I was a Sari
Founders: Stefano Funari, Arun Jothi & Bhavesh Gupta
Accelerator Program: Circular Innovation Cohort 2025
Portfolio Partner: 2025
Sector: Textile Waste Management
I was a Sari (2nd Innings Handicraft Pvt. Ltd.) is a circular fashion label focused on zero waste, using pre-loved saris and fabric dead-stock to create contemporary ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Handcrafted by female artisans in India, each piece is unique. Owned by 2nd Innings Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd., the brand has empowered 650 artisans and repurposed 1.7 million square meters of fabric. Since 2018, Gucci has been a key partner, training marginalized women to become skilled artisans. They have also fulfilled corporate orders for brands like Gucci, Oxfam, and Brembo. In 2019, I was a Sari won the Responsible Disruptive Award and the Circular Design Challenge Award.
Visit their website to learn more.
About the Founder:
Stefano Funari, an Italian entrepreneur with over 30 years in academia and business, shifted to social impact in 2011. Inspired by Viktor Frankl, he moved to Mumbai and founded I was a Sari in 2013, transforming pre-loved saris into sustainable fashion and empowering women artisans. He is globally recognized for his work in sustainability and social innovation.
Arun Jothi, with over 20 years in artisanal embroidery, founded Amal Embroideries, a key supplier for European luxury fashion. As a co-founder and Board Member of 2nd Innings Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd., he shapes its vision for sustainable craftsmanship. Arun provides strategic guidance, leveraging his expertise to promote ethical production and empower artisans.
Bhavesh Gupta, a co-founder and Board Member of 2nd Innings Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd., serves as Finance and Business Transformation Director. A Chartered Accountant with a Cambridge sustainability certification, he brings over 20 years of experience from leadership roles at EY, Citibank, and Barclays. At I was a Sari, Bhavesh has driven finance, operations, and IT systems, transforming it into a future-ready, sustainable organization with purpose-driven leadership.