Maximilian Raynor selected as UK winner for R|Elan Circular Design Challenge
Emerging British designer Maximilian Raynor_ who made his solo debut at London Fashion Week in September 2024_ will represent the UK in the final of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (RCDC)_ from smart fabric producer Reliance Industries Limited.
Raynor_ who was tasked with presenting a collection “rooted in circular design principles_” is known for his use of experimental textiles_ transforming waste from past collections into new fabric. Each of his collections is made from deadstock luxury materials_ British wool roll ends_ and vegan apple leather_ and the brand also adopts cutting techniques that reduce or eliminate direct waste and prioritises rentals and reuse_ with nearly 50 percent of its revenue coming from garment hires.
The British designer was named the UK winner by the UK jury_ supported by the British Council_ which included Chelsea Franklin_ head of advanced concepts at Pangaia and Akanksha Kamath_ editor and consultant_ and former director and fashion features at Vogue India.
Joining Raynor in the final is Martina Boero_ founder of Italian brand Cavia_ who was selected by the EU jury held in Milan. Boero was praised for reimagining vintage_ recycled_ and deadstock materials into high-quality_ eco-conscious garments. Representing the APAC and Beyond is Jesica Pullo_ founder of Argentine-Italian fashion brand Biotico_ which uses low-tech upcycling to transform post-consumer plastics and industrial waste into handcrafted art-couture_ avoiding virgin materials and energy use.
While India will have three finalists: Radhesh Agrahari_ founder of Golden Feathers_ who turns chicken feather waste into the world_s sixth natural_ biodegradable wool-like fibre; Rishabh Kumar_ founder of Farak_ whose label collaborates with rural artisans to craft products from handspun_ handwoven organic cotton and natural dyes; and Varshne B_ founder of Crcle_ a circular fashion and lifestyle brand committed to sustainability through a 360-degree approach - from design to end-of-life_ utilising innovative materials like Weganool_ banana leather_ stainless steel scraps_ and post-consumer fabrics.
The RCDC final will be held at the upcoming edition of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in October. The winner of the design challenge will win seed funding of 14_000 pounds and a six-month bespoke mentorship with Orsola De Castro and the team at Estethica. Additionally_ they will receive a standalone showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in March 2026.
Originally conceived in India_ the RCDC award has grown into a global movement empowering young fashion designers and entrepreneurs to showcase pioneering innovations in circular fashion. This year_ the platform received more than 190 applications from more than 10 countries_ comprising a mix of organic entries and nominations through RCDC_s global network.
Jaspreet Chandok_ group vice president of Reliance Brands Limited_ said in a statement: "The evolution of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge into a global platform reflects our belief that meaningful progress in fashion must be collaborative_ inclusive_ and boundaryless.
“By bringing together talent from across India_ the UK_ EU_ APAC and Beyond_ CDC is not only spotlighting innovations rooted in sustainability_ but also enabling cross-cultural exchange and global dialogue on circularity. It_s exciting to witness how a platform born in India is now shaping conversations and actions in the global fashion ecosystem. We_re proud to be championing this new wave of conscious creativity.”