CRCLE by Varshne Wins R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, Showcases ‘DIALOGUE’ at Lakmé Fashion Week 2026

CRCLE, the Chennai-based menswear label and winner of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC), showcased its collection ‘DIALOGUE’ at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2026. The collection highlights circular design principles and collaborative production processes involving artisans and material innovators across India. R|Elan CDC, developed in collaboration with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, supports emerging designers integrating sustainability and circularity into fashion.

The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC) continues to provide a platform for emerging designers in India, emphasizing circularity, responsibility, and innovative design. Originating in India and developed with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, the challenge has become a globally recognised initiative supporting designers who address sustainability through design, material innovation, and systemic approaches.

This season, CRCLE won the R|Elan™ CDC, earning the opportunity to present its collection at Lakmé Fashion Week. The recognition underscores the label’s focus on circular production and design practices. Through the platform, CRCLE has gained visibility, moving its concepts from ideation to an international stage.

CRCLE’s design approach integrates circularity throughout the garment lifecycle. The Chennai-based brand combines contemporary silhouettes with traditional techniques, focusing on material integrity, texture, and functional details. Its circular ecosystem includes collaborations with over 100 artisans and more than 50 craft communities and material innovators across India.

Materials featured by CRCLE include naturally dyed Weganool from Auroville, handwoven Korai grass from Pattamadai, cotton from Chennimalai, deadstock cotton from Tirupur, leather offcuts from Chennai, handcrafted metal buttons from Kutch, and repurposed stainless steel elements. Since its launch, CRCLE has recycled over 400 kilograms of textile waste and contributed to the production of 5,800 litres of Aarka, a by-product supporting soil health and agricultural yield in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

For the Lakmé Fashion Week showcase, CRCLE presented ‘DIALOGUE’, a collection exploring the connection between material, maker, and wearer. The collection emphasizes handcrafted processes, tactile surfaces, and construction techniques aimed at longevity and adaptability across seasons.

Varshne, founder of CRCLE, stated, “With DIALOGUE I wanted to renew the connection between the material, the maker, the wearer, and the planet. In a world of fast-paced automation, we're returning to a more intentional rhythm where we embrace irregularities and textures as they add life and character to every piece.”

Commenting on CRCLE’s achievement, Mr. Hemant D. Sharma, President – Polyester, Reliance Industries Limited, said, “At Reliance, we believe that the future of fashion lies in empowering the next generation of designers to integrate circularity, sustainability and responsible material use at the heart of their creative process. Through the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, we are proud to nurture emerging talent that is reimagining design with a strong focus on waste reduction and resource efficiency. We congratulate Varshne and CRCLE on this well-deserved recognition. Platforms like R|Elan™ CDC create a powerful ecosystem—bringing together innovation, mentorship and global exposure—to enable young entrepreneurs to transform circular ideas into impactful, scalable solutions for the industry.”

Mr. Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator, added, “UN in India is delighted to support this continued partnership between UN India, RElan, and Lakmé Fashion Week through the Circular Design Challenge. This collaboration exemplifies how the UN works with industry leaders to accelerate India’s transition toward a circular, climate‑resilient economy – one that reduces waste, protects the environment, and creates green livelihoods, in support of the leadership of the Government of India in climate action.”

Over time, the R|Elan CDC has expanded into a broader ecosystem, offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and international exposure. By connecting designers with industry stakeholders and cross-sector collaborators, the platform allows winners to scale sustainably and engage in the global circular fashion conversation.

In 2026, R|Elan CDC is set to extend its international reach through a special Indo-French edition, partnering with the Embassy of France in India, the French Institute in India, Reliance Industries Limited, and the United Nations in India. The initiative reinforces cross-cultural collaboration and sustainable fashion practices ahead of future showcases at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI.