National, 24th March, 2022: Opening the Sustainable Fashion Day at the FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week March 23 -27, the Circular Design Challenge 4.0 had six design entrepreneurs shortlisted for India’s first and largest sustainable fashion award presented by R|ElanTM Fashion for Earth in association with FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week, United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Chosen according to a broad-based evaluation criterion that included the circular design process, environmental and social impact, business plans and the UN SDGs, the aim of Circular Design Challenge is to promote and nurture environmental champions of the future in the field of fashion, by providing them a platform to present their innovations that are rooted in the principles of circularity.
Mr.Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI felicitated the winner Pieux by Pratyush Kumar with the winning trophy, introduced for the first time , made from discarded wood and metal, and designed by CDC 2021 winner, Satyajit Vetoskar of Bandit. The winner also received prizes worth Rs 20 lakhs to convert his sustainable fashion idea into an impactful business reality, in addition to an exclusive opportunity to showcase his sustainable collection at the next FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week and valuable industry exposure and linkages.
The finalists – CHAMAR by Sudheer Rajbhar, Humanity Centred Designs by Vishal Tolambia, Pieux by Pratyush Kumar, Sanah Sharma by Sanah Sharma, SATAT by Radhika Malhotra and Thaely by Ashay Bhave presented their collections to the final jury
The final jury comprised Mr Atul Bagai, Head, United Nations Environment Programme Country Office, India, Mr Jamal Shaikh, National Editor, Brunch and New Media Initiatives at Hindustan Times, Ms Payal Jain, Principal Designer, Ms Anita Chester Head Materials At Laudes Foundation and Mr Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India.
Commenting on the fourth edition of Circular Design Challenge, Mr Vipul Shah, COO – Petrochemicals Business, Reliance Industries Ltd, said, “We started the Circular Design Challenge, to accomplish the vision of our chairman Mr Mukesh Ambani, to turn India into a world leader in adoption of sustainable and green manufacturing practices. Over the past four seasons, the popularity of the Circular Design Challenge has grown exponentially. It has now become a big movement in the Indian fashion industry, which is nurturing talent in the sustainable and environment-friendly sphere. The Circular Design Challenge has been a tremendous success in India, and we are now contemplating to expand its scope globally.”
Mr Atul Bagai, Head, United Nations Environment Programme Country Office, India, said “The UN Environment Programme is committed to providing strategic leadership and encouraging sector-wide collaboration to accelerate a transition towards a sustainable and circular textile value chain. We are pleased to support UN in India, and continue our partnership with the 4th edition of the ‘Circular Design Challenge’, to identify and encourage talented designers advancing circular design in India. We congratulate all participants and the winner for innovative thinking and passion for bringing about a positive change. “
Mr. Jaspreet Chandok, Head RISE Fashion and Lifestyle said, “With the fourth edition of CDC, we are happy to have been able to transcend borders and connect with a wider audience through our partnerships with British Council & Studio MM04 of Germany. The competition this season has been the toughest so far, as we discover better and better talent each year. We are thankful to R|Elan™ , UN in India and UNEP for their continued support season on season that has made Circular Design Challenge such a prestigious platform in the country.”
R|ELAN™ AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CIRCULARITY
This edition saw an additional recognition, of the R|Elan™ award for Excellence in Circularity, to one of the finalists, Sanah Sharma, for outstanding innovation in circular fashion. Sanah will receive a certificate and special recognition for her contribution to the circular economy. She will also have an opportunity to work with R|Elan™’s team to create a unique textile/product/collection using their innovation along with R|Elan™ GreenGold Sustainable Fabric 4.
Creativity was in the forefront when the six finalists unveiled their collections at the show.
