Reinforcing its dedication to sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), through its next-generation fabric brand R|Elan™, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) in India, presented the winning showcase of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC) 2024 — “Reclaim The City” by rkive city. The showcase took place at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2025 at The Atelier, Jio World Convention Centre.
This thought-provoking runway presentation underscored the CDC’s ongoing mission to promote sustainable, recyclable, and waste-reducing practices within the fashion ecosystem. rkive city’s debut collection, a meticulously curated 36-look showcase, explored the themes of memory, revival, and reclamation, transforming post-consumer waste into high-fashion narratives.
Each garment in the collection was crafted entirely from salvaged textiles, reconstructed denim workwear, repurposed leather, and discarded fabrics. These materials were revived through neo-manufacturing techniques, including block printing, patchwork, and innovative waste management. Old office shirts, once discarded due to minor flaws, were reimagined with new patterns, textures, and dyes—demonstrating the artistry of repair and the potential of repurposed materials.
“Reclaim The City” was more than just a fashion collection; it was a statement on the evolving urban landscape, juxtaposing the need for progress with the significance of preserving cultural identity. Elements like reconstructed sleeves inspired by uniforms and pockets reminiscent of market workers’ jackets evoked a strong sense of place, history, and memory.
Industry Leaders Applaud the Innovation
L – R (Hemant D Sharma, Ritwik Khanna, Rakesh Bali & Radhika Batra)
Mr. Hemant D. Sharma, President – Polyester, Reliance Industries Limited, stated:
“The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge embodies our commitment to sustainability and circularity in fashion. It is inspiring to see young designers like rkive city harness creativity and innovation to transform waste into extraordinary fashion. At Reliance, we strive to drive change by enabling scalable, circular solutions that reduce the industry’s environmental footprint while redefining design narratives.”
Since its inception in 2018, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge has grown into India’s premier sustainable fashion platform, empowering designers who rethink the fashion value chain. Through mentorship, market access, and industry exposure, CDC continues to foster innovative waste-reduction solutions that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s Mission LiFE initiative.
With its 2023 expansion to the UK, European Union, and Asia-Pacific, CDC has further strengthened RIL’s vision of driving global change in the fashion industry. The 2025 winning collection by rkive city served as a powerful reminder of fashion’s potential to minimize environmental impact while elevating design-led storytelling.
L-R (Radhika Batra, Ritwik Khanna & Hemant D Sharma)
