Today we’d like to introduce you to Keeley Gribb.
Hi Keeley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thanks so much for having me! I run a slow fashion brand called GRZYB, which specializes in sustainably handmade and beautifully upcycled garments. GRZYB was born at the cross-section of a few influences. I’ve been making the pieces I couldn’t find or afford for my personal wardrobe for nearly a decade. Friends and strangers alike have always been really interested, and I can’t tell you how many people wanted me to start my own line.
I had a ton of hesitation though because while I love fashion, the industry is known for global exploitation and horrendous amounts of pollution and waste — that wasn’t something I wanted to contribute to. I also come from a long line of strong, entrepreneurial female makers and seamstresses, so I feel like it’s in my blood. So many people over the years have been interested in my pieces, but I was hesitant to start my own line because there’s so many negative aspects to the fashion industry. So I started GRZYB as a response both to what I didn’t like about the industry (high trend turnover, environmental irresponsibility, worker exploitation, poor quality/craftsmanship) and to the values I wanted to champion.
GRZYB, pronounced [g’zip] or [/g-jip/], means mushroom or fungus in Polish, and it’s actually the heritage version of my surname, Gribb. Like the mushroom, GRZYB is both the end of the lifecycle and the beginning. It’s the catalyst for reclamation, regeneration, recycling, and reuse. Beauty from beauty. And that’s the goal — to deliver head-turning garments that when cared for properly will last and be your favorite pieces for a lifetime. All pieces are designed and sewn by me from deadstock, vintage, or otherwise existing textiles.
Limited quantities of these fabrics mean everything is one- or few-of-a-kind. GRZYB aims to change the game on a small, slow scale. By investing in timeless, ageless, sustainable, and affordable silhouettes made from existing textiles, we extend the life cycle of these resources and transform them into gorgeous pieces that will last and be loved over and over — modern heirlooms, if you will.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve definitely encountered my fair share of creative block and self-doubt, but overall it’s been pretty smooth. GRZYB is a passion project for me though, as I work full-time as the Director of Creative Operations for a NY-based brand consultancy and design studio. It can be hard to find the time and energy to give GRZYB everything I want.
GRZYB is also something I hope will evolve organically as it grows. Right now, I also have a line for upcycled garments, called reGRZYB. Someday, I hope to expand to include GRZYB Living.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about GRZYB?
GRZYB is a slow fashion brand that specializes in sustainable garments that stand the test of time.
Our signature figure-skimming caftan is available as a blouse (the Kinue), a mini-dress (the Tyche), and a maxi-dress (the Flora). It’s an extremely flattering silhouette that’s elegant enough for special occasions, but also versatile enough for daily wear. That’s probably what I’m most proud of — it differentiates us.
Personally, the Flora is my favorite dress to travel or run errands in. It would also be a great maternity option that you can actually keep in your closet for years to come, but would be just as appropriate on a teenager as a woman in her seventies.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Inventory changes regularly, so make sure to follow GRZYB on Instagram (@grzybco) or via www.grzyb.co to see the latest. We’re also in the process of expanding to offer more inclusive sizing, so please stay tuned.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://grzyb.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grzybco/
