The 6th edition of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (CDC), in partnership with the United Nations in India, unveiled seven visionary finalists during the Sustainable Fashion Day at Lakmé Fashion Week in collaboration with FDCI. These talented designers impressed the audience with their innovative takes on sustainability, pushing the boundaries of eco-conscious fashion.
The finalists for this season included Wenyan Xu & Meng Wang (Saltless) from the EU, Tsang Fan Yu representing APAC, Silvia Acién (ACIEN) from the UK, and from India, Gautam Malik (Jaggery), Ritwik Khanna (Rkive City), and Chandini Batra (A Blunt Story). India’s wildcard entry was Rashmick Bose & Drishti Modi (Lafaani).”
The panel of esteemed judges for the competition included:
Sara Sozzani Maino – Creative Director, Sozzani Foundation
Clare Press – Journalist, Author, and Presenter
Anavila Misra – Designer and Social Entrepreneur
Shombi Sharp – UN Resident Coordinator in India
Bhumi Pednekar – UNDP India’s National Advocate for the SDGs and Actor
Announcing the Winners
Ritwik Khanna’s label Rkive City emerged as the winner of the 6th edition of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge, while Lafaani by Drishti Modi and Rashmick Bose was the runner-up.
Ritwik Khanna, thrilled by his win, said, “Winning was about getting others to believe in what we stand for. The clothes we make and the upcycling we do should inspire future generations to know that sustainable fashion is possible. I’m grateful for everyone’s appreciation.”
Since its launch in 2018, the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge has become a leading platform for emerging talents to showcase their innovations in sustainable fashion globally. For its 6th edition, the competition expanded its global reach, partnering with organizations like the British Council, Istituto Marangoni, and Redress to discover the brightest minds in fashion sustainability. Jurors from across the globe gathered in cities like London, Milan, Hong Kong, and Mumbai to select the CDC Batch of 2024.
Presented by R|Elan, the next-gen fabric brand of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), in collaboration with the United Nations in India, the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge aims to address the critical environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry. The platform continues to drive innovation in sustainable fashion by supporting emerging designers who integrate eco-friendly practices with circular fashion design.
The CDC winner received INR 15 Lakhs, a CDC Trophy, and a six-month mentorship program, along with a stand-alone showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in March 2025. The runner-up received INR 5 Lakhs and a similar mentorship program. Both the winner and runner-up will be mentored by Orsola de Castro, Co-founder of Fashion Revolution and Creative Director of Estethica, furthering their journeys towards creating a more sustainable future.
Previous Winners and Their Impact
The CDC has continually recognized and nurtured talent that integrates eco-friendly advancements with fashion. Some notable winners include:
Without by Anish Malpani: Recycling multi-layer packaging into eyewear
I Was A Sari: Upcycling discarded saris to empower women artisans
Bandit: Upcycling diverse materials into trendy, eco-conscious products
Over 25 alumni have benefited from CDC’s workshops and networking opportunities, helping transform the fashion ecosystem towards sustainability.
Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, remarked, “The UN is proud to partner with CDC in response to the Secretary-General’s urgent call to ‘make peace with nature.’ CDC spotlights designers and entrepreneurs who practice circularity and sustainability in fashion, helping drive innovation and reduce the environmental footprint of the industry.”
A Closer Look at the Finalists
Tsang Fan Yu – Contemporary Fashion
Tsang Fan Yu repurposes fabric waste from local Japanese sources, including kimonos and life jackets, and blends them with natural materials like pineapple fibre and vegan apple leather. His designs focus on creating a closed-loop production system, reducing waste, and encouraging collaboration within the textile industry.
Silvia Acién – A Poetic Exploration
Silvia Acién’s brand focuses on merging innovation and nature. Her collection, “The Freckle,” incorporates Himalayan nettle, pineapple yarn, regenerative merino wool, and organic cotton. Acién’s use of natural dyes and Spanish weaving techniques creates vibrant, sustainable knitwear.
Meng Wang & Wenyan Xu – Historic Fashion Tribute
Meng Wang and Wenyan Xu’s brand Saltless combines vintage Italian craftsmanship with sustainability. Using materials from deadstock and factory waste, their collection took inspiration from WWII military uniforms, blending deconstructed military aesthetics with modern spray painting techniques.
Gautam Malik – Reimagining Waste
Gautam Malik, the founder of Jaggery, transforms automotive and defense waste like seatbelts, army parachutes, and canvas into wearable fashion. His upcycled creations include bomber jackets, corsets, and skirts, while also supporting artisans and empowering women through sustainable practices.
Chandini Batra – Sustainable Footprint
Chandini Batra’s brand, A Blunt Story, is focused on sustainable footwear. Made from plant-based materials and recycled waste, her shoes feature UNCRUDE soles (plastic-free) and UNWASTE uppers. Her designs significantly reduce the carbon footprint of footwear by utilizing bamboo fabrics and natural fillers like cork and rice husk.
Ritwik Khanna – Lasting Ecosystem
Ritwik Khanna’s Rkive City specializes in upcycling denim and textile waste. His collection, “First Conclusion,” showcases his expertise in reusing old materials like buttons, zippers, and fabric scraps, combining traditional techniques like chindi and kantha to create new, lasting garments.
Drishti Modi & Rashmick Bose – Biodegradable Clothing
The Lafaani brand, founded by Drishti Modi and Rashmick Bose, focuses on 100% biodegradable clothing. Their designs are multifunctional, using Kala cotton, hand-painted textiles, and natural dyes to create versatile, eco-friendly garments. The label incorporates zero-waste practices and promotes sustainable packing and minimal carbon footprints.
Towards a Sustainable Future
The R|Elan Circular Design Challenge continues to identify and support innovative designers who tackle the pressing environmental issues in the fashion industry. With every edition, the CDC brings together international talent, creating a global movement for a more sustainable and circular future in fashion.
