1 GRANARY TENCEL™ Club:
Fostering Collaboration and Community for Fashion Graduates

Navigating the transition from the creative bubble of fashion school to the fast-paced reality of the industry can be daunting for recent graduates. With the support systems of university life left behind and the challenges of entering a competitive field looming large, many emerging designers find themselves adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

By Paula Brome


Recognizing this struggle, the 1 Granary TENCEL™ Club emerges as a beacon of hope and support for fashion design graduates worldwide. This innovative virtual community serves as a platform for connecting recent graduates with seasoned industry professionals, facilitating knowledge exchange, collaboration, and mentorship.

At the heart of the Club's mission is the belief that the energy and creativity nurtured within fashion schools should not dissipate upon graduation but instead be channeled into meaningful connections and opportunities. Through the Club's digital platform, recent graduates gain access to a diverse network of mentors, including fashion directors, buyers, recruiters, designers, editors, stylists, and sustainability experts.

One of the unique features of the Club is its Mentor-for-a-Day program, where industry experts are invited to participate in private chat groups for 24 hours, fielding questions and offering advice to eager graduates from around the globe. This dynamic format mirrors the fluid nature of contemporary communication, allowing mentors to engage with participants at their convenience, whether it be during morning routines or late-night musings.

The initiative was initially piloted during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a lifeline of support for designers amidst unprecedented challenges. Following its success, the Club has continued to evolve, with the Lenzing Group's flagship textile fiber brand, TENCEL™, joining as a partner. With a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, this collaboration enriches the Club's offerings, bringing insights into responsible material sourcing and production processes to the forefront.

Embracing diversity and inclusivity, the Club's recruitment team scouts talent from a wide array of fashion schools across continents, ensuring representation from all corners of the globe. Graduates are selected on a rolling basis, reflecting the varied timelines of graduation ceremonies and collections.

Beyond the mentorship sessions, the Club provides a space for graduates to connect, brainstorm, and engage in discussions about the industry's pressing issues. By fostering a sense of community and collective empowerment, the Club aims to instigate positive change and leave a lasting impact on the next generation of design talent.

As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the 1 Granary TENCEL™ Club serve as vital bridges between education and industry, empowering emerging designers to navigate the complexities of the field with confidence and resilience. Through collaboration and shared expertise, the Club charts a course towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant future for fashion.