How Redress Alumni have been rising to the challenge to accelerate fashion’s circularity

15 years of the Redress Design Award isn’t just a milestone—it’s a testament to the designers who’ve turned fashion’s biggest hurdles into their boldest opportunities. This year, as we celebrate ‘Rising to the Challenge’, we’re spotlighting competition alumni like Ruwanthi Gajadeera: fashion game-changers who are proving that circular fashion isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

Discover how the Redress Alumni Network fueled Ruwanthi’s growth, the projects that turned waste into wonder, and why the next 15 years depend on designers like her stepping up.

Can you share a project or collection that directly addresses circular fashion, and what measurable impact it’s had?

The ‘S.O.S – Save Our Seas’ project is a direct manifestation of my commitment to Redress’s mission of reducing textile waste and promoting circular fashion. Inspired by the X-Press Pearl disaster off the coast of Sri Lanka, I utilized ocean waste materials, upcycled denim, and zero-waste pattern cutting to create wearable art. This initiative not only diverted significant amounts of ocean-bound waste but also shifted consumer awareness, engaging over 20,000 participants globally. Its measurable impact included heightened public discourse around textile waste and influenced industry practices by demonstrating scalable solutions for circularity.

How do you balance sustainability with desirability in your designs, and what myths are you working to debunk?

Balancing sustainability with mainstream desirability involves constant innovation in aesthetics and narratives that resonate universally. Through projects like ‘Dangerous Water’, I challenge myths such as sustainable fashion being ‘frumpy’ or overly expensive by creating visually compelling, story-rich designs that capture imagination and inspire engagement. By embedding sustainability seamlessly into aesthetics, I work actively to redefine desirability in fashion, demonstrating that sustainability and style can coexist beautifully.

What’s been the most rewarding milestone in your career since Redress, and how did the competition prepare you for it?

The most rewarding milestone since my Redress experience has been securing a role as Artist in Residence with the European Marine Board, enabling me to fuse sustainable fashion with ocean conservation on a global stage. Redress prepared me exceptionally for this journey by honing my skills in designing with purpose, circular material innovation, and confidently navigating international industry platforms—skills indispensable for impactful global collaborations.

What’s a major hurdle you’ve faced in sustainable fashion, and how did Redress help you navigate it?

A significant hurdle I faced was convincing industry stakeholders to prioritize sustainability without compromising commercial appeal. Lessons from Redress, particularly the practical challenges of designing for both circularity and marketability during the competition, empowered me with the persuasive storytelling and evidence-based approaches needed to bridge the gap between idealism and commercial reality. This balance has since become a cornerstone of my professional practice.

What’s one design principle from Redress that still guides your approach to waste reduction today?

One enduring principle learned through Redress is designing with end-of-life in mind. This fundamental shift in my approach means that every design decision—from fabric selection to construction techniques—is guided by how the product can be responsibly disassembled, reused, or biodegraded. This principle continuously shapes my work, reinforcing my commitment to thoughtful, circular fashion.

How has the Redress Alumni Network supported your growth as a sustainable fashion designer, and what’s one key opportunity it provided to scale your impact?

My journey with Redress began as a finalist, marking a profound turning point in my growth as a sustainable fashion designer. The Alumni Network has been an invaluable source of support, offering continuous opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers who share a common passion for circularity. A pivotal opportunity for me was the tailored mentorship with distinguished sustainable fashion advocate Orsola de Castro, whose insights profoundly shaped my approach to circular fashion design, enhancing my ability to scale impact through meaningful storytelling and innovative material use.

Looking back at your Redress experience, how has the sustainable fashion conversation evolved—and what role will Redress and its alumni play in the next 15 years?

Reflecting on Redress’ 15-year legacy, the conversation around sustainable fashion has evolved remarkably, shifting from niche conversations to mainstream imperatives. Redress and its alumni have been instrumental in this shift, advocating relentlessly for circular principles within global fashion. Looking forward, I believe Redress will continue to lead this transformative journey, nurturing future generations of designers who view sustainability not merely as an option but as the essential foundation of all fashion design. Our collective role will be to innovate continually, inspire bold actions, and foster collaboration across sectors to secure a genuinely circular future.