I was a Sari
Founders: Stefano Funari
Accelerator Program: Circular Innovation Cohort 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.
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About the Founder:
Stefano Funari, an Italian-born entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in academia, consulting, and multinational corporations, shifted his focus to social impact in 2011. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search For Meaning, he moved to Mumbai to empower marginalized women. In 2013, he founded I was a sari, turning pre-loved saris into sustainable fashion and providing women artisans with economic independence. Stefano is globally recognized for his work in sustainability and social innovation.