R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026 Names Margn Winner
Yoshita 1967 is named Runner-Up as the eighth edition celebrates circular fashion, material innovation and emerging talent at the Embassy of France in New Delhi.
Margn by Saurabh Maurya has won the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026. Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia secured the Runner-Up position at the grand finale held at the Embassy of France in India.
The challenge is an initiative by Reliance Industries Limited, in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week. Held under the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, the finale marked the end of the initiative’s eighth season.
The event brought together emerging designers, fashion experts and industry leaders. Together, they celebrated new ideas in circular design, material innovation and responsible fashion.
Margn Wins After Global Selection Process
The 2026 edition received more than 220 applications from across the world. After a competitive selection process, shortlisted designers took part in regional jury rounds, mentorship and industry engagements.
The finalists then presented their collections to the Grand Jury in New Delhi. At the finale, Margn emerged as the winner, while Yoshita 1967 was named Runner-Up.
Founded by Saurabh Maurya, Margn presented a collection that combined craftsmanship, material innovation and circular design. Through careful material choices and thoughtful construction, the label explored new ways to create contemporary fashion more responsibly.
Meanwhile, Yoshita 1967, founded by Anil Padia, drew inspiration from cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. Its collection combined traditional techniques with a modern design approach.
Both designers showed how fashion can support circularity while preserving craftsmanship. Their work also highlighted new possibilities for a more responsible industry.
Jury Recognises Innovation and Creative Vision
The Grand Jury brought together experts from fashion, media, luxury and sustainable development.
The jury included Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India; Serge Carreira, Head of Emerging Brands Initiative at the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode; Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India; Rajesh Pratap Singh, Founder and Creative Director of Pratap; and Anaita Shroff Adajania, Fashion and Costume Stylist and Creative Director.
The jury assessed each finalist on several key factors. These included creative vision, innovation, circular design principles and material exploration. It also considered scalability, social impact, alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the potential to shape the future of fashion.
India-France Partnership Supports Fashion Innovation
The 2026 edition further strengthened the challenge’s role as a platform for emerging designers. It connected participants with international fashion networks and industry opportunities.
The initiative worked with the Embassy of France in India, Institut Français, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week. These partnerships created opportunities for mentorship, international exchange and industry engagement.
Moreover, the finale at the Embassy of France highlighted the shared focus of India and France on creativity and responsible growth. Its timing during the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 also reinforced the importance of cross-border collaboration in fashion and design.
Margn and Yoshita 1967 Share Their Views
Saurabh Maurya, Founder of Margn and Winner of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, said, “Winning the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is a meaningful milestone for us at Margn. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful design, material innovation and craftsmanship can play a significant role in shaping a more responsible fashion industry. This platform has provided an opportunity to explore how circular principles can be integrated into contemporary design while creating pieces that are relevant, considered and forward-looking. We are grateful for the recognition and hope to continue pushing the boundaries of what conscious fashion can achieve.”
Anil Padia, Founder of Yoshita 1967 and Runner-Up of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, said, “Being recognised as Runner-Up at the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is an honour and an encouraging step for Yoshita 1967. Our work is deeply rooted in cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship and the belief that fashion can create meaningful connections between people, materials and communities. This experience has reinforced the importance of preserving traditional techniques while exploring new approaches to circularity and responsible design. We are grateful to be part of a platform that brings these conversations to the forefront and encourages designers to imagine a more conscious future for fashion.”
Reliance Industries Highlights Circular Design
Mr Hemant D Sharma, President, Polyester Business, Reliance Industries Limited, said, “At Reliance Industries, we believe sustainable growth and innovation go hand in hand. Over eight seasons, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge has evolved into a global platform championing circularity through design and material innovation. This year, our partnerships with the Embassy of France, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, during the India–France Year of Innovation, further strengthen this vision. We congratulate Margn, the Winner, and Yoshita 1967, the Runner-Up, for demonstrating how creative thinking can contribute to a more responsible future for fashion.”
Mr Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India, said, “India’s textile and fashion sector holds significant potential to advance the global transition towards circularity. Promoting the circular economy in textiles is an important part of the support that the UN India brings to the leadership of the Ministry of Textiles and India’s efforts in decarbonization, circular economy and decent work, together with partners from the industry. We congratulate Margn, the Winner, and Yoshita 1967, the Runner-Up, for their distinctive approaches to conscious fashion. Their recognition highlights the importance of empowering creative talent to explore solutions that support more sustainable production and consumption patterns, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.”
France Emphasises Sustainable Fashion Collaboration
H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said, “The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge reflects the spirit of the India-France Year of Innovation by bringing together French and Indian design perspectives on innovation and sustainability. I heartily congratulate the winners for their exceptional talent through which they have underscored the cultural and creative industries that are vital drivers of innovation and Indo-French bilateral cooperation. The launch of the Kering Generation Award today highlights the importance that France attaches to sustainable fashion and demonstrates the potential of bringing together major industry players and emerging entrepreneurs in the field and promoting professional exchange and collaboration between our two countries.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, said, “Over eight seasons, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge has evolved into a platform that champions emerging designers reimagining the future of fashion through circularity and innovation. This year’s edition marks an important milestone, bringing together talent from India and international markets while strengthening connections across design, industry and sustainability. We remain committed to creating opportunities for emerging talent through visibility, mentorship and industry engagement. Margn’s winning approach and Yoshita 1967’s distinctive interpretation of circular design reflect the diverse possibilities within this space. We congratulate both designers and look forward to seeing them build on this recognition to take their work forward.”
Winners Receive Cash Prizes and Industry Opportunities
The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge offers both winners financial support and opportunities to develop their work further.
The Winner, Margn, will receive a cash prize of USD 16,000. The label will also have the opportunity to present an individual showcase at the next season of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. The event is scheduled for March 2027 in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Runner-Up Yoshita 1967 will receive USD 5,000 and bespoke mentorship from sustainable fashion advocate Orsola de Castro. This support will offer guidance and industry insights to help develop the label’s creative vision.
Advancing the Future of Circular Fashion
The 2026 finale concludes this year’s global journey while opening new opportunities for the recognised designers. It also reinforces the role of collaboration in driving change across the fashion industry.
By connecting emerging talent with industry expertise and international partners, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge continues to promote circular design, material innovation and responsible fashion. The initiative also gives emerging designers a platform to explore ideas that could help shape a more sustainable future for the industry.
