R|Elan Circular Design Challenge Names UK Finalist
RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh advances to the global finals after the UK Jury round in London.
The United Kingdom Jury of the eighth edition of the R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge (CDC), in partnership with the UN in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, has selected RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh as the UK finalist.
The jury round, held in London, brought together leading voices from fashion, sustainability, design and innovation to assess a group of entrepreneurs developing circular solutions for the fashion and textile industries. The selection reflects the growing international focus on circularity, responsible production and innovation across the global fashion ecosystem.
The UK Jury featured Matthew Needham, Creative Director of Matthew Needham and Senior Lecturer at Central Saint Martins; Shailja Dubé of the Institute of Positive Fashion, British Council; Muchaneta Ten Napel, Founder and CEO of Shape Innovate; Sevra Davis, Director of Architecture, Design and Fashion at the British Council; and Radhika Kaul Batra, Chief of Staff at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, India.
The semi-finalists presented a range of approaches focused on material innovation, circular design and responsible production. Dorota Bojanowska explored the use of screen printing to give vintage textiles and garments a new life. Tyler Greenston presented zero-waste design and sculptural craftsmanship inspired by pagan symbolism and the relationship between humanity and nature.
Farouk Braimoh, founder of RWRK STUDIO, focused on transforming textile waste from other industries into contemporary fashion through circular design. Heather Martin of mono studio demonstrated modular pattern making and responsible production choices, while Porscha Hill of Bad Habits explored garment reconstruction, natural dyeing and low-impact production to create genderless collections from existing garments and textile waste.
Following its evaluation, the UK Jury selected RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh as the United Kingdom Finalist of the eighth edition of the R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be moving on to the global finals of the Circular Design Challenge. Winning the UK Jury Round is an incredible honour, especially considering the exceptional level of talent and innovation we witnessed throughout the competition. This recognition is a meaningful validation of RWRK Studio’s vision and our commitment to circular design. We look forward to bringing our work to India, showcasing our collection on the global stage, and connecting with an inspiring community of designers who are redefining the future of fashion. We’re deeply grateful to the jury and the organisers for their support, thoughtful feedback, and belief in our work. We’re excited for what’s ahead,” said Farouk Braimoh, founder of RWRK STUDIO.
Mr. Rakesh Bali, Sr. Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited said “Congratulations to RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh on being named the UK finalist. At Reliance, we believe that the boldest voices will write fashion’s next chapter. The R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge, now in its eighth season, stands as our enduring promise to that philosophy—offering young designers the rare combination of mentorship, visibility, and the material innovation to turn circular ideals into tangible craft. As we bring this movement to the global stage through the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, we are honoring two great design traditions while demonstrating that creativity, united with sustainable purpose, can move markets and mindsets. This is India’s idea of circular fashion, at last echoing across continents.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, said “Congratulations to this year’s United Kingdom Finalist RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh and all the exceptional designers who presented such inspiring circular innovations. The UK Jury showcased the incredible depth of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking emerging from one of the world’s leading fashion markets. As the R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge continues its global journey, it is inspiring to see innovators from across geographies come together with a shared commitment to redefining the future of fashion through responsible design, material innovation and scalable circular solutions. We look forward to welcoming the UK Finalist to India for the Grand Jury and celebrating the next chapter of this global movement.”
Sevra Davis, Director of Architecture, Design and Fashion, British Council said, “The British Council Architecture Design and Fashion team is honoured to be the U.K. partner supporting the Circular Design Challenge in partnership with the United Nations India. Over the last four years of our partnership, I have seen the programme grow in impact and influence, championing sustainable practice in the fashion and textile industry and making real change. The U.K. finalists this year demonstrate exciting perspectives, thinking and innovation in the future of circular design, positive social and environmental impact as well as scalability.
The R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge will continue its international programme with the Asia Pacific Jury on 24 July and the India Jury on 28 July. Regional finalists will then progress to the Grand Jury at the United Nations Headquarters in New Delhi.
The competition will conclude with a finale showcase at the French Embassy in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October, where the Winner and Runner-Up will be announced.
Through its regional and global jury stages, the R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge continues to build an international community of innovators focused on circularity and the future of fashion.
