R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2025 Finalists Announced

The R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (RCDC) 2025 has officially announced its cohort of global finalists following an extensive series of regional jury meets across India, the UK, EU, and APAC & Beyond. Representing India are Varshne B (CRCLE), Radhesh Agrahari (Golden Feathers), and Rishabh Kumar (Farak). The UK and EU finalists include Maximilian Raynor and Martina Boero (Cavia), while the APAC & Beyond region is represented by Jesica Pullo (BIOTICO).

This year’s challenge attracted more than 190 applications from over 10 countries, with entries submitted both organically and through nominations by RCDC’s global network. Esteemed collaborators—including the British Council, Redress, Fondazione Sozzani, Fashion Revolution, and Estethica—helped source and spotlight global design talent, underscoring the growing reach of this India-born initiative.

The RCDC was launched as a platform to identify and empower fashion designers and entrepreneurs working on circularity-driven innovations. It now plays a pivotal role in redefining the future of sustainable fashion, offering mentorship, market access, and visibility on high-impact platforms. Presented by R|Elan™, Reliance Industries Limited’s next-gen fabric brand, in collaboration with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, RCDC is a benchmark for impactful sustainable fashion design.

Regional Finalists:

UK WINNER – MAXIMILIAN RAYNOR
Backed by the British Council, Maximilian Raynor was declared the UK winner at a jury meet hosted at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts. Known for upcycling past collection waste into fresh textiles, Raynor’s brand relies on deadstock luxury fabrics, British wool roll ends, and vegan apple leather, with 50% of its revenue coming from rentals.

EU WINNER – MARTINA BOERO (CAVIA)
The Milan jury meet—organized with Fondazione Sozzani—selected Martina Boero, founder of Italian label Cavia. Her designs combine recycled, vintage, and deadstock textiles crafted by local artisans through traditional yet circular production practices.

APAC & BEYOND WINNER – JESICA PULLO (BIOTICO)
Jesica Pullo’s BIOTICO, an Argentine-Italian label, transforms post-consumer plastic and industrial waste into wearable art without using virgin materials or energy. It also promotes social inclusion by working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.

INDIA FINALISTS – VARSHNE B, RADHESH AGRAHARI & RISHABH KUMAR

Varshne B (CRCLE): This circular fashion and lifestyle brand integrates materials like Weganool, banana leather, and post-consumer fabric. CRCLE focuses on minimal waste and longevity through a 360° sustainability approach.
Radhesh Agrahari (Golden Feathers): Golden Feathers is a social enterprise turning chicken feather waste into a wool-like, biodegradable fiber. Its patented, chemical-free process reflects a perfect blend of science and craft, producing textiles and paper in a zero-waste model.
Rishabh Kumar (Farak): Partnering with rural artisans, Farak uses handspun organic cotton, natural dyes, and age-old techniques like wooden block printing. The label operates with zero electricity and uses fully biodegradable packaging.

Statements by Industry Leaders:

Rakesh Bali, Senior VP and Head of Marketing, Reliance Industries Limited, said,

“Congratulations to all our regional finalists. This challenge is now a global force nurturing creative yet conscious leaders who are reimagining fashion with circularity at its core. We are proud to support this incredible journey of change.”

Jaspreet Chandok, Group VP, Reliance Brands Limited, remarked,

“RCDC has become a truly global platform. By welcoming voices from across India, UK, EU, and APAC, we’re enabling cross-cultural innovation and dialogue around sustainability. It’s exciting to see Indian talent on a global stage.”

Jury Panels:
Panels comprised leaders from sustainability, fashion, design, and policy, judging entries on innovation, circularity, social impact, and UN SDG alignment.

UK Panel: Included Akanksha Kamath (ex-Vogue India), Muchaneta Ten Napel (Shape Innovate), Serva Davis (British Council), and Chelsea Franklin (PANGAIA).
EU Panel: Included Sara Sozzani Maino (Fondazione Sozzani), Andrea Rosso (Diesel), and Mossi Traore (Designer).
India Panel: Featured Mehernaaz Dhondy (Grazia), Dia Mirza (UNEP Ambassador), and Darshana Gajare (Lakmé Fashion Week).
APAC & Beyond Panel: Included Christina Dean (Redress), Shaway Yeh (YehYehYeh), and Urvashi Kaur (Designer).

Upcoming Finale & Awards:
The grand finale will take place at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in October. Finalists from all regions will compete for the top prize.

Winner: INR 15 lakh seed fund + CDC Trophy + 6-month mentorship with Estethica’s Orsola De Castro.
Runner-up: INR 5 lakh + mentorship.
Winner’s Reward: Standalone showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI, March 2026.

Sara Sozzani Maino praised the platform saying:

“RCDC gives the next generation a way to express creativity responsibly. It’s vital to support such projects for a better future.”

With global collaboration at its core, R|Elan Circular Design Challenge continues to lead the way in making fashion more inclusive, circular, and future-forward.