Paris hosts European leg of Reliance-backed circular fashion challenge

Reliance Industries-backed R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (RCDC) has concluded the European leg of its global design competition in Paris, with France-based label Yoshita 1967, founded by Anil Padia, emerging as the regional finalist ahead of the global finale in India later this year.

The European jury was held in Paris on July 5, ahead of Paris Haute Couture Week, as part of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The event was organised by R|Elan™, the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, in collaboration with the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) and the Embassy of France in India.

Six designers from across Europe presented their work before a jury comprising fashion and sustainability experts, including representatives from Fondation Hermès, Kering, Marie Claire France and the FHCM. The finalists showcased projects centred on textile reuse, deadstock fabrics, natural dyes, recycled materials and artisan-led production.

Yoshita 1967 was selected as the European finalist for its approach to circular fashion through artisan-led production and collaborations across Paris, Nairobi and Delhi. The label will now compete with finalists from the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific and India at the Grand Jury to be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New Delhi, followed by the finale during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October.

Global expansion of sustainability platform

Launched in 2018, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is a joint initiative of Reliance Industries' R|Elan™, the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week to promote circularity and sustainability in the fashion and textile industry. Over the years, the programme has expanded beyond India and now includes regional selection rounds across multiple geographies before the global finale.

Congratulating the winner, Rakesh Bali, senior vice president – PetChem, Reliance Industries Ltd, said, "Congratulations to Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia on being named the European Finalist. His work reflects the spirit of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge — proof that circularity can be a powerful engine for creativity." He added that Reliance, through R|Elan™, aims to support emerging talent across the fashion value chain.

Anil Padia, founder of Yoshita 1967, said the recognition reinforced the brand's belief in circularity and responsible craftsmanship. "This recognition reinforces our belief in the power of circularity to shape the future of fashion. I look forward to representing Europe at the Grand Jury in India later this year," he said.

Pascal Morand, executive president of FHCM, said the programme was helping identify innovation alongside creativity in fashion. "It is essential not only to celebrate creativity but also to identify true innovation," he said, adding that he was encouraged by the growing collaboration between France and India.

Jaspreet Chandok, group vice president, Reliance Brands Ltd, said the Paris event marked an important milestone in the global expansion of the challenge. "As the Challenge continues to expand its international footprint, it reinforces our commitment to creating a global platform that champions responsible design, material innovation and the future of circular fashion," he said.