Sachin Ahluwalia described this Sachin & Babi pre-collection as more of a “holiday collection than resort.” This was evident in the celebratory tone of these photos, which conjured a cocktail party, but even more so in details on the clothes that included vibrant florals in the shape of beading, lace appliqués, prints, and, of course, an abundance of sequins.
“This is the only collection where we focus more on ornaments in terms of embroideries,” said Ahluwalia. Most memorable here was a black bodice covered in matching black crystals and sequins, and the crystal flowers with bugle bead stems decorating a sort of Art Deco pattern on another gown.
Together with his life and business partner Babi, Ahluwalia has made this label a key player in the contemporary evening wear space in New York. Much of that has to do with their pragmatism: “If everyone is focused on creating a dream, then we’re living in a dream,” Ahluwalia said. “We like to meet our customer where she is, for what she wants to wear.” The designer’s point is that it’s important to think creatively, but always with a client in mind. It’s an utterly American approach at fashion-making, one practived by greats from Bonnie Cashin to Isabel Toledo. It’s also a strategy that has become fundamental to running a business like Sachin & Babi, which is in what Ahluwalia called organic growth mode. “Clothes on a hanger are just an object,” he continued, “but clothes on women, that’s fashion.”
