Application Criteria:

1. Applicants must incorporate circularity in design and processes across the textile value chain, including fibre production, manufacturing, and post-consumer stages.
2. Practices may include using recycled materials, innovative alternative dyes, resource efficiency, and waste reduction.
3. Concepts must demonstrate measurable environmental and social benefits, such as waste reduction, pollution control, improved livelihoods, or better working conditions.
   
4. Preference will be given to solutions addressing multiple circular and sustainable elements.
5. 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

1. Applicants must be Indian citizens or have a registered label in India.
2. International applicants must mention if they were nominated by CDC Partners.
3. The organization or label must be in operation for 8 years or less.
4. We accept individual applications as well as consortium applications. A consortium refers to a group of up to four professionals working together collaboratively to develop and present the final collection.
5. Submissions must be original, unpublished, and not previously showcased. Any inspiration used in the theme/collection must be explicitly mentioned, and plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

1. All applications will be screened and examined by the program partners via a robust scoring mechanism.
2. The Juries will comprise leading experts, top designers, key media, educationists, activists, Sustainability organizations as well as representatives from R|Elan™, Reliance Brands Limited and the UN in India.
3. The Jury will make the final selection based on the designers' quality, adherence to circular principles, innovation, marketability, originality, and ability to take their business to the next level.

1. Selected applicants must fund their collection, including a minimum of two looks for the Shortlist Jury Event and six looks (individual sets of garments/accessories) for the final presentation at Lakmé Fashion Week. All costs for the collection’s creation will be borne by the applicants.
2. International finalists will have their travel and stay covered, including local travel and food costs in Delhi, India. Indian finalists will receive stay coverage only
3. International finalists must manage their own visa applications, and the visa costs will be reimbursed in India in equivalent INR upon presentation of valid receipts.
4. For the final showcase, CDC will provide comprehensive support, including show direction, six models per participant, a backstage team, a stylist, LED screens, and the necessary showcase infrastructure at Lakmé Fashion Week.
5. Shortlisted applicants must attend in-person jury events in their respective countries and showcase a minimum of 2 looks.
6. Selected finalists from these shortlist jury events will proceed to the final jury and showcase in Delhi, India. Dates for these events will be shared by the organizers.
7. Finalists must prioritize CDC over other programs and be available for mentorship, fittings, and showcases on designated dates. Any changes in schedule must be adhered to.
8. Finalists must be available to shoot content and actively participate in content creation that will be featured on CDC and Lakmé Fashion Week platforms, as well as any additional partner platforms.
9. Designers must be physically present for pre-show model fittings and showcase their collections on dates shared by the organizers.
10. Due diligence will be conducted for all selected finalists. The CDC team will request documents to verify authenticity, and these must be shared within the given timeline.
11. The seed fund awarded to the winner and runner-up will be subject to Indian and international tax laws. The final disbursed amount will be adjusted accordingly.

1. Deck submissions must include high-quality images of illustrations, garments, or product samples. If professional photography is not possible, images can be taken on models, dummies, or mannequins against a plain white or black background. Avoid using hangers for garment images.
2. Any patents or official documents relevant to unique processes must be included in the Application.

Applications must be submitted by 8^th April 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be informed via email.
For inquiries, contact: circulardesignchallenge@gmail.com