Winner of the R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge in
Partnership with United Nations in India, at the Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI during the
March 2022 edition, ‘Pieux’ by Pratyush Kumar brought a great sustainable fashion
experience on the ramp. The award-winning collection made use of deconstructed and
reconstructed old clothes, that infused more life into the garments. The presentation was
showcased on Day 2 of the Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. The event took
place at the Jio World Convention Centre, India’s largest & foremost venue for marquee
exhibitions, conventions, and social events and located in the heart of Mumbai’s business
district, Bandra Kurla Complex.
Inspired by the incredible world of life under the microscope, Pieux showcased the theme
Illusion in their collection at the event. For creating illusion in pleats they worked on the
concept of lenticular print. The collection captures the details and intricacy visible under the
microscope through different techniques like pleating, weaving, eco-friendly digital printing
and 3D printing.
When it came to the foundation of the collection, the brand opted for materials like CARTEX
(100 per cent Upcycled carpet waste handloom textile), R|ElanTM Greengold (100 per cent
Recycled polyester made from post-consumer PET Bottles), R|ElanTM Greengold + R|ElanTM
Feelfresh Fusion Fabric (100 per cent Recycled Polyester with added anti-microbial
properties), GRS certified recycled nylon, GRS certified recycled Polyester and organic cotton
to create garments as well as footwear.
Keeping the silhouettes oversized and comfy there were chunky sweaters with interesting
weaves and patterns. Duel long-sleeves appeared under wide kimono ones, while the
buttonless jacket with narrow lapels and large patch pockets had a medley of wild prints and
colours. Detailing came in the form of angular zippered necklines for blousons, knit cuffs for
sleeves, loads of colour/pattern blocking as well as directions that pointed to interesting
construction and drafting techniques.
Fashion that is faithful and concerned about the environment has a lasting effect on the trend
charts and the “Illusion” collection by Pieux was the ideal offering for buyers whose thoughts
are on the right sustainable path.
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Mr Hemant D. Sharma, Sector Head – Polyester, Reliance Industries Limited, said, “At
Reliance we always strive to enhance use of sustainability and circularity concepts in our
products, and we have noticed similar zeal in Pratyush Kumar’s mesmerising Pieux collection
at this world class Jio World Convention Centre. We are overwhelmed to see the extensive
use of R|Elan’s having varied properties aesthetically used in a single collection, imparting
sustainability, anti-microbial properties to the collection”.
Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, said, “Innovations from the Circular
Design Challenge and Sustainable Fashion Day are helping unlock circular solutions like
sustainable materials, conserving water and converting waste fabric into beautiful clothes, as
well as uplifting marginalized communities and demonstrating that fashion can be a driver of
responsible production, consumption and the 2030 Agenda – but we need to scale up
urgently.”
Pratyush Kumar, Pieux, added, “Our collection ILLUSION was successfully depicted with
the help pleats and prints for our athleisure pieces. The association with CDC has been
amazing. It gave me the recognition as a circular label. Winning CDC also helped me with
the procurement of future of fabric, R|Elan. The exposure that I got because of Circular Design
Challenge has been brilliant. It also provided me a platform to showcase my work which is
nothing less than a dream.”
About R|ElanTM:
R|ElanTM, the next-gen fabric has been created from specially engineered fibres and yarns
using the cutting-edge technological expertise, state-of-the-art R&D and the robust testing
systems of Reliance Industries, India’s largest private sector company. These smart fabrics
have been designed to enhance comfort and aesthetics and it is being increasingly sought-
after fabric by renowned domestic and global brands, retailers and apparel manufacturers.
The various technologies that power R|ElanTM fabric impart several attributes such as
moisture management, odour-free and thermal insulation, while ensuring that they contribute
something back to Mother Earth.
About Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI):
A non-profit organization, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is the apex body of
fashion design in India, represented by over 400 members. Founded on the premise of
promoting, nurturing, and representing the best of fashion and design talent in the country;
its prime objective is to propagate the business of fashion. FDCI stays true to its commitment
to promote the ‘Make in India’ label as handlooms take centre stage, in a country, who’s
heritage is soaked in the flavours of indigenous crafts. For more information, please
visit: www.fdci.org
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About Lakmé:
Lakmé, is India’s no.1 colour cosmetics and leading premium skincare brand from Hindustan
Unilever Ltd. Lakmé has been the pioneer of the make-up and colour cosmetics in India since
1952 by launching numerous trends leading and high-performance products. Combining
international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian woman’s
needs, Lakmé offers women a comprehensive beauty experience through its extensive
product portfolio.
About Rise Worldwide:
RISE Worldwide is India’s largest independent Sports, Lifestyle and Entertainment company.
It’s portfolio includes Sports & Sponsorship Consulting, Fashion & Sustainability Platform
Building, Athlete Talent Management, Licensing, Broadcast Production, Lifestyle and
Entertainment with owned or managed key properties such as: Lakmé Fashion Week, India’s
premier Fashion platform; Indian Super League, country’s premier football league; Tata Open
Maharashtra, South Asia’s only ATP World Tour event; Jio Wonderland; The Voice of Fashion
and SU.RE Sustainable Resolution.
