The R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (RCDC), India’s premier sustainability-focused fashion award, has revealed its 2025 global finalists. Hosted by Reliance Industries Limited’s R|Elan in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week, this year’s edition attracted over 190 applications from across 10+ countries, with support from global partners including the British Council, Redress, Fondazione Sozzani, and Fashion Revolution.
Indian Finalists:
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Varshne B (CRCLE): Uses materials like Weganool, banana leather, stainless steel scraps, and post-consumer textiles in a zero-waste, circular design model.
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Radhesh Agrahari (Golden Feathers): Innovates with chicken feather waste, producing wool-like textiles via a patented, chemical-free, zero-waste process.
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Rishabh Kumar (Farak): Works with rural artisans, using handspun organic cotton, natural dyes, and traditional block printing—all without electricity or plastic.
Global Finalists:
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UK Winner: Maximilian Raynor repurposes deadstock luxury textiles and vegan leather into zero-waste garments, focusing on rental and reuse.
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EU Winner: Martina Boero (Cavia) blends Italian craftsmanship with circular practices by upcycling vintage and deadstock materials.
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APAC & Beyond Winner: Jesica Pullo (BIOTICO) creates couture using post-consumer plastic and industrial waste, while advancing social inclusion through partnerships with disability institutions.
Rakesh Bali, Senior VP – Marketing, Reliance Industries, said,
“This platform, born in India and now global in its reach, reflects our deep commitment at Reliance to nurturing a new generation of changemakers—designers who are not only creative but also conscious.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group VP, Reliance Brands Ltd, added,
“CDC is now shaping global conversations on circularity by fostering inclusive and collaborative innovation.”
Jury panels across regions included leaders from Vogue India, British Council, Fondazione Sozzani, UNEP, Redress, and sustainability champions like Dia Mirza and Sara Sozzani Maino.
What’s Next:
Finalists will converge at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI in October for the Grand Finale. The winner will receive:
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INR 15 Lakhs seed fund
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Stand-alone showcase at LFW in March 2026
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6-month mentorship with Orsola De Castro & Estethica
The runner-up will receive INR 5 Lakhs and mentorship.
R|Elan CDC continues to be a powerful global platform driving innovation in circular fashion and sustainability.
