The eighth edition of the sustainability-focused fashion initiative attracted more than 220 applications globally, with winners announced at the Embassy of France in New Delhi.
Margn, founded by Saurabh Maurya, has won the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, while Yoshita 1967, founded by Anil Padia, was named runner-up. Announced on 14 October at the Embassy of France in New Delhi, the eighth edition recognised emerging designers exploring circular design, material innovation and responsible fashion under the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
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R|Elan Circular Design Challenge Announces 2026 Winners
The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, an initiative of Reliance Industries Limited in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week, held its eighth-season finale at the Embassy of France in India on 13 October 2026.
The event brought together emerging designers, industry leaders, fashion experts and international stakeholders to highlight circular design and material innovation. The 2026 edition received more than 220 applications globally. Selected finalists progressed through regional jury rounds, mentorship and industry engagements before presenting their collections to the grand jury in New Delhi.
Margn by Saurabh Maurya was named the winner, while Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia secured the runner-up position. Their collections presented different approaches to circular fashion, combining material exploration, craftsmanship and responsible design.
Margn and Yoshita 1967 Present Distinct Design Approaches
Founded by Saurabh Maurya, Margn presented a collection combining contemporary aesthetics, craftsmanship, material innovation and circularity. Its approach explored how considered material selection and thoughtful construction can support more responsible fashion design.
Yoshita 1967, founded by Anil Padia, presented a collection rooted in cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary design. Drawing on the designer’s cross-cultural perspective, the collection brought traditional techniques together with modern design sensibilities.
Together, the two collections highlighted how emerging designers can explore circularity while preserving craftsmanship and developing new approaches to responsible fashion.
International Jury Evaluates Finalists
The finale was evaluated by a jury comprising Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India; Serge Carreira, Head of the Emerging Brands Initiative at the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode; Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India; Rajesh Pratap Singh, Founder and Creative Director of Pratap; and Anaita Shroff Adajania, fashion and costume stylist and creative director.
The jury assessed the finalists on creative vision, innovation, the application of circular principles, material exploration, scalability, social impact, alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their potential contribution to the future of fashion.
The 2026 edition also expanded the initiative’s international connections through collaboration with the Embassy of France in India, Institut Français, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week.
Held during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, the finale highlighted cooperation between the two countries’ fashion and design ecosystems, with a focus on creativity, innovation and responsible growth.
Winners Share Their Perspectives
Saurabh Maurya, Founder of Margn and winner of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, said the recognition reinforced the brand’s belief in the role of thoughtful design, material innovation and craftsmanship in building a more responsible fashion industry.
He said the platform had provided an opportunity to explore how circular principles could be incorporated into contemporary design and expressed the hope that Margn would continue to push the boundaries of conscious fashion.
Anil Padia, Founder of Yoshita 1967 and runner-up, said the recognition was an encouraging step for the brand. He highlighted its focus on cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship and connections between people, materials and communities. He added that the experience reinforced the importance of preserving traditional techniques while exploring new approaches to circularity.
Hemant D. Sharma, President of the Polyester Business at Reliance Industries Limited, said sustainable growth and innovation went hand in hand. He noted that over eight seasons, the challenge had developed into a global platform promoting circularity through design and material innovation. He also highlighted the role of partnerships with the Embassy of France, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.
Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India, said India’s textile and fashion sector had significant potential to advance the global transition towards circularity. He highlighted the United Nations’ work with the Ministry of Textiles and industry partners on decarbonisation, the circular economy and decent work, linking these efforts to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said the challenge reflected the spirit of the India–France Year of Innovation by bringing French and Indian design perspectives together around innovation and sustainability. He also noted the importance of the cultural and creative industries in innovation and bilateral cooperation.
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President of Reliance Brands Limited, said the initiative had developed into a platform for emerging designers to explore circularity and innovation. He highlighted its focus on visibility, mentorship and industry engagement, and congratulated both winning designers.
Prize Money and Industry Opportunities
The winner, Margn, will receive US$16,000 and the opportunity to present an individual showcase at the next season of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI in March 2027 in Mumbai.
The runner-up, Yoshita 1967, will receive US$5,000, along with bespoke mentorship from sustainable fashion advocate Orsola de Castro.
The awards provide financial support and opportunities for the designers to develop their work and connect with the wider fashion industry.
The 2026 finale concludes this season’s global journey while opening new opportunities for the recognised designers. Through partnerships, mentorship and industry engagement, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge continues to provide a platform for emerging talent working across circular design, material innovation and responsible fashion.