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Key Points

Reliance’s R|Elan has unveiled the global finalists for its 2025 Circular Design Challenge, a premier sustainability award in fashion. The competition, backed by the UN and Lakme Fashion Week, features innovators from India, the UK, and beyond. Finalists like Varshne B and Maximilian Raynor showcase groundbreaking eco-friendly designs. The winner will receive INR 15 lakh and mentorship from industry leaders.

Key Points: Reliance R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2025 Reveals Global Finalists

  • Reliance R
  • Elan partners with UN & Lakme Fashion Week for sustainability challenge
  • Finalists include Varshne B’s CRCLE and Radhesh Agrahari’s Golden Feathers
  • UK’s Maximilian Raynor reuses luxury deadstock for near-zero waste
  • Winner gets INR 15 lakh & mentorship with Orsola De Castro
2 min read

Reliance's R|Elan circular design challenge 2025 unveils global finalists driving sustainable fashion innovation

Reliance R|Elan announces global finalists for its 2025 Circular Design Challenge, spotlighting sustainable fashion innovators from India, UK, EU & APAC.

"Esteemed partners such as the British Council, Redress, and Fashion Revolution played a key role in identifying global talent. – R"
"Elan"

New Delhi July 16

The R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (RCDC) 2025, India's premier sustainability award in fashion, has unveiled its global finalists across India, the UK, the EU, and APAC.

R|Elan is a brand of engineered fabrics and yarns developed by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).

Organised by Reliance Industries' R|Elan, in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakme Fashion Week, the challenge drew over 190 applications from 10+ countries, comprising a mix of organic entries and nominations through RCDC's global network.

According to the release, "Esteemed partners such as the British Council, Redress, Fondazione Sozzani, Fashion Revolution, and Estethica played a key role in identifying and amplifying talent from around the world."

Representing India are Varshne B (CRCLE), Radhesh Agrahari (Golden Feathers), and Rishabh Kumar (Farak).

Varshne B's CRCLE is a circular fashion and lifestyle brand committed to sustainability through a 360-degree approach--from design to end-of-life, while Radhesh's Golden Feathers converts chicken feather waste into biodegradable, wool-like fibers. Rishabh's Farak highlights zero-carbon, electricity-free production through handspun organic cotton and natural dyes.

From the UK, Maximilian Raynor won for his innovative reuse of luxury deadstock and vegan materials, emphasizing rentals and near-zero waste. In the EU, Martina Boero's brand Cavia stood out with her artisanal reinterpretation of vintage materials. Jesica Pullo from Argentina, representing APAC & Beyond, impressed with BIOTICO--an inclusive brand that upcycles plastic and industrial waste while employing individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Judged by industry leaders, including Vogue editors, designers, and sustainability experts, the finalists were evaluated on innovation, circularity, energy efficiency, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative not only provides global visibility but also offers mentorship and strategic industry access.

Finalists will showcase their work at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI in October. The winner will receive INR 15 lakh, a CDC Trophy, and a mentorship with Orsola De Castro's Estethica. The runner-up will be awarded INR 5 lakh.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Chicken feather waste into wool-like fibers? Golden Feathers is revolutionary! This is the kind of jugaad innovation that makes India special. Hope they scale up production soon.
J
James A
Great initiative by Reliance! Though I wonder if 15 lakh prize money is enough considering the global scale of this competition. The mentorship opportunity seems more valuable than the cash prize.
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Ananya R
BIOTICO employing individuals with disabilities while upcycling waste - this is what true sustainability looks like! Social + environmental impact together. More brands should follow this model.
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Vikram M
While I appreciate the effort, I hope these sustainable designs become affordable for common people. Most eco-friendly fashion in India is still too expensive for middle-class consumers.
S
Sarah B
The handspun organic cotton from Farak reminds me of khadi - bringing back traditional Indian techniques with modern sustainability standards. Beautiful blend of heritage and innovation!

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