R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2026
Margn Wins R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2026; Yoshita 1967 Named Runner-Up
The eighth edition concluded at the Embassy of France in New Delhi during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.
Margn, founded by Saurabh Maurya, has won the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2026, with Yoshita 1967, founded by Anil Padia, named runner-up. The results were announced at the grand finale at the Embassy of France in India, closing the initiative’s eighth edition.
An initiative of Reliance Industries Limited, in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, the challenge drew more than 220 applications from India and international markets this year. Shortlisted designers progressed through regional jury rounds, mentorship and industry engagements before presenting their collections in New Delhi.
Photography by : Sandeep Shetty / FS Media Pro.
Two Designers, Distinct Approaches
Margn took the top honour for a collection that combines considered material choices, craftsmanship and circular design principles. [ADD: one concrete detail of the winning collection — the key material, technique or signature garment.]
Yoshita 1967 was recognised for work rooted in cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship, bringing traditional techniques into conversation with contemporary design. [ADD: the craft technique or region the collection drew on.]
The Kering Generation Award was also launched at the finale. [ADD: one line on what the award is and who it supports, or delete this paragraph and the matching line in the Ambassador’s quote.]
An International Jury
The finalists were evaluated by 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.
Collections were judged on creative vision, innovation, circular design principles, material exploration, scalability, social impact and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Partnerships 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 in partnership with FDCI connect finalists with mentorship and industry exposure.
Perspectives on the Future of Fashion
“Winning the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge is a meaningful milestone for us at Margn. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful design, material innovation and craftsmanship can shape a more responsible fashion industry,” said Saurabh Maurya, founder of Margn.
“Our work is deeply rooted in cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. This experience has reinforced the importance of preserving traditional techniques while exploring new approaches to circularity,” said Anil Padia, founder of Yoshita 1967.
“Over eight seasons, the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge has evolved into a global platform championing circularity through design and material innovation,” said Hemant D. Sharma, President, Polyester Business, Reliance Industries Limited.
“India’s textile and fashion sector holds significant potential to advance the global transition towards circularity. Their recognition highlights the importance of empowering creative talent to explore more sustainable production and consumption,” said Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India.
“The R|Elan Circular Design Challenge reflects the spirit of the India–France Year of Innovation by bringing together French and Indian design perspectives on innovation and sustainability. The launch of the Kering Generation Award today highlights the importance France attaches to sustainable fashion,” said H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.
“We remain committed to creating opportunities for emerging talent through visibility, mentorship and industry engagement,” said Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited.
Editor’s note: the full original quotes are on file and can be supplied on request. Trimmed quotes should be re-approved by each spokesperson before release.
What Comes Next
Margn receives a cash prize of USD 16,000 and an individual showcase at the next edition of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, scheduled for March 2027 in Mumbai. Yoshita 1967 receives USD 5,000 and bespoke mentorship from sustainable fashion advocate Orsola de Castro.
Across eight editions, the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge has connected emerging designers with the wider fashion industry, placing materials, craftsmanship and responsible production at the centre of the conversation.
