The fashion industry is at a crossroads, grappling with the monumental challenge of textile waste. With an estimated 120 million tonnes of textile waste generated annually and a mere 0.3% circularity rate the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. The Redress Design Award 2026, held on 7 September in Hong Kong, spotlighted emerging designers who are redefining fashion through circular design principles.
Among the finalists, German designer Jon Liesenfeld emerged victorious, impressing the judges with his commitment to sustainability and waste mitigation. His winning collection exemplifies how repairability and durability can be seamlessly integrated into high-fashion designs.
Redress Design Award 2026: A Platform for Circular Innovation
The Redress Design Award, organized by the Hong Kong-based environmental NGO Redress is a global competition that challenges designers to rethink fashion waste at the design stage. This year’s competition drew participants from diverse backgrounds, including Hong Kong, mainland China, the United Kingdom, Austria, and Israel. The finalists were tasked with creating collections using circular design methodologies sourcing materials from factory surplus, excess stock, and discarded garments.
Beyond the runway, the competition incorporated a commercial application through its ‘Remake to Retail’ project. Finalists collaborated with garment manufacturer TAL Apparel to re-engineer post-consumer clothing waste into retail-ready pieces, scheduled for distribution via retailer D-mop. This initiative underscores the potential for circular design to bridge the gap between creativity and commercial viability.
Jon Liesenfeld’s Visionary Approach
Jon Liesenfeld’s winning collection is a testament to his deep understanding of circularity. ‘My generation of designers won’t be judged just on aesthetics,’ Liesenfeld stated. ‘We must understand circularity – durability, repairability, and recyclability – from the drawing board to fill the racks with what more consumers hope to buy.’ His designs not only showcase aesthetic appeal but also embody the principles of sustainable fashion.
As part of his prize, Liesenfeld will embark on an educational mentorship trip to inspect British fashion operations, including high-volume supplier Simple Approach and luxury house Roksanda. This opportunity will provide him with invaluable insights into the practical applications of circular design in the fashion industry.
The Broader Impact of the Redress Design Award
The Redress Design Award is more than just a competition; it is a catalyst for change in the fashion industry. The program has delivered training to over 36,500 designers and educators demonstrating how targeted industry initiatives can align tertiary design education with evolving regulatory and supply chain demands. With global textile waste standing at 120 million tonnes annually the need for such initiatives has never been more critical.
The competition also highlights an ongoing skills gap within academic institutions, where research indicates that mainstream fashion design curricula rarely embed sustainable principles into core instruction. By fostering a community of designers committed to circularity, the Redress Design Award is paving the way for a more sustainable future in fashion.
As the fashion industry continues to grapple with the challenges of textile waste and overconsumption initiatives like the Redress Design Award offer a beacon of hope. By empowering emerging designers to rethink waste and embrace circular design, the competition is driving meaningful change and inspiring consumers to make more sustainable choices.
