THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
UNITED
KINGDOM, JULY 13, 2026
The R|Elan Circular
Design Challenge (CDC), India’s premier platform championing circular
innovation in fashion and textiles, successfully concluded its United Kingdom Jury
in London, bringing together globally renowned leaders from fashion,
sustainability, design, and innovation to evaluate this year’s cohort of
pioneering circular fashion entrepreneurs.
The distinguished
jury reflected the growing global momentum toward accelerating circularity and
responsible innovation across the fashion industry. Drawing on their collective
expertise, the panel played a vital role in identifying transformative
solutions with the potential to reshape the future of sustainable fashion.
The UK Jury featured
an eminent panel of industry experts, including Matthew Needham, Creative
Director of Matthew Needham and Senior Lecturer at Central Saint Martins;
Shailja Dubé, Institute of Positive Fashion, British Council; Muchaneta Ten
Napel, Founder and CEO of Shape Innovate; Sevra Davis, Director of
Architecture, Design and Fashion at the British Council; and Radhika Kaul
Batra, Chief of Staff at the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office,
India. Together, they represented a distinguished cross-section of expertise
spanning academia, sustainability, innovation, design, and international
development.
This year’s UK
semi-finalists presented an inspiring range of circular design solutions that
reimagined fashion through material innovation, responsible production, and
creative craftsmanship.
Dorota Bojanowska,
founder of Dorota Bojanowska, demonstrated how screen printing can breathe new
life into vintage textiles and garments. Tyler Greenston, founder of Tyler Von
Greenston, showcased a collection inspired by pagan symbolism and humanity’s relationship
with nature, combining zero-waste design principles with sculptural
craftsmanship and a deep respect for materials. Farouk Braimoh, founder of RWRK
STUDIO, presented an innovative approach to transforming textile waste from
other industries into contemporary fashion through circular design. Heather
Martin, founder of mono studio, highlighted responsible design through modular
pattern-making and mindful production practices. Porscha Hill, founder of Bad
Habits, reimagined fashion waste through garment reconstruction, natural
dyeing, and low-impact production, transforming pre-existing garments and
discarded textiles into gender-neutral collections that celebrate
craftsmanship, longevity, and circularity.
Following a
comprehensive evaluation, the UK Jury selected RWRK STUDIO, founded by Farouk
Braimoh, as the United Kingdom Finalist of the eighth edition of the R|Elan
Circular Design Challenge, presented in partnership with the United Nations in
India and Lakmé Fashion Week.
As the Circular
Design Challenge continues to expand its global footprint, the London Jury
marks another significant milestone in fostering international collaboration
among innovators, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates. By convening
influential voices from across fashion, design, and innovation, the platform
continues to identify and elevate breakthrough ideas that champion circular
business models, responsible production practices, and scalable solutions for a
more resilient future. The jury’s diverse perspectives ensure a holistic
evaluation of innovations that balance creativity, commercial viability, and
measurable environmental impact.
Farouk Braimoh,
Founder of RWRK STUDIO, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to be moving on
to the global finals of the Circular Design Challenge. Winning the UK Jury
Round is an incredible honour, especially considering the exceptional level of
talent and innovation we witnessed throughout the competition. This recognition
is a meaningful validation of RWRK Studio's vision and our commitment to
circular design. We look forward to bringing our work to India, showcasing our
collection on the global stage, and connecting with an inspiring community of
designers who are redefining the future of fashion. We're deeply grateful to
the jury and the organisers for their support, thoughtful feedback, and belief
in our work. We're excited for what's ahead."
Rakesh Bali, Sr. Vice
President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited, said: "Congratulations
to RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh on being named the UK finalist. At Reliance,
we believe that the boldest voices will write fashion's next chapter. The
R|Elan Circular Design Challenge, now in its eighth season, stands as our
enduring commitment to that philosophy—offering emerging designers the unique
combination of mentorship, visibility, and material innovation needed to
transform circular ideas into tangible impact. As we take this movement to the
global stage through the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, we celebrate two
great design traditions while demonstrating that creativity, when united with
sustainable purpose, can influence both markets and mindsets. This is India's
vision of circular fashion resonating across continents."
Jaspreet Chandok,
Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, said: "Congratulations to
this year's United Kingdom Finalist, RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh, and to all
the exceptional designers who presented such inspiring circular innovations.
The UK Jury showcased the remarkable depth of creativity and entrepreneurial
thinking emerging from one of the world's leading fashion markets. As the
R|Elan Circular Design Challenge continues its global journey, it is inspiring
to see innovators from across geographies united by a shared commitment to
redefining the future of fashion through responsible design, material
innovation, and scalable circular solutions. We look forward to welcoming the
UK Finalist to India for the Grand Jury and celebrating the next chapter of
this global movement."
Sevra Davis, Director
of Architecture, Design and Fashion at the British Council, said: "The
British Council Architecture, Design and Fashion team is honoured to be the UK
partner supporting the Circular Design Challenge in partnership with the United
Nations in India. Over the past four years, I have seen the programme grow
significantly in both impact and influence, championing sustainable practices
within the fashion and textile industry while driving meaningful change. This
year's UK finalists represent exciting new perspectives on circular design,
delivering positive social and environmental impact alongside strong potential
for scalability."
Following the successful conclusion of the United Kingdom Jury, the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2026 will continue its global journey with the Asia Pacific Jury on 24 July, followed by the India Jury on 28 July. Regional finalists will then advance to the Grand Jury at the United Nations Headquarters in New Delhi before showcasing their work at the finale hosted at the French Embassy in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October, where the Winner and Runner-Up will be announced.
With every regional milestone, the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge continues to strengthen its vision of building a global community of design innovators committed to redefining the future of fashion through circularity, collaboration, and sustainable innovation.
