Sachin & Babi Spring 2018

For Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia, the customer is always right. The designers, who are known for their Mughal embroideries and sophisticated ready-to-wear, looked to their clientele when it came time to design their new bridal collection. They were particularly interested in the youthful, opinionated brides searching for atypical wedding fare. “I’m learning from the young ones,” Babi explained post-show. “They come into the studio with these ideas, and then you’re like ‘Oh, well, why can’t she wear a coat dress?’” Set at the NoMo Kitchen, the show opened with a few of those fashion-forward suggestions. A white fil-coupé coat dress with sleek trousers will undoubtedly make the gown-averse bride very happy, and it set the stage for more playful twists on the expected. There were plenty of the luxurious details Sachin & Babi fans are accustomed to, like pearl and crystal embroidery, but the Ahluwalias also broadened their horizons with a “floral” sash in hand-cut taffeta and an embellished gown over pants.