Application Criteria:

1. The lead applicant(s) should incorporate in their design, circular aspects of design/processes across the textile value chain. The value chain begins at the fibre/yarn stage, moving on to knitting & weaving, then printing & dyeing, manufacturing and the use of pre-consumer or production waste, on to retail and rental, to the post-consumer stage. Based on this value chain, circular aspects of design/processes across the value chain could for instance, range from including innovative alternative dyes, to using recycled textile or other waste-based materials, reducing natural resource consumption and improving efficiencies in production through the production process – among others.
2. A higher point allocation will be made to concepts/solutions that consider multiple sustainable and circular elements across the value chain and in the production cycle.
3. The lead applicant(s) should be able to demonstrate circularity in the true sense in one or more of the following ways:
   
   • The concept/solution should ensure efficient raw material utilization, environmentally- friendly and zero waste production while increasing the durability, longevity and multi- functionality of the products.
   • The applicant should also highlight how the product, at its end of life can be put back into the system e.g. through recycling or as raw material for any other product or industry or repurposing.
   • For additional guidance, refer to UNEP publication on ‘Sustainability and Circularity in Textile Value Chain' -
     https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/sites/default/files/unep_sustainability_and_circulari ty_textile_value_chain_1.pdf
4. The lead applicant(s) should consciously drive a positive impact on the environment & society in one or more of the following ways:
   • The concept/solution should be able to improve livelihood conditions for providers and partners, and support improvements in socio-economic conditions for workers, artisans, and local communities (including women) on a medium to large scale. Positive impacts on society could range from skill development for local communities and engaging them in production, to creating employment, or promoting and sustaining better working conditions for them.
   • The concept/solution should ensure a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste production, pollution, water consumption, and energy utilization. Reductions in environmental impact could be across the value chain, for instance in the manufacturing process or in the printing and dyeing segment of the value chain. Waste reduction could take place at the pre-consumer stage, or at the post-consumer stage. These environmental and social impacts must be direct results of the applicant’s work rather than indirect benefits such as those gained from using material that is already ethically sourced etc.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

• Originality of Concept & Innovation in Design: How creative and unique is the theme/concept proposed and What problems of the apparel & textile value chain does it look at solving?
• Circular Design Principles: The products/apparel should incorporate principles of circularity like incorporating waste textiles, non toxic and environmentally friendly input and processes, Ethical practices and so on.
• Ethical Business Model: The brand in no way should indulge in greenwashing mechanisms and techniques.
• Clarity of Vision: The level of clarity behind the design philosophy of the label, theme of the proposed collection and execution.
• All applications will be screened and examined by the the program partners via a robust scoring mechanism
• The Juries will comprise Leading experts, top designers, Key media, Educationists, activists as well as a representative from RISE Worldwide, R|Elan™ & the UN in India
• The Jury makes the final selection based on the designers' quality, design, Circular principles, innovation, marketability, originality and ability to legitimately take their business to the next level.
• Overall, a Circular Design Challenge applicant must showcase clarity in vision for the label through its aesthetic and design philosophy, concept of the proposed collection and execution.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The applicant(s) must be a citizen of India: Holding a valid ID/passport. If not holding an Indian Passport, please ensure that the company/label is registered in India.
2. For international participants; The applicant(s) must be nominated by a CDC Nomination Partner – British Council (UK), Istituto Marangoni (EU), Redress (APAC)
3. We accept individual applications as well as applications from consortiums. The lead applicant of the consortium has to be a professional or team of professionals (up to 4) and is responsible for curating the final collection together.
4. The lead applicant must have no more than 8 years of professional experience, post completion of relevant education (if applicable).
5. The applicant should be able to fund up to 6 looks (individual sets of garments/accessories) for the final presentation at LFW. All the costs for the collection to be created will have to be borne by the finalist(s).
6. The collection submitted should not be showcased anywhere else
7. Designers should submit their original work and ensure there is no plagiarism.
8. Any kind of inspiration used in the theme/collection should be explicitly mentioned.
9. All shortlisted participants must be physically present at the Shortlist Jury Event and be able to showcase Minimum 4 Looks to the Jury (Not applicable for APAC)
10. The Finals will be an in-person jury event in Delhi. The finalist(s) will be physically present at the venue to make a presentation to the jury and the travel & stay expenses will have to be borne by the designer(s). Post the finals, the designers will showcase their collection in a group showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI October 2024. The show date and time will be informed to you by the organizers.
11. The designer(s) agrees to be available for the circular design challenge team to shoot exclusive content for the event’s social media handles (including various event sponsor activations).
12. Pictures of the illustrations submitted in the presentation should be clear and of high quality.
13. In case the images cannot be professionally shot, the Pictures of the garment/product samples can be shot on a model, dummy or mannequin against a plain white or black background.
14. Avoid shooting the garments on hangers.
15. The designer(s) have to be physically present for the pre-show model fittings and for showcasing their collections on the dates shared by the Organizers.
16. The applicant(s) should be willing to collaborate with innovators and entrepreneurs in the circular fashion space and will have to declare the primary & secondary sources of their final collection.

Application Process:

1. Submission of Application Form: ’CLICK HERE’
2. Submission of PPT for collection: ‘CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PPT TEMPLATE'
3. DO NOT tamper with the presentation format, there is no need for special effects/visuals. It must be strictly submitted as per instructions mentioned in the slides.
4. Please adhere to the guidelines on pictures & sketches as mentioned in the template
5. Please do not submit physical samples.
6. Kindly refer to the Guidance note BELOW for submission of presentation and Pictures & Sketches
7. Any Patents or official documents relevant to your unique process must be included within your portfolio.
8. Last date for application submission is 30^th April 2024

On successful completion of the above steps, the application will be reviewed & the designer will be notified via email.

Application Deadline : The last date for sending your application is 30^th April 2024
For further information, please contact: circulardesignchallenge@gmail.com