On October 24, 2025, Indian designer Varsh Ne B claimed the global championship title at the Circular Design Challenge with her collection “Symbiosis.” Crafted from banana leather, patented plant wool (made from local plant fibers), and traditional Korai grass weaving, the series captivated judges at Lakmé Fashion Week with its minimalist silhouettes and biodegradable properties. The runner-up entry transformed chicken feather waste into a wool-like fabric, enabling industrial-scale production through a patented sterilization process. The competition attracted applicants from 160 countries, underscoring the global fashion industry's growing emphasis on the “Cradle to Cradle” design philosophy. UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp praised the entries for “redefining the aesthetic boundaries of sustainable fashion.” Organizer Reliance Industries stated it will advance commercial applications of winning materials through technology licensing, aiming for mass production by 2027.
2025-10-25