THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
HONG KONG, JULY 30, 2026
BYO By Tommy Tedji has been named the Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Finalist of the eighth edition of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (RCDC),
emerging from a highly competitive cohort of circular fashion innovators across
the region. Selected by a distinguished jury of global leaders in sustainable
fashion, design, investment and innovation, the Indonesian label impressed with
its pioneering approach to transforming leather waste into modular,
reconfigurable designs, reinforcing the Challenge's mission to accelerate the
future of circular fashion.
The R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (RCDC) — India's leading
platform for circular innovation in fashion and textiles, presented by Reliance
Industries Ltd.'s R|Elan, the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week —
announced the distinguished APAC Jury that convened to evaluate this year's
cohort of pioneering circular design innovators.
Bringing together globally respected leaders from sustainable
retail, investment, media and design, the jury reflected the growing
international momentum to accelerate circularity and responsible innovation
across the fashion ecosystem. Their collective expertise played a pivotal role
in identifying solutions with the potential to reshape the future of
sustainable fashion.
The APAC Jury comprised an exceptional panel of industry
leaders, including Christina Dean, Founder of Redress; Hong Zheng, Founder of
Greenext; Rina Singh, Creative Director of EKA; Jacinta FitzGerald, Chief
Executive of Fashion & Textiles New Zealand; and Nicky Mac Callum, Venture
Partner at Elaphurus Capital, Impact Investor, and Social Innovation Leader.
Together, the jury represented a powerful cross-section of global thought
leaders driving meaningful transformation across the fashion industry.
Representing the breadth of circular innovation emerging
across the Asia-Pacific region, this year's semi-finalists are reimagining
fashion through diverse approaches to sustainability. Tommy Ambiyo Tedji (BYO)
transforms leather waste into modular, reconfigurable designs; Heyun Pan
(PERMU) pioneers bio-based, zero-waste menswear using renewable materials and
circular construction; Carla Zhang (LE NGOK) champions timeless design by
extending the life of existing resources; Brenda Palomino (One Middle Child)
develops biodegradable biomaterials from organic waste to create closed-loop
fashion systems; and Niharika Elety (Tega Collective) revitalises indigenous
craft traditions through regenerative, community-led design. Together, these
innovators demonstrate how material innovation, cultural knowledge and circular
thinking are shaping the future of fashion.
Following a comprehensive evaluation of this year's APAC
semi-finalists, the jury selected BYO By Tommy Tedji as the APAC Finalist of
the eighth edition of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge.
As sustainability evolves from a market trend into a defining
imperative for the global apparel industry, the R|Elan Circular Design
Challenge continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for innovation by
connecting visionary circular entrepreneurs with international mentors,
investors and industry leaders. This year's APAC cohort exemplifies this
transition, presenting high-performance, regenerative solutions that challenge
conventional approaches to fashion design and manufacturing.
Tommy Tedji, Founder, Byo, said, “We are honoured to be named
the Asia Pacific Finalist for the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge. This
recognition is a meaningful milestone for our team and reflects the support of
the incredible community behind us. We are committed to doing our best,
learning every step of the way, and are excited for what lies ahead as we
continue contributing towards a more circular future for fashion.”
Rakesh Bali, Sr. Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries
Limited, said, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to BYO By Tommy Tedji
on being selected as the APAC Finalist of the eighth edition of the R|Elan
Circular Design Challenge. The exceptional quality of innovation presented this
year reflects the immense potential of the region to drive the future of
circular fashion. At Reliance, we remain committed to fostering technologies
and platforms that empower next-generation innovators to scale solutions that
create lasting impact across the global fashion and textile industry. We look
forward to seeing the finalist advance to the next stage of the Challenge.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands
Limited, said, “Congratulations to BYO By Tommy Tedji on this remarkable
achievement. Every edition of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge reaffirms
that the future of fashion belongs to innovators who are willing to challenge
convention and create with purpose. It has been inspiring to witness the
exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated
by this year's APAC cohort. We are delighted to see the finalist advance to the
next stage of the Challenge and look forward to seeing their vision continue to
inspire the global fashion community.”
United Nations in India Resident Coordinator, Stefan
Priesner, said, “I congratulate BYO By Tommy Tedji on being selected as the
APAC Finalist of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge. Creative innovations
like this Challenge demonstrate how the fashion and textile industries can be
at the forefront of the transition towards more sustainable and circular
systems. The Challenge continues to bring together all the players in the
fashion ecosystem – from entrepreneurs to industry leaders to institutions – to
advance solutions that support the Sustainable Development Goals and inspire
meaningful change. We look forward to following the continued inspiring
journeys of all the finalists.”
Redress Founder, Christina Dean, said, “Congratulations to BYO By Tommy Tedji on being named the APAC Finalist of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge. This recognition celebrates not only exceptional design talent, but also the vision and determination to rethink fashion through a circular lens. It is encouraging to see emerging innovators develop solutions that have the potential to influence the future of our industry. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to seeing the finalist's ideas continue to evolve and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable fashion ecosystem.”
Following the successful conclusion of the APAC Jury and the India Jury round, held on July 28, the regional finalists will now advance to the Grand Jury at the United Nations House in New Delhi in October. They will then showcase their innovations at the finale hosted at the French Embassy in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October, where the Winner and Runner-Up of the eighth edition of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge will be announced.
