The alumni of Circular Design Challenge are rewriting the rules of sustainable fashion, showing us how creativity, innovation, and purpose can truly transform an industry. In 2024, their accomplishments reached new heights—gracing global stages, earning prestigious awards, and forming impactful partnerships that highlight the power of circular design. Each of their stories is a testament to their courage to push boundaries, spark change, and inspire us all to dream bigger.
Paiwand Studio: Forbes 30 Under 30 Triumph
Ashita Singhal, founder of Paiwand Studio, has joined the prestigious ranks of Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 in the Art category. While pursuing her postgraduate studies in fashion design, she clinched the prestigious James McGuire Business Award 2018, earning $25,000 to establish Paiwand Studio, an upcycling textile initiative in New Delhi. Paiwand collaborates with artisans and design houses to transform textile waste into exquisite handcrafted apparel and home furnishings using traditional techniques. In March 2024, Paiwand showcased its latest collection at Lakmé Fashion Week and has also collaborated with well known brands like Amit Aggarwal, Kardo, Libas, and OCEEDEE Shoes.
Iro Iro & Studio Beej Shine at the Elle Sustainability Awards
CDC alumni Bhaavya Goenka of Iro Iro and Arundhati Kumar of Studio Beej were celebrated for their exceptional contributions to eco-conscious fashion at the Elle Sustainability Awards 2024.
- Bhaavya Goenka, Iro Iro received the Circular Economy Award for her zero-waste ethos, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. Bhaavya’s dedication to community-driven, eco-conscious practices underscores her role as a visionary in sustainable fashion.
- Arundhati Kumar, Studio Beej was honored with the Eco-Innovation Award for redefining accessories with a focus on sustainability. Arundhati’s groundbreaking work inspires meaningful change, proving that fashion and planet-positive practices can coexist beautifully.
Chamar Studio: A Rihanna Moment at Design Miami
Sudheer Rajbhar’s Chamar Studio is revolutionizing perceptions and lives through sustainable artistry. Their iconic Flap Chair, crafted from sustainable materials like cotton and rubber, was showcased at Design Miami and went viral when Rihanna posed with it, captured by A$AP Rocky. This moment exemplifies Chamar Studio’s unique position at the intersection of art, design, and social justice, highlighting its commitment to empowering marginalized communities.
Without™: Winning Hearts at Shark Tank India
Without™ by Ashaya (CDC Winner 2023), has introduced groundbreaking technology to tackle the recycling of “impossible-to-recycle” plastic waste, such as chip packets and chocolate wrappers made from multi-layered packaging. Their innovative approach caught the attention of Shark Tank India, where the founder, Anish Malpani passionately pitched his vision for a sustainable future. Impressing the Sharks with their ingenuity and commitment, Shop Without secured a deal with prominent investors Ronnie Screwvala and Peyush Bansal. This milestone not only validates their mission to revolutionize waste management but also highlights the potential for sustainable innovation to transform industries and create lasting environmental impact.
Humanity Centred Designs Expands to the UK
Pioneering waste-to-textile innovation, Humanity Centred Designs has launched three flagship stores in the UK. These stores showcase recycled materials crafted by Indian artisans, merging tradition with innovation. By bringing Indian craftsmanship to global audiences, Humanity Centred Designs is fostering eco-conscious consumer choices and setting a new benchmark for ethical production.
I Was A Sari & Gucci Equilibrium: A Transformative Partnership
Stefano Funari’s I Was A Sari continues to empower underprivileged women through its collaboration with Gucci Equilibrium. This transformative partnership empowers underprivileged women by enabling them to turn pre-loved saris into beautiful clothing and accessories. Gucci provids resources, training, and creative mentorship to help the artisans develop embroidery skills, an industry traditionally dominated by men in India. This collaboration not only enhanced the artisans’ craftsmanship but also created a new CSR model, emphasizing talent development over monetary donations. The partnership has had a lasting impact, paving the way for sustainable, inclusive innovation in fashion.
CDC Alumni at Godrej Conscious Collective
CDC alumni Banofi, Sirohi, and I Was A Sari took center stage at the Godrej Conscious Collective, a celebration of sustainable design and creativity. Their showcases and workshops, alongside a talk by Zuzana Gombošova of Malai, emphasized the importance of addressing environmental challenges with innovative, community-driven solutions.
A Blunt Story: Sustainable Start-Up of the Year
Chandni Batra, founder of A Blunt Story earned the SustainableNXT accolade for her forward-thinking brand, which promotes innovation in sustainability. From renewable energy to circular economy strategies, the brand is paving the way for a global shift towards responsible practices across industries. Her aim is to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable global economy, empowering individuals and organizations to make meaningful, lasting change.
Pieux at The Sustasia Fashion Prize
Pratyush Kumar, founder of Pieux, has earned a coveted spot as one of the eight finalists for The Sustasia Fashion Prize, Asia’s leading award for sustainable fashion innovation, organized by the Shanghai Fashion Designers Association (SFDA). As part of the competition, Pieux will collaborate with innovation partner MATTTER, working with state-of-the-art sustainable materials to craft a collection that will debut on the prestigious international stage at Shanghai Fashion Week. The grand prize includes RMB 100,000 and exclusive access to high-profile retail partnerships, making this a transformative opportunity to propel Pieux’s vision of sustainable fashion to new heights.
From prestigious awards to global partnerships, CDC alumni have proven that sustainable fashion is not just a concept—it’s a movement. These changemakers are the threads weaving a brighter, more sustainable future for the industry.
Here’s to the extraordinary alumni who are redefining fashion, one conscious step at a time.
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