R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2026 Announces India Finalists for Global Stage
The eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (RCDC) has completed its global jury rounds, unveiling the India finalists who will join an international cohort of innovators driving the future of circular fashion. Presented by Reliance Industries Limited’s R|Elan™, the United Nations in India, and Lakmé Fashion Week, the challenge continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading platforms promoting sustainability and innovation in fashion.
Following an extensive evaluation by an eminent India jury, Botto Labs by Nitya Amarnath, Saloni Jhaveri, Duja by Ustat Kharbanda, and Margn by Saurabh Maurya were selected as India’s finalists for the prestigious competition. Their innovative concepts range from bio-based sequins and textile upcycling to craftsmanship-led circular fashion solutions.
The India jury comprised renowned professionals including Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Shaleena Nathani, Karishma Shahani Khan, Rakesh Bali, and Darshana Gajare, representing fashion, sustainability, media, and industry leadership.
The international cohort also includes Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia (Europe), RWRK Studio by Farouk Braimoh (United Kingdom), and BYO by Tommy Tedji (Asia Pacific & Beyond), selected through regional jury rounds in Paris, London, and the Asia-Pacific region.
This year’s edition attracted more than 220 global applications, with 23 semi-finalists shortlisted across four regions. The seven finalists will now advance to the Grand Jury at the United Nations House in New Delhi before presenting their collections during the finale showcase at the Embassy of France in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October, held as part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
The challenge aims to nurture entrepreneurs developing commercially viable circular business models while promoting sustainable innovation across the fashion and textile value chain.
Speaking on the announcement, Rakesh Bali, Senior Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited, congratulated the finalists and reaffirmed Reliance’s commitment to supporting innovators through mentorship, material innovation, and global exposure.
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, highlighted the growing commercial relevance of circular fashion entrepreneurs and their role in shaping the industry’s future.
Mr. Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, said the finalists demonstrate how sustainability, creativity, and entrepreneurship can collectively address the fashion industry’s most pressing environmental challenges while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The winner and runner-up of the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge will be announced following the final showcase later this year.
