UNIQUE PRODUCTS WHICH UPCYCLE LIVES CATALOGUE 2018 1
Lifestyle brand with design and quality at its heart. Crafted for a fashionable and ethically conscious woman. Made from upcycled Indian saris. Handcrafted by women artisans from Mumbai slums. Unique. No two pieces are similar. 2 2
In the process of upcycling thousands of used saris, I was a Sari makes a real change in the lives of the women artisans involved. When a woman joins the team, her life changes in wonderful ways. She gains new skills and financial independence. Through upcycling saris, she ends up upcycling her own life. 3 3
COCO COLLECTION Refreshing night wear that lets you snooze in style 4
SHORTS new 2018 These elasticated shorts with a drawstring fastening at the front are made from upcycled Indian Saris. These super comfortable and soft shorts, come in a variety of colors and prints, and are perfect to relax or sleep in. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size: XS, S, M - Designed by: Consuelo Funari Product Code: IWA 000059 5 5
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PJ SET SHORT new 2018 These elegant and comfy PJ sets are made from upcycled saris. The woven spaghetti top has adjustable shoulder strap and lace inserts at the neck and hemline, the shorts are elasticated with a drawstring fastening at the front. Comes in an array of unique prints, and the go to option to relax or sleep in. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size: XS, S, M - Designed by: Consuelo Funari Product Code: IWA 000060 7 7
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PJ SET LONG new 2018 These chic and colorful PJ sets are made from upcycled saris. The woven spaghetti top has adjustable shoulder straps and a lace insert at the neck and hemline, the bottoms are elasticated for extra comfort. Relax and rejuvenate in style with a choice of elegant prints and colors. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size: XS, S, M - Designed by: Consuelo Funari Product Code: IWA 000061 9 9
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NIGHT DRESS new 2018 This elegant and chic night dress is made from upcycled saris. It comes with adjustable shoulder straps and a lace insert at the neck and hemline. A perfect outfit to relax or sleep in style in. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size: XS, S, M - Designed by: Consuelo Funari Product Code: IWA 000062 12 12
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BEACHWEAR COLLECTION Chic and exquisite must-haves to elevate your style quotient by the beach 14 14
BEACH DRESS new 2018 Visit the beach in style with the knee length beach dress made from upcycled saris in exquisite prints. Elasticated at top for the perfect fit with ties to go around the neck, giving the perfect look for a sunny day on the beach. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size: one size fits all Product Code: IWA 000065 15 15
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KAFTAN new 2018 Add style to your beach collection with this vibrant cover up, this V-neck mixed fibres kaftan has short sleeves and is upcycled from Indian saris. Knee length, offering a relaxed fit, it assures both comfort and style. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size: One size fits all Product Code: IWA 000031 18 18
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DUSTER JACKET new 2018 Elevate your style with this duster jacket made from upcycled saris. This sheer long coat, with mandarin collar and pockets in the front has exquisite bell sleeve details and buttons down to the waist. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size: XS, S - Designed by: Consuelo Funari Product Code: IWA 000063 21 21
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WRAPAROUND COLLECTION Versatile scarves and vivid wraps add playful elegance to any outfit 24 24
SASH new 2018 This sash, upcycled from saris, is trendy as well as multifunctional. Wear it around the head, casually at the waist or throw it around your neck, let the stylist in you discover how to style it best. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 15, L 200 Product code: IWA-000056 25 25
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FOULARD Exquisite Indian upcycled fabric cut into a classic European square shape. Add instant glamour to any outfit with this sitting pretty around neck, shoulders or even the waist.. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 100, L 100 Product code: IWA-000036 27 27
PAREO This mixed fibres wraparound known as pareo, sarong or lunghi gives an elegance to ecofriendly beach wear. Its uses are limited only by the imagination of its owner: it can be used to lie on, wrapped as a dress or skirt or draped over the shoulders to keep warm on a breezy night. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 100, L 170 Product code: IWA-000040 28 28
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BANDANA This hair or neck piece comes in an eclectic array of unique fabrics that give a simple radiance to its wearer. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 55, L 55 Product code: IWA-000033 30 30
STOLE This highly original and unique mixed fibres scarf starts conversations, drawing compliments to its wearer. This stole gives total versatility and can be hung open around both shoulders, wrapped tightly or loosely around the neck, waist or over the head. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 55, L 170 Product code: IWA-000044 31 31
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LOOP SCARF The Loop or Infinity Scarf is a large closed loop of mixed fibres sari fabric. This scarf is so versatile and can be worked in many different ways. It can be doubled up and worn loosely around the neck, as a capelet, shawl or to cover the head. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 80, L 80 Product code: IWA-000038 33 33
POCKET SQUARE For discerning gentlemen, Indian saris transform into pocket square to add a dash of creativity and colour to suit wearing. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 30, L 30 Product code: IWA-000042 34 34
BOMBONIERE WRAPPING These eco-friendly sweet wrappings come with the added fervor of being made from sari offcuts. Usable for any occasion: wedding, naming ceremony or coming of age celebration. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 33, L 33 Product code: IWA-000035 35 35
HEADBAND These double face headband give a touch of colour to your looks. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - 100% cotton lining - Size (cm): H 4, L 80 Product code: IWA-000046 36 36
BRAID TURBAN Working on different cutting and assembling techniques these turbans explore the traditional practices of wrapping fabrics around the head. The braid turban can transform a basic look into a fashionable and eccentric one. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 6, L 77 - Designed by: RITARITA Product code: IWA-000048 TAIL TURBAN Working on different cutting and assembling techniques these turbans explore the traditional practices of wrapping fabrics around the head. Tail turban gives a more exothic and sophisticated touch to each outfit. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size tale (cm): H 25, L 90 - Designed by: RITARITA Product code: IWA-000050 37
CARRY COLLECTION Simple zesty bags that fuse together urban chic and beach glamour 38 38
REUSABLE BAG This eco-friendly lightweight bag for everyday use comes with an attached compact pouch. This handy and resilient bag can be folded and carried around at all times. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Inner pouch attached with string - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Handle drop (cm): 20 - Size (cm): H 38, L 35 Product code: IWA-000013 39 39
TRAPEZE BAG This geometric bag is a practical and elegant weekend or holiday staple that fits most needs. The Trapeze s inside pocket guarantees easy access to essentials. The bag can rest on the shoulder or sit ergonomically across the body. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Inside pocket - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - 100% cotton lining - Magnetic clasp closing - Strap drop (cm): 35 - Size (cm): H 38, L 55 - Designed by: Maria Elisa Battaglia Product code: IWA-000014 40 40
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SHOPPER BAG This vibrant tote bag gives a special energy to everyday carrying needs. Roomy enough to fit books and even a laptop with its classic rectangular shape. Perfect as urban chic or beach glamour. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - 100% cotton lining - Handle drop (cm): 25 - Size (cm): H 42, L 35 - Product code: IWA-000012 42 42
WINE BAG This wine bag is perfectly crafted to carry and store wine bottles. Roomy enough to carry bigger sized bottles and sturdy enough to hold their weight. Avaliable in catching prints and colours, they are perfect as gifts. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - 100% cotton lining - Handle drop (cm): 9.5 cm - Size (cm): H 48.5 (including handle), L 11 Product code: IWA-000015 43 43
POUCH 8 x 6 / 21 x 15 cm This eco-friendly colorful pouch is usful and versatile. Use it everyday, for your documents as well as the little objects that you need to carry always with you. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - 100% cotton lining - Fiber zip - Size (cm): H 15, L 21 Product code: IWA-000009 44 44
CANVAS POUCH 9 x 6 / 23 x 15 cm This elegant pouch, enriched by the contrast between sari and a plain canvas, is a perfect container for documents, small objects and trinkets. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Cotton canvas - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres lining - Fiber zip - Size (cm): H 15, L 23 Product code: IWA-000010 CANVAS PENCIL POUCH 9 x 3 / 23 x 8 cm A must-have accessory, this playful pencil pouch combines upcycled saris with an elegant look. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Cotton canvas - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres lining - Fiber zip - Size (cm): H 8, L 23 Product code: IWA-000011 45 45
YOGA MAT CARRIER This eco-friendly and colourful bag allows you to carry your mat easily and with style. The size is roomy enough to fit most of yoga mat sizes. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): H 82, L 87 - Designed by: Laura Guarneri Product code: IWA-000052 FOTO APERTA 46 46
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TRAVEL SET new 2018 This three-piece travel set made from upcycled saris is ideal for travelers. Two laundry bags with a button and loop fastening, and one footwear bag with drawstring closure will help you travel smart. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Laundry bag size (cm): H 40, L 53 and H 29, L 41 - Shoe bag (cm): H 40, L 36 Product Code: IWA 000057 FOTO APERTA 48 48
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959 COLLECTION A unique collection of urban and tasteful bags, combining upcycled saris and upcycled seat belts 959 is an eco-design line, composed of pieces created by recycling unused car seatbelts. A creative, versatile and innovative idea, carried out by the designer Paolo Ferrari. The re-use of 959 safety belts combined with our upcycled saris has given life to a series of original and elegant bags. 50 50
new BACKPACK 71 2018 This vibrant backpack created by upcycled saris and upcycled seat belts is a definite style statement. The bag is lined to provide support and has an inner pocket - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled polyester seat belt - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Synthetic Waterproof lining - Polyester drawstring - Size (cm): H40, L32 Product code: IWA-000066 FOTO APERTA 51 51
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BEADS COLLECTION Elegant textile jewelry made by wrapping and knotting saris around delicate beads 53 53
NECKLACE 16 / 41 CM Each necklace is a unique piece of textile jewelry made from upcycled Indian saris wrapped around beads. Each can be worn close to the throat in a choker style and closed with a hook fastening. More than one can be layered for pattern on pattern play. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Diameter of beads (cm): 1.8 - Size (cm): L 41 Product code: IWA-000003 54 54
NECKLACE 28 / 70 CM Each necklace is a unique piece of textile jewelry made from upcycled Indian saris wrapped around beads. Each can be worn on bare skin or over clothes to create a simple but sublime effect. More than one can be layered for pattern on pattern play. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Diameter of beads (cm): 1.6 - Size (cm): L 70 Product code: IWA-000004 55 55
NECKLACE 79 / 200 CM Each necklace is a unique piece of textile jewelry made from upcycled Indian saris wrapped around beads. Each can be worn double, triple wrapped around the neck to create sublime textures. More than one can be layered for pattern on pattern play. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Diameter of beads (cm): 1.4 - Size (cm): L 200 Product code: IWA-000005 56 56
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BRACELET Each bracelet is a unique piece of textile jewelry made from upcycled Indian saris wrapped around beads. It s easy to wear, slipping on and stretching over the hand to fit snuggly on the wrist. It has a delicate feel and adds luxury to any simple outfit. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Diameter of beads (cm): 1.6 - Size (cm): L 20, Diameter 5 Product code: IWA-000001 58 58
EARRINGS These round drop earrings are made by hand wrapping from upcycled Indian saris around a single bead to exquisitely frame the face. They have hook backs, making them both secure and easy to wear. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Hook in silver colour and nikel free - Diameter of bead (cm): 1.6 - Size (cm): H 4 Product code: IWA-000002 MAXI EARRINGS 2 X These double beads earrings are made by hand wrapping from upcycled Indian saris around a single bead to exquisitely frame the face. They have hook backs, making them both secure and easy to wear. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Hook in silver colour and nikel free - Diameter of beads (cm): 1.8-2.5 - Size (cm): H 8 59 Product code: IWA-000054 59
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SET WITH NECKLACE 16 / 41 CM This one-off set of matching necklace, bracelet and earrings is the perfect day to evening wear. Each set is made of unique upcycled Indian saris wrapped around beads. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Hook in silver colour and nikel free - Diameter of beads (cm): 1.8 for the necklace and 1.6 for the earrings and bracelet - Earrings size (cm): H 3 - Bracelet size (cm): L 20, Diameter 5 - Necklace size (cm): L 41 Product code: IWA-000006 61 61
SET WITH NECKLACE 28 / 70 CM This one-off set of matching necklace, bracelet and earrings is the perfect day to evening wear. Each set is made of unique upcycled saris wrapped around beads. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Hook in silver colour and nikel free - Diameter of beads (cm): 1.6 - Earrings size (cm): H 3 - Bracelet size (cm): L 20, Diameter 5 - Necklace size (cm): L 70 Product code: IWA-000007 62 62
SET WITH NECKLACE 79 / 200 CM This one-off set of matching necklace, bracelet and earrings is the perfect day to evening wear. Each set is made of unique upcycled Indian saris wrapped around beads. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Plastic beads covered in upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Hook in silver colour and nikel free - Diameter of beads (cm): 1.4 for the necklace and 1.6 for the earrings and bracelet - Earrings size (cm): H 3 - Bracelet size (cm): L 20, Diameter 5 - Necklace size (cm): L 200 Product code: IWA-000008 63 63
CRISS CROSS COLLECTION A capsule collection of textile sculptured jewels 64 64
BRACELET Hand cut strips of fabric are twisted and knotted to create a textile sculpture. This musthave bracelet can be worn on its own or together with others for a play of textures and colours. It fastens with two ties. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Bracelet size (cm): L 15 - Ties size (cm): L 19 - Designed by: Chiara Cavanna & Annamaria Patera Product code: IWA-000016 BRACELET WITH BEADS In this version of the bracelet added vibrancy comes from its small glass beads. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres with glass beads - Bracelet size (cm): L 15 - Ties size (cm): L 19 - Designed by: Chiara Cavanna & Annamaria Patera Product code: IWA-000017 65 65
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ROUND BRACELET Hand cut strips of fabric are twisted and knotted to create a textile sculpture. This musthave bracelet can be worn on its own or together with others for a play of colours and textures. It s easy to wear as it simply slips and stretches over the hand to sight snuggly on the wrist. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Size (cm): L 16, Diameter 5 - Designed by: Chiara Cavanna & Annamaria Patera Product code: IWA-000018 ROUND BRACELET WITH BEADS In this version of the round bracelet, added vibrancy comes from its small glass beads. It has a delicate feel and adds luxury to any simple outfit. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres with glass beads - Size (cm): L 16, Diameter 5 - Designed by: Chiara Cavanna & Annamaria Patera Product code: IWA-000019 67
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NECKLACE Hand cut strips of fabric are twisted and knotted to create a textile sculpture. This headturning sculptural piece comes in unique sari patterns. The choker style necklace fastens with two ties at the back of the neck. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Necklace size (cm): L 22 - Ties size (cm): L 27 - Designed by: Chiara Cavanna & Annamaria Patera Product code: IWA-000020 NECKLACE WITH BEADS In this version of the necklace added vibrancy comes from its small glass beads. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres with glass beads - Necklace size (cm): L 22 - Ties size (cm): L 27 - Designed by: Chiara Cavanna & Annamaria Patera Product code: IWA-000021 69 69
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EARRINGS Hand cut strips of fabric are twisted and knotted to create textile sculptures. These long drop earrings with hook backs stand for simplicity, elegance and ease of use. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Hook in silver colour and nikel free - Size (cm): H 4 - Designed by: Chiara Cavanna & Annamaria Patera Product code: IWA-000022 71 71
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WORDS COLLECTION A capsule collection of refined letter papers 73 73
WRITING SET (10 sheets and envelopes) Letters handmade by stitching saris on the back of paper to give your correspondence a completely new and sophisticated charm. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Writing paper - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Letter size (cm): H 21, L 14.8 - Envelope size (cm): H 11.4, L 16.2 Product code: IWA-000032 74 74
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WRITING CARD new 2018 Single cards handmade by stitching saris on the back of paper, the perfect way to add charm to your hand-written notes. - Handcrafted by slum women in Mumbai - Writing paper - Upcycled sari / mixed fibres - Card size (cm): H 10.5, L 14.8 - Envelope size (cm): H 11.4, L 16.2 Product code: IWA-000055 76 76
PACKAGING I was a Sari products come in a range of packaging, varying from a simple off-white reusable canvas pouch, to handmade paper flat packing with a circular cut out, or sealed plastic protection covers. PACKAGING PAGE 77 77
I was a Sari engages in artisanal production. As such, actual products might differ slightly in size to those specified. I was a Sari is fully committed to quality and invests a large proportion of its resources in quality control. However the production uses second hand saris and some minor defects in the product fabric can occur. Many customers consider them part of the product s charm. Due to the unique nature of each product, the print and colours in the products displayed are purely representational. 78
GET IN TOUCH www.iwasasari.com /iwasasari /@iwasasari info@iwasasari.com The brand I was a Sari is owned by 2nd Innings Handicrafts Pvt Ltd Photo: Bharath Ramamrutham, Natalie Frost, Stefano Funari Design: Sophie Dutton Version_5.0_E