensuring a diverse and representative outcome. Noteworthy brands like Miu Miu and Chanel triumphed, with Miu Miu snagging four awards, including Best Womenswear Collection, now attributed to the teams behind these influential works.
Founded on Advocacy and Community
Established in 2012 by Olya Kuryshchuk as a student magazine, 1 Granary has evolved into an influential voice advocating for those often overlooked in the fashion discourse. The platform strives to address workplace issues and provide support to emerging talent across numerous universities and organizations globally. Kuryshchuk emphasizes the mission: “We just want to follow a very simple principle, to credit the people who create the work.”
Tackling Industry Challenges
1 Granary has gained traction in addressing various challenges faced by the fashion industry, from the implications of AI on creative roles to financial dealings with brands. Their persistence in illuminating issues has positioned them to influence a cultural shift towards accountability and recognition for all contributors within fashion houses.
Building a Fearless Future
As fashion continues to evolve, Kuryshchuk aims to harness the collective strength of design teams. By advocating for those who create behind the scenes, she encourages a movement away from glorifying singular figures in favor of acknowledging the collaborative spirit of fashion. With her eye on the future, Kuryshchuk is redefining what it means to succeed in an industry often marked by exclusivity.
The 1 Granary Design Awards echo a much-needed shift in recognition within the fashion sector, promoting the narrative that teamwork is essential in delivering groundbreaking design and innovation. By celebrating the unsung heroes of the industry, these awards are helping shape a more inclusive and supportive environment for all fashion professionals.
