The UK jury confers RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh as the finalist of the UK edition of the R|Elan CDC

United Kingdom: The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC), India’s leading platform championing circular innovation in fashion and textiles, successfully concluded its United Kingdom Jury in London, bringing together globally respected leaders from fashion, sustainability, design and innovation to evaluate this year’s cohort of pioneering circular fashion entrepreneurs. The jury reflected the growing global momentum towards accelerating circularity and responsible innovation across the fashion ecosystem, with its collective expertise playing a pivotal role in identifying solutions capable of reshaping the future of sustainable fashion.

The UK Jury comprised an exceptional line-up of industry leaders, 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, the jury represented a distinguished cross-section of experts from academia, sustainability, innovation, design and international development, driving meaningful transformation across the global fashion ecosystem.

This year’s UK semi-finalists showcased a diverse range of design solutions that reimagined fashion through the lens of circularity, material innovation and responsible production. Dorota Bojanowska, founder of Dorota Bojanowska, uses screen printing as a tool to give a new life to vintage textiles and garments. Tyler Greenston, founder of Tyler Von Greenston, presented a collection rooted in pagan symbolism and humanity’s relationship with nature, combining zero-waste design principles with sculptural craftsmanship and material-respect philosophies. Farouk Braimoh, founder of RWRK STUDIO, showcased his commitment to rethinking textile waste from other industries into contemporary fashion through circular design, while Heather Martin, founder of mono studio, demonstrated a thoughtful approach to responsible design through modular pattern making & production choices. Porscha Hill, founder of Bad Habits, reimagined fashion waste through garment reconstruction, natural dyeing and low-impact production, transforming pre-existing garments and textile waste into genderless collections that celebrate craftsmanship, longevity and circular design.

Following the jury’s comprehensive evaluation of this year’s UK semi-finalists, the distinguished UK Jury selected RWRK STUDIO by Farouk Braimoh as the United Kingdom Finalist of the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge in partnership with the UN in India & Lakme Fashion Week.

As the Circular Design Challenge continues to expand its international footprint, the London Jury marks another significant milestone in fostering global collaboration between innovators, industry experts 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.”

Mr. 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 promise to that philosophy—offering young designers the rare combination of mentorship, visibility, and the material innovation to turn circular ideals into tangible craft. As we bring this movement to the global stage through the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, we are honoring two great design traditions while demonstrating that creativity, united with sustainable purpose, can move markets and mindsets. This is India’s idea of circular fashion, at last echoing 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 all the exceptional designers who presented such inspiring circular innovations. The UK Jury showcased the incredible 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 come together with 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, British Council said, “The British Council Architecture Design and Fashion team is honoured to be the U.K. partner supporting the Circular Design Challenge in partnership with the United Nations India. Over the last four years of our partnership, I have seen the programme grow in impact and influence, championing sustainable practice in the fashion and textile industry and making real change. The U.K. finalists this year demonstrate exciting perspectives, thinking and innovation in the future of  circular design, positive social and environmental impact as well as 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 and the India Jury on 28 July. The regional finalists will then advance to the Grand Jury at the United Nations Headquarters in New Delhi before presenting their work at the finale showcase at the French Embassy in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October, where the Winner and Runner-Up will be announced.

With each 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.