BYO By Tommy Tedji Named APAC Finalist in R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026
Distinguished APAC Jury selects BYO By Tommy Tedji as regional finalist ahead of the Grand Jury and Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI finale in October.
The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (RCDC)—India's platform focused on circular innovation in fashion and textiles, presented by Reliance Industries Ltd.'s R|Elan™, the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week—has concluded its APAC Jury round, naming BYO By Tommy Tedji as the APAC Finalist for the eighth edition of the Challenge.
The APAC Jury brought together industry leaders from sustainable retail, investment, media and design to assess this year's circular design innovations. The panel evaluated solutions aimed at advancing circularity and responsible innovation across the global fashion ecosystem.
The jury included Christina Dean, Founder of Redress; Hong Zheng, Founder of Greenext; Rina Singh, Creative Director of EKA; Jacinta FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Fashion & Textiles New Zealand; and Nicky Mac Callum, Venture Partner at Elaphurus Capital, Impact Investor, and Social Innovation Leader.
This year's APAC semi-finalists represented a range of approaches to circular fashion. Tommy Ambiyo Tedji (Byo) presented modular and reconfigurable products created from leather waste. Heyun Pan (PERMU) showcased bio-based, zero-waste menswear using renewable materials and circular construction techniques. Carla Zhang (LE NGOK) focused on extending the lifespan of existing resources through timeless design. Brenda Palomino (One Middle Child) developed biodegradable biomaterials from organic waste for closed-loop fashion systems, while Niharika Elety (Tega Collective) highlighted regenerative, community-led design by revitalising indigenous craft traditions.
Following the evaluation process, the APAC Jury selected BYO By Tommy Tedji to advance as the regional finalist.
Tommy Tedji, Founder, Byo, said, “We are honoured to be named the Asia Pacific Finalist for the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge. This recognition is a meaningful milestone for our team and reflects the support of the incredible community behind us. We are committed to doing our best, learning every step of the way, and are excited for what lies ahead as we continue contributing towards a more circular future for fashion.”
Rakesh Bali, Sr. Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited, said, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to BYO By Tommy Tedji on being selected as the APAC Finalist of the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge. The exceptional quality of innovation presented this year reflects the immense potential of the region to drive the future of circular fashion. At Reliance, we remain committed to fostering technologies and platforms that empower next-generation innovators to scale solutions that create lasting impact across the global fashion and textile industry. We look forward to seeing the finalist advance to the next stage of the Challenge.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, said, “Congratulations to BYO By Tommy Tedji on this remarkable achievement. Every edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge reaffirms that the future of fashion belongs to innovators who are willing to challenge convention and create with purpose. It has been inspiring to witness the exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by this year's APAC cohort. We are delighted to see the finalist advance to the next stage of the Challenge and look forward to seeing their vision continue to inspire the global fashion community.”
United Nations in India Resident Coordinator, Stefan Priesner, said, “I congratulate BYO By Tommy Tedji on being selected as the APAC Finalist of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge. Creative innovations like this Challenge demonstrate how the fashion and textile industries can be at the forefront of the transition towards more sustainable and circular systems. The Challenge continues to bring together all the players in the fashion ecosystem – from entrepreneurs to industry leaders to institutions – to advance solutions that support the Sustainable Development Goals and inspire meaningful change. We look forward to following the continued inspiring journeys of all the finalists.”
Redress Founder, Christina Dean, said, “Congratulations to BYO By Tommy Tedji on being named the APAC Finalist of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge. This recognition celebrates not only exceptional design talent, but also the vision and determination to rethink fashion through a circular lens. It is encouraging to see emerging innovators develop solutions that have the potential to influence the future of our industry. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to seeing the finalist's ideas continue to evolve and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable fashion ecosystem.”
Following the completion of the APAC Jury round, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026 will continue with the India Jury on 28 July. Regional finalists will then advance to the Grand Jury at United Nations House in New Delhi in October, before presenting their work at the 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.