Daily Front Row

2009 June 23

It's Good to be Contemporary

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Babi Ahluwalia, Fern Mallis and Sachin Ahluwalia
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(NEW YORK) Husband-and-wife team Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia have been designing the Sachin and Babi for Ankasa collection since August 2008, but they have remained relatively under the radar as fashion designers until last night, when they unveiled their Resort 2010 with a cocktail party on the rooftop of the Cooper Square Hotel.

"This is something we've wanted to do for twelve years, and now, we're entirely committed to the clothing," explained Sachin Ahluwalia. The couple, whose families both ran textile operations in their native India, met while students at FIT. They built their 12-year-old brand Ankasa (formerly ANK Embroideries) as a textile business, supplying to both interior design firms and fashion houses like Oscar de la Renta, Derek Lam and Yves Saint Laurent with finishes and embroideries. The first Ankasa flagship store opened in Manhattan in 2007, approximately a year before the duo launched a ready-to-wear business.

Now, Sachin and Babi for Ankasa is found in approximately 100 retailers worldwide including Bloomingdale's, Harvey Nichols and Calypso, where the tunics are a best-seller. "The quality is exceptional, but the price point is approachable," Ahluwalia continued, pointing out a beaded and sequined dress that will retail for approximately $500. "It's a great time to be in the contemporary market."
ASHLEY BAKER