R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2026 Announces India Finalists for Global Circular Fashion Platform
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Four Indian innovators advance to the global stage as R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge completes international jury rounds ahead of the Grand Jury and finale at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI.
The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (RCDC), presented by Reliance Industries Limited's R|Elan™, the United Nations in India, and Lakmé Fashion Week, has completed its global jury rounds with the announcement of the India finalists for its eighth edition.
The challenge, which promotes circular innovation in fashion and textiles, has now finalized its international cohort of innovators who will compete in the next phase of the global programme.
Four Indian Innovators Selected
Following the India jury evaluation, the four finalists are:
- Botto Labs by Nitya Amarnath – developing next-generation bio-sequins as an alternative to plastic waste in fashion.
- Saloni Jhaveri by Saloni Jhaveri – transforming discarded textiles into innovative fashion designs.
- Duja by Ustat Kharbanda – creating one-of-a-kind apparel by upcycling post-consumer textile waste.
- Margn by Saurabh Maurya – designing contemporary fashion rooted in craftsmanship and circular design.
Industry Leaders Form India Jury
The India jury included:
- Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Editorial Director, ELLE India & ELLE Gourmet
- Shaleena Nathani, Celebrity Stylist & Fashion Consultant
- Karishma Shahani Khan, Creative Director, Ka-Sha
- Rakesh Bali, Senior Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited
- Darshana Gajare, Head of Sustainability, Lakmé Fashion Week
The panel evaluated innovations based on their potential to accelerate the transition towards a circular fashion ecosystem.
Global Finalists Announced Across Regions
The international cohort also includes regional finalists selected earlier this year:
- Europe: Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia
- United Kingdom: RWRK Studio by Farouk Braimoh
- Asia Pacific & Beyond: BYO by Tommy Tedji
More than 220 global applications were received for the eighth edition, with 23 semi-finalists shortlisted across Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia Pacific & Beyond, and India.
Grand Jury and Finale Scheduled for October
The seven global finalists will next appear before the Grand Jury at the United Nations House in New Delhi before presenting their collections during the finale showcase at the Embassy of France in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October.
The showcase forms part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, highlighting collaboration in innovation, creativity and sustainable design.
The Winner and Runner-Up of the eighth edition will be announced following the final showcase.
Finalists Share Their Reactions
The India finalists welcomed the opportunity to participate in the next stage of the challenge, highlighting the value of mentorship, collaboration and business learning as they continue developing circular fashion solutions.
Organisers Highlight Circular Innovation
Representatives from Reliance Industries Limited, Reliance Brands Limited, and the United Nations in India congratulated the finalists, stating that the challenge continues to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and scalable circular business models while supporting sustainable development in the global fashion industry.