RWRK STUDIO wins UK leg of Reliance-backed Circular Design Challenge

RWRK STUDIO, founded by designer Farouk Braimoh, has been named the United Kingdom finalist of the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC), a sustainability-focused fashion platform backed by Reliance Industries in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week.

The announcement came after the challenge concluded its UK jury round in London, where a panel of global leaders from fashion, sustainability, design and innovation evaluated entries from circular fashion entrepreneurs. The winner will now represent the UK at the global finals in India later this year.

The UK jury included Matthew Needham, creative director of Matthew Needham and senior lecturer at Central Saint Martins; Sevra Davis, director of architecture, design and fashion at the British Council; Muchaneta Ten Napel, Founder and CEO of Shape Innovate; Shailja Dubé of the British Council's Institute of Positive Fashion; and Radhika Kaul Batra, Chief of Staff at the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in India.

Winner to compete in global finals

Braimoh's RWRK STUDIO was selected for its approach to repurposing textile waste from other industries into contemporary fashion through circular design principles.

"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," Braimoh said. "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."

Global platform for circular fashion

Congratulating the winner, Rakesh Bali, senior vice president – PetChem at Reliance Industries, said the challenge continues to support emerging designers working at the intersection of fashion and sustainability.

"The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, now in its eighth season, stands as our enduring promise to offering young designers the rare combination of mentorship, visibility, and material innovation to turn circular ideals into tangible craft," he said, adding that the initiative is helping take India's vision for circular fashion to a global audience.

Jaspreet Chandok, group vice president at Reliance Brands, said the UK jury highlighted the depth of creativity emerging from one of the world's leading fashion markets.

"It is inspiring to see innovators from across geographies come together with a shared commitment to redefining the future of fashion through responsible design, material innovation and scalable circular solutions," Chandok said.

Following the UK jury, the competition will move to the Asia Pacific Jury on July 24 and the India Jury on July 28. Regional finalists will then compete at the Grand Jury at the United Nations Headquarters in New Delhi, before showcasing their collections during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October, where the winner and runner-up will be announced.