Indo French fashion innovation initiative to feature special R Elan Circular Design Challenge edition

The Embassy of France in India, the French Institute in India, Reliance Industries Limited, the United Nations in India and the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode will collaborate on the 2026 edition marking the India France Year of Innovation

A special Indo French edition of the R Elan Circular Design Challenge will be organised in 2026 as part of the India France Year of Innovation. The initiative is being developed through a collaboration between the Embassy of France in India, the French Institute in India, Reliance Industries Limited, the United Nations in India and the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
The R Elan Circular Design Challenge originated in India and was developed in collaboration with the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week. Over time, it has evolved into an international platform supporting young designers and entrepreneurs working across fashion, sustainability, and innovation. The initiative promotes circular design practices throughout the fashion and textile value chain, with a focus on responsible production and long term impact.

The 2026 edition reflects a shared objective between France and India to deepen cooperation in sustainable fashion and creative innovation. The partnership draws on France’s established global influence in fashion and the increasing presence of Indian designers on the Paris Fashion Week calendar. The collaboration follows the exhibition Textile Matters Woven stories between India and France, which concluded in Paris earlier this year and highlighted cross cultural influences between the two countries.
As part of the initiative, French designers specialising in sustainable and circular fashion will be identified, and a regional European jury will be convened in Paris during the summer of 2026. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode will serve as the institutional partner for this phase of the programme. A dedicated Indo French jury comprising French fashion industry professionals will also be constituted.

The collaboration will culminate in the international finale and fashion showcase of the R Elan Circular Design Challenge. The showcase is scheduled to take place during Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI in Delhi in October 2026, with the Embassy of France in India hosting the event.
The initiative positions cultural and creative industries as key contributors to addressing sustainability challenges. It also reinforces long term institutional dialogue between France and India in the fields of fashion, innovation, and design.

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