The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC), a flagship circular fashion initiative by R|Elan, United Nations in India, and Lakmé Fashion Week, successfully concluded its European Jury evaluation on 5 July 2026 with an exclusive cocktail evening at Le Meurice, held ahead of Paris Haute Couture Week.
The event marked a significant milestone under the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 and was organised in collaboration with Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) and the Embassy of France in India.
The European Jury brought together influential leaders from the global fashion, sustainability, and creative industries to evaluate six semi-finalists showcasing innovative approaches to circular fashion, responsible design, material development, and craftsmanship.
Yoshita 1967 Selected as European Finalist
A key highlight of the evening was the announcement of Yoshita 1967, founded by Anil Padia, as the European Finalist of R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026.
The brand presented a people-first approach to circularity, combining artisan-led production, handmade techniques, and cross-cultural collaborations between Nairobi, Paris, and Delhi. The initiative focuses on preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating meaningful social and environmental impact.
Anil Padia will now join the global finalists at the Grand Jury in India later this year.
Rakesh Bali, Senior Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited, congratulated Yoshita 1967 and highlighted the role of circularity in driving creativity and innovation across the fashion value chain.
“At Reliance, through R|Elan™, we are proud to nurture emerging talent across the fashion value chain, from the fibres we engineer to the global platforms we create for the designers shaping fashion’s more sustainable future,” said Bali.
Six Designers Showcase Circular Fashion Innovation
The six European semi-finalists presented diverse concepts focused on sustainable materials, waste reduction, and responsible fashion practices.
- Coccellato (France), founded by Iman Coccellato, showcased contemporary eveningwear created exclusively from deadstock luxury fabrics, transforming existing materials through artisanal craftsmanship.
- Yoshita 1967 (France), founded by Anil Padia, highlighted artisan-driven circular fashion through handmade techniques and international collaboration.
- PLNGNS (Germany and Ukraine), founded by Dmytro Hontarenko, presented an experimental circular ecosystem converting discarded sneakers and fashion waste into genderless streetwear.
- Matthieu Ruiz (France) explored natural dyeing, deadstock textiles, and craftsmanship to create garments focused on longevity and material connection.
- BÉHEN (Portugal), founded by Joana Duarte, transformed antique textiles, regional embroidery, and deadstock materials into contemporary womenswear.
- FLORANIA (Italy), founded by Flora Rabbiti, combined discarded garments, innovative fibres, and material research to develop regenerative design solutions.
Strengthening India-France Collaboration in Circular Fashion
The Paris event highlighted the growing partnership between India and France in promoting sustainable fashion innovation. Keynote addresses were delivered by Pascal Morand, Executive President of FHCM, and Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President of Reliance Brands Limited.
Pascal Morand emphasised the importance of recognising innovation alongside creativity in the fashion industry, stating that emerging business models and sustainable materials are transforming the future of couture and fashion.
Jaspreet Chandok said the European Jury represented an important milestone in R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge’s global journey by bringing together leaders committed to responsible design and circular innovation.
The evening was attended by prominent fashion personalities, including Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta, and Manish Malhotra, along with representatives from French fashion houses, academia, and media.
Global Journey Continues Toward Grand Finale
Following the European Jury selection, R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026 will continue with regional evaluations:
- United Kingdom Jury – 9 July 2026
- Asia Pacific Jury – 24 July 2026
- India Jury – 28 July 2026
The regional finalists will advance to the Grand Jury at the United Nations Headquarters in New Delhi. The winners of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026 will be announced during the finale at the French Embassy in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October.
Through each regional milestone, R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge continues to build a global community of designers and innovators working toward a more circular and sustainable future for fashion.