Announcement and Partnership
On September 8, 2026, Kering issued a press release from Mumbai announcing the launch of the Kering Generation Award in India, marking the first time the initiative is introduced in the region. The launch follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed at Kering’s Paris headquarters between Marie‑Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability & Institutional Affairs Officer of Kering, and Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President of Reliance Brands Limited.
Purpose and Scope of the Award
The award is designed to promote sustainability and circular innovation within the fashion industry by identifying start‑ups that propose circular initiatives with a direct impact on resource protection. It seeks to minimise the environmental and social impact of fashion activities across the entire value chain, from raw materials to product end‑of‑life.
Historical Context
Since its inception in 2018, the Kering Generation Award has been run in several countries, including China, Japan, and the MENA region (Saudi Arabia), under the Group’s sustainability signature “Crafting Tomorrow’s Luxury.”
Collaboration with R|Elan™ and the United Nations
The Indian edition will collaborate with the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, which serves as the exclusive nominating partner and operates in partnership with the United Nations in India.
Award Ceremony Details
The award ceremony is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at the Embassy of France in Delhi, coinciding with Delhi Fashion Week and the Franco‑Indian Year of Innovation.
Statements from Executives
Marie‑Claire Daveu said the expansion to India is a strategic step to support visionary impact start‑ups shaping the future of luxury, noting India’s large and rapidly growing luxury market and its thriving innovation ecosystem. Jaspreet Chandok highlighted India’s exceptional talent in reimagining materials, technology, and circular business models, and emphasized the partnership’s role in providing a global stage for innovators while combining Reliance Brands’ fashion ecosystem expertise with Kering’s sustainability leadership.
Kering’s Global Scale
Kering reported that in 2025 it employed 44,000 people worldwide and generated revenue of €14.7 billion, underscoring the Group’s global reach behind the award programme.
About Reliance Brands Limited
Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., was established in 2007 to launch, scale, and nurture global fashion and lifestyle brands in India across the luxury to premium spectrum. Its portfolio includes iconic names such as Armani Exchange, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Coach, Dior, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Versace, and many others. RBL currently operates over 1,855 doors across India, comprising standalone stores and shop‑in‑shops. The company has also invested in leading Indian designer labels and completed key global acquisitions, notably Hamleys, the world’s oldest toy retailer, which now operates in 12 countries with more than 175 stores globally.
Additional Information
For further details, visitors can consult the Reliance Brands website at https://relianceretail.com/partner‑brands.html.