Margn, the label founded by Saurabh Maurya, has won the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, while Yoshita 1967, founded by Anil Padia, took the runner-up spot. The results were announced at the grand finale held yesterday at the Embassy of France in India.
The challenge is an initiative of Reliance Industries Limited, in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week. The finale, held under the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, closed the initiative’s eighth season and drew emerging designers, industry leaders, fashion experts and global stakeholders.
This year’s edition began with more than 220 applications from across the world. Finalists from India and international markets went through regional jury rounds, mentorship and industry engagements before presenting their collections to the Grand Jury in New Delhi.
Two approaches to circularity
Margn’s collection brought together craftsmanship, material innovation and circularity. Through considered material choices and construction, it explored how circular design can inform modern aesthetics and encourage more responsible approaches to fashion.
Yoshita 1967 presented a collection rooted in cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship, shaped by Padia’s cross-cultural perspective. It combined traditional techniques with a modern design sensibility, underlining the role of craftsmanship and material consciousness in a more responsible fashion ecosystem.
The jury
The finale was judged by Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India; Serge Carreira, Head of Emerging Brands Initiative at the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode; Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India; Rajesh Pratap Singh, Founder and Creative Director of Pratap; and Anaita Shroff Adajania, Fashion and Costume Stylist and Creative Director.
The jury assessed finalists on creative vision, innovation, application of circular principles, material exploration, scalability, social impact, alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and potential to contribute to the future of fashion.
A Franco-Indian platform
The 2026 edition was run in collaboration with the Embassy of France in India, Institut Français, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week. The organisers say these partnerships have opened new avenues for international exchange, mentorship and industry access for emerging designers.
What the winners said
Saurabh Maurya, Founder of Margn and Winner of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, said, “Winning the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is a meaningful milestone for us at Margn. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful design, material innovation and craftsmanship can play a significant role in shaping a more responsible fashion industry. This platform has provided an opportunity to explore how circular principles can be integrated into contemporary design while creating pieces that are relevant, considered and forward-looking. We are grateful for the recognition and hope to continue pushing the boundaries of what conscious fashion can achieve.”
Anil Padia, Founder of Yoshita 1967 and Runner-Up of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, said, “Being recognised as Runner-Up at the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is an honour and an encouraging step for Yoshita 1967. Our work is deeply rooted in cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship and the belief that fashion can create meaningful connections between people, materials and communities. This experience has reinforced the importance of preserving traditional techniques while exploring new approaches to circularity and responsible design. We are grateful to be part of a platform that brings these conversations to the forefront and encourages designers to imagine a more conscious future for fashion.”
Organisers and partners react
Mr Hemant D Sharma, President, Polyester Business, Reliance Industries Limited, said, “At Reliance Industries, we believe sustainable growth and innovation go hand in hand. Over eight seasons, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge has evolved into a global platform championing circularity through design and material innovation. This year, our partnerships with the Embassy of France, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, during the India–France Year of Innovation, further strengthen this vision. We congratulate Margn, the Winner, and Yoshita 1967, the Runner-Up, for demonstrating how creative thinking can contribute to a more responsible future for fashion.”
Mr Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India, said, “India’s textile and fashion sector holds significant potential to advance the global transition towards circularity. Promoting the circular economy in textiles is an important part of the support that the UN India brings to the leadership of the Ministry of Textiles and India’s efforts in decarbonization, circular economy and decent work, together with partners from the industry. We congratulate Margn, the Winner, and Yoshita 1967, the Runner-Up, for their distinctive approaches to conscious fashion. Their recognition highlights the importance of empowering creative talent to explore solutions that support more sustainable production and consumption patterns, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Commending the event, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said, “The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge reflects the spirit of the India-France Year of Innovation by bringing together French and Indian design perspectives on innovation and sustainability. I heartily congratulate the winners for their exceptional talent through which they have underscored the cultural and creative industries that are vital drivers of innovation and Indo-French bilateral cooperation. The launch of the Kering Generation Award today highlights the importance that France attaches to sustainable fashion and demonstrates the potential of bringing together major industry players and emerging entrepreneurs in the field and promoting professional exchange and collaboration between our two countries.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, said, “Over eight seasons, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge has evolved into a platform that champions emerging designers reimagining the future of fashion through circularity and innovation. This year’s edition marks an important milestone, bringing together talent from India and international markets while strengthening connections across design, industry and sustainability. We remain committed to creating opportunities for emerging talent through visibility, mentorship and industry engagement. Margn’s winning approach and Yoshita 1967’s distinctive interpretation of circular design reflect the diverse possibilities within this space. We congratulate both designers and look forward to seeing them build on this recognition to take their work forward.”
Prizes
The winner receives a cash prize of USD 16,000 and an individual showcase at the next season of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, to be held in Mumbai in March 2027. The runner-up receives USD 5,000 and bespoke mentorship from sustainable fashion advocate Orsola de Castro.
The organisers describe the finale as the close of this year’s global journey and the start of a new chapter for the recognised designers.
