The “Who’s Sari Now?” bangle collection available on the Rosena Sammi site. (rosenasammi.com)

Sex workers in West Bengal and Bihar are assisting a U.S.-based designer in production of jewelry and hair accessories fashioned out of upcycled saris with sale proceeds going towards educating women rescued from trafficking, writes Debolina Chakraborty.

“I am thrilled that we have teamed together to produce an eco-friendly product. I have used upcycled saris to create this collection, hence the name ‘Who’s Sari now?’ Our focus is jewelry and hair accessories. We have bangles, necklaces and various styled headbands. We also have a bag line launching soon,” says Rosena Sammi, founder, Rosena Sammi Jewelry (rosenasammi.com).

Rosena Sammi. (rosenasammi.com)
Rosena Sammi. (rosenasammi.com)

“Who’s Sari Now?” is an initiative in association with Apne Aap Women Worldwide to empower women and children rescued by the Delhi-based anti-sex trafficking NGO from the red light districts across India.

Sales from the “Who’s Sari Now?” jewelry and accessories collection, which uses upcycled saris, will directly benefit the education of the rescued girls and women.

“A percentage of the profit from the bangles and headbands will go to support school for children from red-light areas in India through the Apne Aap community centers,” says Ruchira Gupta, founder and president of Apne Aap Women Worldwide.

Rosena Sammi Jewelry is a global-chic brand launched this January. Celebrity fans of her jewelry include Rihanna, Jessica Simpson, Blake Lively, Miley Cyrus, Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts and Hilary Duff besides Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra.

“I am a mother of two young girls and I have always had an interest in advocating for women, both as a lawyer and as a jewelry designer. When I met Ruchira and learnt about the work she was doing, I knew this was an opportunity to make a difference,” says Sammi.