The eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (RCDC), presented by Reliance Industries Limited’s R|Elan™, the United Nations in India, and Lakmé Fashion Week, has concluded its global jury rounds, announcing four India finalists who will join an international cohort of innovators advancing circular fashion and sustainable textile solutions.
The selected India finalists are:
- Botto Labs by Nitya Amarnath – developing next-generation bio-sequins as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic embellishments.
- Saloni Jhaveri by Saloni Jhaveri – transforming discarded textiles into innovative fashion designs through creative reuse.
- Duja by Ustat Kharbanda – upcycling post-consumer textile waste into one-of-a-kind apparel.
- Margn by Saurabh Maurya – combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary circular fashion practices.
The finalists were chosen following a comprehensive evaluation by an eminent India Jury comprising Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Editorial Director of ELLE India & ELLE Gourmet; celebrity stylist Shaleena Nathani; Karishma Shahani Khan, Creative Director of Ka-Sha; Rakesh Bali, Senior Vice President – PetChem at Reliance Industries Limited; and Darshana Gajare, Head of Sustainability at Lakmé Fashion Week.
Global Finalists Complete International Cohort
The India finalists now join winners from other global regions, completing the international cohort for RCDC 2026.
Earlier this year, Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia was selected as the Europe finalist in Paris, while RWRK Studio by Farouk Braimoh emerged as the United Kingdom finalist. Representing the Asia Pacific & Beyond region, BYO by Tommy Tedji secured its place after regional jury evaluations.
The eighth edition attracted over 220 applications worldwide, with 23 semi-finalists shortlisted across India, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Asia Pacific & Beyond. Following regional jury rounds, seven global finalists have now advanced to the Grand Jury stage.
Grand Finale During Lakmé Fashion Week
The finalists will next present their innovations before the Grand Jury at the United Nations House in New Delhi before showcasing their collections during the finale at the Embassy of France in India as part of Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October 2026.
The showcase forms part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, highlighting bilateral collaboration in sustainable innovation, creativity, and design. The Winner and Runner-Up of the eighth edition will be announced following the final presentations.
Innovation Driving Circular Fashion
The selected finalists represent diverse approaches to circularity, ranging from bio-based materials and textile upcycling to waste reduction and craft-led sustainable fashion. Through mentorship, business guidance, material innovation, and international exposure, the programme aims to help transform promising circular ideas into scalable commercial ventures.
Speaking on the announcement, Rakesh Bali, Senior Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited, said the quality of this year’s Indian cohort demonstrated the country’s growing leadership in circular fashion. He reaffirmed Reliance’s commitment to supporting innovators through mentorship, visibility, and material innovation to accelerate commercially viable sustainable solutions.
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, highlighted the exceptional calibre of entrepreneurs redefining fashion through innovation, craftsmanship, and circular thinking, while emphasizing the importance of commercially relevant sustainability solutions.
Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, congratulated the finalists and noted that the challenge continues to foster collaboration among designers, businesses, and institutions to accelerate circular solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Advancing Global Circular Fashion
Launched in India in 2018, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge has evolved into a globally recognised platform supporting entrepreneurs, designers, and innovators committed to reducing waste and advancing circularity across the fashion and textile industry.
Developed in partnership with Reliance Industries Limited’s R|Elan™, the United Nations in India, and Lakmé Fashion Week, the programme continues to expand its international footprint across India, Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia Pacific, and other global markets, helping shape the future of sustainable fashion through innovation, collaboration, and circular business models.