R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026 UK Jury Selects RWRK STUDIO as Finalist
The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC), India’s flagship platform promoting circular innovation in fashion and textiles, concluded its United Kingdom Jury in London, bringing together internationally recognised experts from fashion, sustainability, design and innovation. The jury evaluated a new cohort of circular fashion entrepreneurs, reflecting the growing global commitment to responsible innovation and sustainable fashion.
The UK Jury featured Matthew Needham, Creative Director of Matthew Needham and Senior Lecturer at Central Saint Martins; Shailja Dubé, Institute of Positive Fashion, British Council; Muchaneta Ten Napel, Founder and CEO of Shape Innovate; Sevra Davis, Director of Architecture, Design and Fashion at the British Council; and Radhika Kaul Batra, Chief of Staff at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, India. Representing expertise across academia, sustainability, innovation, design and international development, the panel assessed business ideas capable of driving meaningful change across the global fashion industry.
This year’s UK semi-finalists presented a wide range of circular fashion concepts centred on material innovation, responsible production and waste reduction. Dorota Bojanowska showcased screen-printing techniques that give new life to vintage textiles and garments. Tyler Greenston, founder of Tyler Von Greenston, presented designs inspired by pagan symbolism and nature using zero-waste design principles. Farouk Braimoh, founder of RWRK STUDIO, demonstrated innovative approaches to transforming textile waste from other industries into contemporary fashion. Heather Martin, founder of mono studio, highlighted responsible design through modular pattern-making and production, while Porscha Hill, founder of Bad Habits, showcased reconstructed garments and natural dyeing techniques that transform textile waste into gender-neutral fashion collections.
Following the jury evaluation, RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh was selected as the United Kingdom Finalist for the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week.
As the programme continues to expand internationally, the London jury marks another milestone in strengthening collaboration between designers, innovators and sustainability advocates worldwide. The initiative continues to promote circular business models, responsible manufacturing and scalable innovations that combine creativity, commercial viability and measurable environmental impact.
Farouk Braimoh, founder of RWRK STUDIO said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to be moving on to the global finals of the Circular Design Challenge. Winning the UK Jury Round is an incredible honour, especially considering the exceptional level of talent and innovation we witnessed throughout the competition. This recognition is a meaningful validation of RWRK Studio’s vision and our commitment to circular design. We look forward to bringing our work to India, showcasing our collection on the global stage, and connecting with an inspiring community of designers who are redefining the future of fashion. We’re deeply grateful to the jury and the organisers for their support, thoughtful feedback, and belief in our work. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
Mr. Rakesh Bali, Sr. Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited said “Congratulations to RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh on being named the UK finalist. At Reliance, we believe that the boldest voices will write fashion’s next chapter. The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, now in its eighth season, stands as our enduring promise to that philosophy—offering young designers the rare combination of mentorship, visibility, and the material innovation to turn circular ideals into tangible craft. As we bring this movement to the global stage through the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, we are honoring two great design traditions while demonstrating that creativity, united with sustainable purpose, can move markets and mindsets. This is India’s idea of circular fashion, at last echoing across continents.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, said “Congratulations to this year’s United Kingdom Finalist RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh and all the exceptional designers who presented such inspiring circular innovations. The UK Jury showcased the incredible depth of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking emerging from one of the world’s leading fashion markets. As the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge continues its global journey, it is inspiring to see innovators from across geographies come together with a shared commitment to redefining the future of fashion through responsible design, material innovation and scalable circular solutions. We look forward to welcoming the UK Finalist to India for the Grand Jury and celebrating the next chapter of this global movement.”
Sevra Davis, Director of Architecture, Design and Fashion, British Council said, “The British Council Architecture Design and Fashion team is honoured to be the U.K. partner supporting the Circular Design Challenge in partnership with the United Nations India. Over the last four years of our partnership, I have seen the programme grow in impact and influence, championing sustainable practice in the fashion and textile industry and making real change. The U.K. finalists this year demonstrate exciting perspectives, thinking and innovation in the future of circular design, positive social and environmental impact as well as scalability.”
Following the successful UK jury round, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026 will continue with the Asia Pacific Jury on 24 July and the India Jury on 28 July. Regional finalists will then compete before the Grand Jury at the United Nations Headquarters in New Delhi, followed by the finale showcase at the French Embassy in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October, where the Winner and Runner-Up will be announced.
With each regional stage, the initiative continues to strengthen its vision of building a global community of innovators committed to advancing circularity and shaping the future of sustainable fashion.
