Anish Malpani's label, 'Without', made waves when it clinched victory in the 5th edition of the Circular Design Challenge (CDC), a prestigious sustainability award in India. Organized by R|Elan, the cutting-edge fabric brand under Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), in collaboration with the United Nations in India, the CDC has successfully evolved in alignment with RIL's vision to catalyze India's global leadership in sustainability and the circular economy. The event took place at Jio World Convention Centre, situated at Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai.  

This marks the conclusion of the inaugural global edition of the CDC, signalling a significant milestone in its journey towards fostering sustainable innovation and waste reduction in the fashion industry. As the curtain falls on its first global season, it is evident that the CDC has evolved from a national competition into a beacon of international collaboration and creativity.

Over the past four seasons, the CDC has garnered immense popularity within the Indian fashion landscape, emerging as a pivotal platform for nurturing talent dedicated to sustainability and environmental consciousness. Its success in India has served as a springboard for expansion, driven by the shared vision of promoting eco-friendly practices worldwide. In a testament to its global reach, this season saw the CDC transcend borders, welcoming nominations from across India, EU, UK, and APAC region. Partnering with esteemed organizations like the British Council, Istituto Marangoni & Redress for UK, EU & APAC respectively, the CDC attracted over 70 applications from diverse backgrounds and geographies.  

Through a meticulous selection process, six pioneering start-ups were chosen, their innovations reflecting a blend of circular design principles, environmental stewardship, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Hemant D Sharma, President - Polyester, RIL said, "As we conclude the inaugural global edition of the CDC, we celebrate the culmination of a journey marked by innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. Over the past four seasons, the CDC has grown to become a cornerstone of the Indian fashion scene, providing a vital platform for nurturing talent committed to environmental consciousness and sustainability. Our success in India has propelled us forward, inspiring us to extend our reach beyond borders. This season, the CDC welcomed nominations from India, UK, EU and APAC, embracing diversity and innovation, selecting six pioneering start-ups whose work embodies circular design principles and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals." 

"The debut showcase of the global CDC winner marks a significant milestone for us, signifying a momentous leap forward. It's been truly fulfilling to witness the program's exponential growth and acclaim. Taking the CDC global perfectly aligns with our mission to mainstream sustainable fashion. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to R|Elan™ and the UN in India for their unwavering support, propelling the Circular Design Challenge to global prominence and look forward to the next global chapter this year," Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Ltd said. 

Sustainability was at its very best and proved that fast fashion can be an inspiration at times to give a rebirth in the style story. More than just a competition, this series serves as a gateway to bring the conversation of circular fashion and its impact stories to mainstream audiences, aiming to make sustainability a household topic. Streaming on YouTube via the LFW and CDC channels, this five-part series offers viewers an exclusive glimpse into the intense preparation and emotional rollercoaster experienced by the finalists. Notably, this season marks a historic moment with the first-ever fashion show held at the UN House, adding an extra layer of significance to the journey.