Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia met as young aspiring fashion designers while studying at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Their story soon turned into a fashion love story. They bonded over their common interests and their upbringing in India. Soon that friendship grew into love. Together they went on to work for top designers including Oscar de la Renta, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Carolina Herrera, and Manolo Blahnik.
The line Sachin & Babi launched in 2009. This summer they debuted for the first time in the Hamptons at Matriark in Sag Harbor. The line is a ready-to-wear and accessories brand driven by a commitment to incredible craftsmanship.
We caught up with Babi to learn more.
Your brand began with kismet and a love story. Tell us more about how it all started when you met at FIT.
When you are so young and in your 20s and you find another creative, passionate person that shares your entrepreneurial mindset, it comes easily. You don’t know what you don’t know which makes anything possible, you take that faith in all things “doable” and you put that to good use. Together Sachin and I both had a hunger to learn more, so we started a “concept shop.” It was a design service and it started from a very niche perspective where we collaborated with high-end designers and enhanced their pieces through our brand of specialized novelty. We offered all different types of treatments — embroidery, novelty block prints, embellishment, that came with a unique sensibility for which our factories had unrivaled acumen, and from these collaborations, we then learned how to make and tailor garments. Growing up in the trade was a magnificent way to learn and grow our brand. We learned from the best of the best.
What inspired you to launch your own brand, and what does your brand represent today?
High design is so luxurious, and we adore it, however, when we decided to create our own brand, we wanted to offer things that were special and luxe but also accessible. Our label reflected all the things we loved about the fantastical elements of the grande design houses we had been exposed to, but we wanted something that a woman could admire, as well as wear more often.
Talk about your family-run factory in Mumbai.
That is a unique space. When Sachin and I inherited it about 25-26 years ago, the drapers were trained very well in Indian apparel and all of the unique artisanal elements for which India is known. When we started working with the European luxury fashion houses, they would send their technicians to our factory, and they would train our skilled artisans. Living in the US our taste was a bit more westernized, and it has been, and we saw a unique transition — producing creative pieces that cater to the west, with this added European training. The best thing about working with creative people is they are adaptable, they want to learn more, learn how to improve, how to use beads, drape better, add novelty, etc. We learned so much in this space and in turn, have been able to focus more on our consumers in this unique workshop.
We can find your Fall collection at Matriark in Sag Harbor, where you recently hosted a trunk show. How did this partnership come about?
We love Matriark and Patricia and her sensibility and how she has curates her boutique. She has such a unique point of view, and she knows her community well. That speaks to us. We love her support of female entrepreneurs. All this led us to our interest in Matriark. Patricia and her team have been fantastic partners and we are thrilled to grow with them as a brand.
Your designs are known for embroidery, texture, and color. Tell us about how you use traditional Indian embroidery techniques that meet a modern sensibility, as well as the fabrics sourced in Italy and Spain.
For us — fabric from Spain and Italy are for more of an evening point of view. We need more fluid draping fabrics in order to create these pieces. We also focus on beautiful linens, cottons, and chiffons in our ready-to-wear. But local artisan embellishment and embroidery can’t be found anywhere else. It is a craft, an age-old craft that has been translated to modern times by people like us. We understand the western palate, but because we are from there and have been managing our own factory, we understand how to train the hands, and use the tech in a more modern way.
What are some of the changes you’ve seen in the fashion industry lately?
Oh my gosh — honestly, the game has changed so much. There is more visibility in our industry so there is a chance for everyone to rise up. The collections have changed, and the old format is not as relevant. As a brand, we realize that it’s about the right product, and servicing her and what she needs when she needs it. Fashion should make her feel great when she is out there conquering her day. It’s refreshing that the game has changed. You can have a unique point of view and be someone who knows the consumer and is true to themselves and their design and can put themselves in front of the person that will appreciate them.
When visiting the East End, what does your perfect day look like?
Oh, my goodness, so many wonderful places! We don’t have the luxury of being out East all summer, but we have fun on our weekends. We go to the local fish markets, buy produce, grill often, and spend time with friends and family. Since we do spend so much time together during the week, we like to do some of our own things when we are out East. Sachin likes to golf and practice his swing and I recently started surfing again. We love Sunset Beach and Shelter Island.
