R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026 selects Margn as Winner and Yoshita 1967 as Runner Up at Finale Showcase at the Embassy of France in New Delhi The 8th season culminates with a celebration of circular design, material innovation and emerging talent under the India France Year of Innovation 2026 New Delhi, 14 October 2026: R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, an initiative of Reliance Industries Limited, in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week, celebrated its grand finale yesterday with a landmark showcase at the Embassy of France in India. The event brought together emerging designers, industry leaders, fashion experts and global stakeholders to celebrate the next generation of circular fashion talent. Held under the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, the finale marked the culmination of the initiative’s eighth season, which continues to champion circular innovation, material exploration and cross-cultural creative exchange. Following a competitive selection process that began with over 220 applications globally, the 2026 edition brought together emerging designers from India and international markets, with finalists progressing through regional jury rounds, mentorship and industry engagements before presenting their collections to the Grand Jury in New Delhi. At the finale, Margn by Saurabh Maurya was named the Winner of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, while Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia was recognised as Runner-Up. The results celebrated two distinct approaches to circular fashion, highlighting the role of craftsmanship, material innovation and responsible design in shaping a more conscious future for the industry. Margn, founded by Saurabh Maurya, presented an approach to contemporary fashion that brings together craftsmanship, material innovation and circularity. Through considered material choices and thoughtful construction, the collection explored the potential of circular design to inform modern aesthetics while encouraging more responsible approaches to fashion creation. Yoshita 1967, founded by Anil Padia, presented a collection rooted in cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary design. Drawing on the designer’s cross-cultural perspective, the collection brought together traditional techniques and a modern design sensibility, highlighting the role of craftsmanship and material consciousness in shaping a more responsible fashion ecosystem. Together, the Winner and Runner-Up recognised the potential of emerging designers to advance circularity while preserving craftsmanship and exploring new possibilities for a more sustainable fashion industry. The finale was evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India; Serge Carreira, Head of Emerging Brands Initiative at the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode; Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India; Rajesh Pratap Singh, Founder and Creative Director of Pratap and Anaita Shroff Adajania, Fashion and Costume Stylist and Creative Director. Bringing together perspectives spanning fashion, luxury, media, design and sustainable development, the jury assessed the finalists on their creative vision, innovation, application of circular principles, material exploration, scalability, social impact, alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and potential to contribute meaningfully to the future of fashion. The 2026 edition marks an important milestone in the evolution of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, strengthening its role as a platform connecting emerging talent with global fashion ecosystems. Through its collaboration with the Embassy of France in India, , Institut Francais, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week, the initiative has created new avenues for international exchange, mentorship and industry access.

The finale showcased at the Embassy of France further underscored the shared vision between India and France around creativity, innovation and responsible growth. Taking place during the India France Year of Innovation 2026, the event brought together two influential fashion and design ecosystems to spotlight how circularity can become a catalyst for new creative possibilities. Saurabh Maurya, Founder of Margn and Winner of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, said, “Winning the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is a meaningful milestone for us at Margn. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful design, material innovation and craftsmanship can play a significant role in shaping a more responsible fashion industry. This platform has provided an opportunity to explore how circular principles can be integrated into contemporary design while creating pieces that are relevant, considered and forward-looking. We are grateful for the recognition and hope to continue pushing the boundaries of what conscious fashion can achieve.” Anil Padia, Founder of Yoshita 1967 and Runner-Up of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge 2026, said, “Being recognised as Runner-Up at the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is an honour and an encouraging step for Yoshita 1967. Our work is deeply rooted in cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship and the belief that fashion can create meaningful connections between people, materials and communities. This experience has reinforced the importance of preserving traditional techniques while exploring new approaches to circularity and responsible design. We are grateful to be part of a platform that brings these conversations to the forefront and encourages designers to imagine a more conscious future for fashion.” Mr Hemant D Sharma, President, Polyester Business, Reliance Industries Limited, said, “At Reliance Industries, we believe sustainable growth and innovation go hand in hand. Over eight seasons, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge has evolved into a global platform championing circularity through design and material innovation. This year, our partnerships with the Embassy of France, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the United Nations in India and Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, during the India–France Year of Innovation, further strengthen this vision. We congratulate Margn, the Winner, and Yoshita 1967, the Runner-Up, for demonstrating how creative thinking can contribute to a more responsible future for fashion.” Mr Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India, said, “India’s textile and fashion sector holds significant potential to advance the global transition towards circularity. Promoting the circular economy in textiles is an important part of the support that the UN India brings to the leadership of the Ministry of Textiles and India’s efforts in decarbonization, circular economy and decent work, together with partners from the industry. We congratulate Margn, the Winner, and Yoshita 1967, the Runner-Up, for their distinctive approaches to conscious fashion. Their recognition highlights the importance of empowering creative talent to explore solutions that support more sustainable production and consumption patterns, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Media Release - Reliance Foundation and The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation Launch Multi-Year Partnership That Aims to Empower One Million Girls and Young Women in India The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to advancing progress for women and girls Mumbai / New York, October 14, 2026: Reliance Foundation and The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Estée Lauder Companies, have announced the launch of a multi-year partnership that aims to empower one million girls and young women across India. The programme is designed for girls and young women from 14 to 20 years of age, across both rural and urban communities with focus on building life skills and confidence. It will begin in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, with plans to expand to other parts of the country in the future. The initiative will help young women and girls strengthen digital and financial literacy, and inform them about future pathways such as educational courses, trainings and livelihoods, so that they may make informed choices about the next stage of their lives. Speaking on the partnership, Ms Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Foundation, said, “I believe every girl should have the confidence to dream big, the courage to lead, and the opportunity to fulfil her aspirations. I am delighted that through this partnership, Reliance Foundation and The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation are uniting to equip one million girls and young women with the resilience they need to realize their full potential - igniting a powerful transformation that extends from the individual to her household and to the entire community.” Mr Stéphane de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies and President, The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, added: “We are proud to partner with Reliance Foundation to create more opportunities for girls and young women in India that will build the skills they need to participate and thrive in the modern workforce. The Estée Lauder Companies was founded by an extraordinary woman entrepreneur, and today, women represent more than 80% of our global workforce. We know the tremendous impact that women can have when they have the opportunity to learn, lead and build their own futures. We are excited to work together to help more women and girls realize their potential and shape what comes next.” A Shared Commitment to Advancing Progress for Women and Girls This programme brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to advancing progress for women and girls. It comes at a time when India’s economic growth presents unprecedented opportunity, when increasing women’s participation in the workforce will be a key lever for change. Reliance Foundation believes in the transformational power of empowering women and girls. Since 2010, through various focused initiatives, Reliance Foundation has been enhancing education, sports and livelihood opportunities, enabling agency for women and girls overall. The new partnership also builds on The Estée Lauder Companies’ long-standing philanthropic commitment to India. For more than 20 years, The Estée Lauder Companies and its Charitable Foundation have partnered with NGOs in India, enabling women and girls to thrive and advance through health, education, and entrepreneurship. The programme, jointly developed by Reliance Foundation and The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, will focus on: Life skills: building confidence and self-esteem, strengthening decision-making and leadership, and developing skills to deal with everyday challenges. Digital and financial literacy: building knowledge and confidence to use digital tools and financial services safely and effectively.

Choice and agency: helping girls build the confidence and skills to make informed decisions and navigate social and cultural influences on their safety, mobility, education and work opportunities. Providing information on future pathways, including education, livelihoods, employment and entrepreneurship, so that girls have a better understanding of the options available to them. The initiative is being designed together with non-profit Girl Effect, leveraging their expertise to support the development of the curriculum and learning resources for girls. The two-year programme will offer in-person and digital trainings and capacity building, working together with various grassroots implementation partners. Through this programme, Reliance Foundation and The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation are building on their shared vision of accelerating progress, opportunity and empowerment for women and girls. About Reliance Foundation Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited, aims to play a catalytic role in addressing India’s development challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. Led by Smt. Nita M Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation is relentlessly working for the overall well- being and enhanced quality of life for all, focusing on rural transformation, education, health, sports for development, disaster management, women empowerment, urban renewal and arts, culture and heritage, and has touched the lives of over 100 million people across India, in more than 98,000 villages and urban locations. More on reliancefoundation.org. About The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation (ELCCF) is the global philanthropic arm of The Estée Lauder Companies, a leader in prestige beauty. Turning The Estée Lauder Companies’ and Mrs. Estée Lauder’s legacy into action, the ELCCF supports nonprofit organizations that enable women and girls to thrive and advance through the transformative power of health, education, and entrepreneurship. The Foundation invests in programs worldwide that strengthen career readiness, workforce participation, and leadership development for women and girls, and supports scientists and practitioners advancing breakthroughs in breast cancer and women’s health.