2024 marked another stellar year for the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC), solidifying its reputation as a global platform that champions innovation in sustainable fashion. By blending creativity, technology, and a commitment to circular principles, CDC brought together designers, mentors, and changemakers to redefine the future of fashion.
Here’s an expanded look at this transformative year.
A TRULY GLOBAL PLATFORM
For the second consecutive year, R|Elan™️ Circular Design Challenge continued to expand its global reach with juries in London, Milan, Mumbai, and Hong Kong, positioning itself as an international hub for sustainable innovation. These juries brought together an esteemed panel of Jury Members.
Seven groundbreaking finalists emerged, ready to present their solutions to circular challenges and compete for the coveted award in New Delhi.
Meet the Visionaries of the CDC Batch of 2024
• Acien: Champions regeneration and transparency by blending tradition with innovation.
• Saltless: Fosters community and material rebirth by transforming leftovers into innovative designs.
• A Blunt Story: Challenges norms with unrefined materials and bold narratives.
• Rkive City: Redefines waste with revival, modularity, and circularity.
• Lafaani: Creates seasonless, multi-functional designs rooted in craft connections.
• Tsangfanyu: Embodies empowerment and evolution through explorative design.
• Jaggery Bags: Reimagines waste through sustainable and inclusive designs.
PIONEERING INITIATIVES
1. First-Ever CDC Docuseries
In an effort to make sustainability a mainstream conversation, CDC launched its docuseries at Lakmé Fashion Week. Streaming on Jio Cinema and YouTube, the series followed the journeys of six visionary designers from the Batch of 2023.
Watch the docuseries: YouTube Playlist
2. Immersive Showcase by Without
The CDC 2023 winner, Without by Ashaya, debuted an interactive exhibit at Lakmé Fashion Week, demonstrating how MLP waste can be transformed into guilt-free accessories.
Relive the showcase highlights here: Watch Now
3. New Partnerships
CDC partnered with JCA London Fashion Academy, setting the stage for future-focused design that prioritizes both aesthetics and sustainability.
4. Global Recognition
As an official nominator for the H&M Global Change Award, CDC joined the global movement to tackle high-emission challenges across the textile value chain.
EMPOWERING INNOVATORS WITH MENTORSHIP
CDC is committed to nurturing the next generation of sustainable leaders. This year, finalists received guidance from world-class mentors.
- The Sustainable Fashion Communication Playbook by Rachel Arthur
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Masterclass by Claudia Giacovelli, UNEP
- Navigating the Circular Fashion Ecosystem by Estethica with Orsola De Crasto, Tasmin Blanchard, Roxanne Houshmand-Howell
- Sustainable Fibres Masterclass by Sejal Niravdekar, R|Elan
- Impact Pitch: Mastering Sustainable Fashion Storytelling by Tamseel Hussain
- Fashion Finance Fundamentals by Vikram Menon, Fashion Finance Consultant
Learn more about mentorship in the Designers’ Roundtable: Watch Here
SHOWCASING IMPACT ON PRESTIGIOUS PLATFORMS
CDC alumni took the stage on global platforms, highlighting the power of circular fashion:
• United Nations Day 2024: Celebrating circular fashion’s role in addressing global challenges.
• Raisina Dialogue: Alumni like Ashita Singhal (Paiwand) and Anish Malpani (Without) presented their groundbreaking solutions to a worldwide audience.
A COMMUNITY THAT INSPIRES
The 2024 program also emphasized alumni engagement, creating spaces for past participants to showcase their work and connect with global leaders like Sara Maino, Clare Press, and Anavila Misra.
Clare Press summarized the program’s impact beautifully:
“CDC is a much-needed breath of fresh air in a space often dominated by what’s wrong. Truly inspiring!”
THE ROAD AHEAD
As CDC looks to 2025, the focus remains on expanding partnerships, driving innovation, and inspiring the global fashion industry. With a growing ecosystem of mentors, partners, and alumni, the challenge continues to redefine sustainability.
Ready to join the movement? CDC is calling on sponsors, funders, and knowledge partners to collaborate on this transformative journey.
Get involved and connect with us:
• Website: Circular Design Challenge
• Instagram: @CircularDesignChallenge
• YouTube: CDC Channel
Contact: darshana.gajare@riseworldwide.in
Download a PDF of our Year In Review here
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