Global luxury powerhouse Kering has debuted its prestigious Kering Generation Award in India, collaborating with Reliance Brands Limited to empower startups driving circular innovation and sustainable fashion.

  • Kering and Reliance Brands Limited signed an MoU to foster sustainability and circular innovation in the Indian fashion sector.
  • The award targets startups focusing on resource protection and circular business models.
  • The grand finale will take place on October 13, 2026, at the French Embassy in Delhi during Fashion Week.

In a landmark move for the Asian luxury market, Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability & Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, and Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President of Reliance Brands Limited, have formalized a partnership to launch the Kering Generation Award in India. This initiative marks the first time the award has been introduced in the region, signaling a strategic pivot toward integrating Indian entrepreneurial talent into the global sustainability dialogue.

Since its inception in 2018, guided by the group's 'Crafting Tomorrow's Luxury' signature, Kering has successfully implemented this program in China, Japan, and the MENA region. The award seeks to identify and scale technologies that minimize the environmental footprint of fashion, spanning the entire value chain from raw material sourcing to the end-of-life management of luxury goods.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this collaboration leverages the synergy between Kering's global sustainability leadership and Reliance Brands' unmatched domestic infrastructure. By focusing on circularity, the partnership addresses the critical issue of textile waste in India. This is not merely a corporate social responsibility (CSR) move but a strategic investment in the next generation of materials science, ensuring that the luxury sector remains viable in an era of climate crisis.

"India is a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, making it a natural next step for our mission to support impact startups."

The Indian edition will uniquely collaborate with the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, in partnership with the United Nations in India, serving as the exclusive nominating partner. This ensures that the startups selected are not only creative but also scientifically grounded and aligned with international sustainability goals.

The award ceremony is scheduled for October 13, 2026, coinciding with Delhi Fashion Week. The event will be hosted at the Embassy of France, highlighting the 'Franco-Indian Year of Innovation' and reinforcing the cultural and economic ties between the two nations through the lens of sustainable luxury.

Did You Know?: Kering oversees an empire of iconic houses including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta, employing approximately 44,000 people globally as of 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the focus of the Kering Generation Award in India?
The award specifically seeks startups proposing circular initiatives that have a direct positive impact on resource protection and environmental sustainability.

2. Who are the key partners for the nomination process?
The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, in partnership with the United Nations in India, acts as the exclusive nominating partner.