The Sachin & Babi high summer line is a family affair, anchored by a pretty, painterly poppy print for which Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia can partly thank their college-age daughter, Beau. “We put her to work and asked her to reinterpret and reimagine a watercolor floral,” said Babi. “We’re very proud of it.” Proud enough that it’s featured prominently on a feather-light silk high-neck top and sweeping skirt, a strapless gown, and even the evergreen faille dress style that’s long been named after Beau.
Additionally, there are “luxurious linens” for those “instant gratification” purchases during the warm-weather months and silhouettes that lean more playful and ethereal than the formality the spring and fall collections require. “I love to weave a dream—but someone needs to live in it,” Babi said. “We want it to be easy. We want it out there, breathing, dancing, and getting dirty. For people to really enjoy it. It can’t be too precious.”
Meanwhile, the black tie-ready gowns and dresses that line the walls of their studio serve as Babi’s “data pod”—they allow her to understand the needs of her clients in real time and respond accordingly as she works on the next collection. Another help is the complimentary alterations and hand-tailoring services they offer, which have elevated the high-touch service the couple prides themselves on. “When you ask the right questions, it takes away all the stressors,” Babi noted. “We ask the questions that dressmakers used to ask. That’s how fashion always was—it’s funny how it’s come back to that.” Particularly in a time when trustworthy tailors are in increasingly short supply. It’s turned their atelier into a one-stop shop.
While the brand isn’t one to chase trends, they’ve inadvertently landed on one: Delicate chiffon scarves with beaded trims that were borne from practicality—for those who wanted to cover their arms or décolleté—have become a popular addition that’s here to stay, as the elegant draped neck scarf is popular across ages. “They’re so ‘in’ these days,” Babi laughed. …”But in Indian attire, we always had this.”
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