I Was A Sari

Transforms old saris into sustainable fashion items, empowering female artisans, and advocating for environmental responsibility through partnerships and community engagement

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About

  • Headquarters

    Mumbai, Maharashtra

  • Since

    2013

I was once a saree, reborn as a sustainable fashion label that transforms pre-loved Indian saris into unique clothing and accessories. Adhering to eco Read more-ethical principles, each handmade item is crafted from existing materials, minimizing environmental impact and promoting fair practices. Since its establishment, the initiative has repurposed 1.4 million square meters of fabric and supported 650 artisans with new opportunities. In collaboration with Gucci Equilibrium, the team consists of female Indian artisans, empowering them towards financial independence. The core values focus on women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, and reshaping the fashion industry. Climate action is paramount, and the movement invites individuals who share its vision to join the cause. As a lifestyle brand and social enterprise, marginalized women participate in skills training for income generation. Through this initiative, saris are given new life as modern clothing and accessories, contributing to a circular economy. Profits are reinvested into women's empowerment and brand enhancement. By partnering with organisations such as Gucci's Equilibrium, Fashion in Process, Politecnico Milano, and CORP NGO, the journey of sustainable transformation continues.


Action

The brand upcycles old saris into contemporary fashion items, trains disadvantaged women as artisans, and sells the products globally, reinvesting profits into women's empowerment and brand development.

Demographies Served

Impact

Since its establishment, I Was A Sari has repurposed 1.4 million square meters of fabric, supported 650 artisans with new opportunities, and in 2021 alone, provided employment to more than 175 female artisans.

Vision & Mission

I Was A Sari's mission is to empower women from underprivileged communities, promote environmental sustainability, and reshape the fashion industry by following a 'triple bottom line' approach focusing on Planet, People, and Profit.

Programs

  • Eco Friendly Gifts Initiative

    Promoting green gifting, this initiative encourages the selection of "I was a Sari" for meaningful gifts that celebrate our planet and its people. It inspires employees, friends, and customers to embrace sustainability. The eco-friendly innovations provide opportunities for co-branding into products, packaging, and custom orders, adding a personalized and sustainable touch to each gift.

Milestones & Track Record

The brand won the Circular Design Challenge Award at Lakm茅 Fashion Week Summer Resort 2019 and the Responsible Disruptive Award at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in Milan.

Leadership Team

  • Stefano Funari

    Founder and CEO

  • Rajul Jain

    Director

  • Bhavesh Gupta

    Director

  • Prarthana M

    Senior Fashion Designer

  • Bhagyashri Ghodke

    Member

Demographics & Structure

  • No. of Employees

    100+

M&E

  • Internal, External Assessors

    No

Policies

  • Ethics and Transparency Policies

    No

  • Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy

    No

Political & Religious Declarations

  • On Affiliation if any

    No

  • On Deployment Bias if any

    No

Registration Details

  • FCRA

    Not Available

  • CSR Registration Number

    Not Available

Location

  • Headquarters

    2nd Innings Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd. Shop No. 124, Wadala Udyog Bhawan, Naigaon, Wadala, Mumbai, 400031

    Directions

Other Details

  • Type & Sub Type

    For-profit
    Private Limited Company