I was familiar with Sachin & Babi from New York Fashion Week and especially since our fashion editors have made so many selections from their collection of special occasion dresses. So when Babi came to Neiman Marcus in Chicago I wanted to meet her. She was so cordial and down to earth! In 1994 she met her husband Sachin Ahluwalia in design school at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Sachin is from Dubai and Babi is from New Deli but they decided to stay in New York set up shop on 7th Avenue making pieces for luxury houses such as Oscar de la Renta. In 2004, they launched a luxury home brand, Ankasa on New York’s Upper East Side, with a line of embroidered pillows and accessories. Five years later, in 2009, they launched Sachin & Babi ready to wear which has been seen on Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson and other celebrities.
Babi described their customer is young, urban, sophisticated and savvy! She is a woman who does not need to spend $2,000 on a dress when she can get the same Italian fabric, draping, embroidery and style for $500-$900. They recently launched a bridal collection where the range is from $2,700 to $6,200.
I was excited to touch and feel the fine fabrics of their modern and elegant Sachin & Babi Noir collection at a reception party for Babi at Nieman Marcus. The fall collection offers gorgeous, unique embroidery, gem tone colors and black lace pieces that are lightweight and wrinkle free. I asked Babi what three pieces she recommend as must-haves this season? “The redefined LBD with lace or floral, the cap sleeve modern gown, and the third thing is not something to wear but it’s her attitude! In today’s life you don’t know where your going to be.” The Sachin & Babi woman can be ready for anything!