Based in India
I Was a Sari partners with two Mumbai-based NGOs (Community Outreach Programme and Animedh Charitable Trust) to run six artisanal production centres. They collect and quality‑check discarded saris from Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar, selecting around 10–20% for reuse
Every product is made from upcycled saris – pre-loved cotton, silk, embroidered or vintage fabrics
Since its founding, I Was a Sari has employed 200+ disadvantaged women, trained in tailoring and embroidery. Their “Now I Can” training initiative – partnering with Gucci Equilibrium – provides embroidery education and digital skills via open-source courses, empowering artisan women socioeconomically
They use only pre-loved saris, and offcuts are transformed into accessories. Even tiniest remnants are donated for reuse via NGOs like Goonj and are transformed into items like reusable sanitary pads. They have been recognised with India’s Circular Design Challenge Award
