Reliance Industries Limited showcased a sustainable fashion collection at Lakmé Fashion Week 2025, emphasizing recycling and waste reduction through innovative design practices.
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) showcased its dedication to sustainability in the fashion industry at the Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2025, held at The Atelier, Jio World Convention Centre. The company, through its innovative fabric brand R|Elan™, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) in India, presented the winning showcase of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (CDC) 2024, titled “Reclaim The City” by rkive city.
The runway presentation, which featured a compelling 36-look debut collection, emphasized the importance of sustainable, recyclable, and waste-reducing practices within the fashion ecosystem. The collection was notable for its focus on transforming post-consumer waste into high-fashion narratives, aligning with the broader goals of the Circular Design Challenge.
Each piece in the collection was crafted entirely from salvaged materials, including reconstructed denim workwear, repurposed leather, and discarded fabrics. Advanced neo-manufacturing techniques, such as block printing and patchwork, were employed to give new life to the garments. For example, old office shirts, which had been discarded due to minor flaws, were creatively reimagined into unique designs that celebrated the art of repair and the inherent potential of what might otherwise be considered waste.
The theme of “Reclaim The City” resonated with the collection’s exploration of memory, revival, and reclamation, depicting a narrative that reflects the changing urban landscapes while preserving cultural identities. Elements within the collection, such as reconstructed sleeves inspired by uniforms and pockets reminiscent of market workers’ jackets, drew connections to history and local heritage.
Mr. Hemant D. Sharma, President of Polyester at Reliance Industries Limited, spoke about the significance of the event, stating, “The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is a manifestation of our commitment to sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry. It is heartening to see young designers like rkive city harness creativity and innovation to transform waste into remarkable fashion. At Reliance, we strongly believe in driving change by enabling scalable, circular solutions that reduce the industry’s environmental impact while redefining design narratives.”
The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge has positioned itself as a pivotal platform for sustainable fashion in India since its inception in 2018. It aims to nurture environmental advocates who are re-evaluating fashion’s traditional value chain by offering mentorship, market access, and exposure to the industry. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports India’s Mission LiFE initiative focused on sustainability.
In 2023, the challenge expanded to encompass regions such as the UK, European Union, and Asia-Pacific, further solidifying RIL’s ambition to drive global change within the fashion industry. The 2025 winning collection by rkive city stands as a testament to the industry’s capacity to diminish its environmental impact while engaging in design-led storytelling that resonates with social consciousness.
Source: Noah Wire Services
