Sachin & Babi Pre-Collection: A Festive Holiday Celebration
Sachin Ahluwalia recently unveiled the latest pre-collection from Sachin & Babi, describing it as more of a “holiday collection than resort.” The photos exuded a celebratory tone, reminiscent of a chic cocktail party. However, it was the intricate details on the garments that truly stole the show, featuring vibrant florals in the form of beading, lace appliqués, prints, and an abundance of sequins.
According to Ahluwalia, “This is the only collection where we focus more on ornaments in terms of embroideries.” One standout piece was a black bodice adorned with matching black crystals and sequins, while another gown featured crystal flowers with bugle bead stems in a stunning Art Deco pattern.
Collaborating with his partner Babi, Ahluwalia has solidified Sachin & Babi as a prominent player in the contemporary evening wear scene in New York. Their success can be attributed to their pragmatic approach. Ahluwalia explained, “If everyone is focused on creating a dream, then we’re living in a dream. We like to meet our customer where she is, for what she wants to wear.” This customer-centric mindset reflects an American perspective on fashion, championed by industry icons like Bonnie Cashin and Isabel Toledo.
For Sachin & Babi, this approach is essential as they navigate through what Ahluwalia refers to as “organic growth mode.” He emphasized, “Clothes on a hanger are just an object, but clothes on women, that’s fashion.” This philosophy underscores the importance of considering the end consumer in every design decision.