The sustainable fashion movement in Chennai has earned global recognition as Adyar-based designer B. Varshne, founder of CRCLE, was named the winner of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge 2025 on Oct.11 in Delhi.
The competition, held in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, celebrates innovation and sustainability in fashion. Varshne’s win marks a significant milestone for Chennai’s creative community and India’s growing focus on circular design.
At CRCLE, Varshne blends indigenous craft, circular innovation, and unconventional waste materials to create timeless, functional designs for a global audience. Each product is thoughtfully designed – from creation to disposal – keeping circularity at its core.
The brand works with materials such as kala cotton, khadi, denim, and handmade metal buttons from Kutch, along with innovative textiles like Weganool (made from Calotropis plant fibres) and banana leather. Even waste materials such as stainless steel and leather scraps are reimagined into new products.
For the winning collection, Pattamadai korai grass mats were transformed into stylish bags, with cotton rag paper tags replacing wood pulp. All production waste is recycled through Chennai-based partners. CRCLE’s latest range even features a multifunctional T-shirt that converts into a bag, extending the product’s life cycle and usability.
Speaking about the recognition, Varshne said, “Winning the Circular Design Challenge is a reminder that you can start right where you are, with whatever you have. I hope this inspires others to take that first step — you already have everything you need to begin. Circular design isn’t just about materials; it’s about mindset. Real change can begin right here in our own community and city.”
For more on CRCLE’s work, visit www.crclestudio.com or follow @crclestudio on Instagram.
