Haute Secrets: Designer Babi Ahluwalia

Insider’s guide to New York

NAME: Babi Ahluwalia

The Stats: Born in India, lived in NYC for 18 years, currently in Sutton Place

Why she loves New York: The Energy!

Babi Ahluwalia moved to NYC 18 years ago to go to school at the Fashion Institute of Technology. It was at school where she found her niche for fashion and a partner, her husband Sachin. In the years to follow, the duo designers made a name for themselves in the fashion industry. In 1996 they launched ANK, creating designs of textiles, for such names as Oscar de la Renta, YSL and Derek Lam. Eight years later, they created ANKASA, their own luxury home brand.  In 2008, after the success of ANKASA home collection, they created women’s ready-to-wear label, Sachin + Babi, which is sold in such stores as Neiman Marcus, Fred Segal, Curve, Calypso as well as the ANKASA boutique in Manhattan.

The pair’s sheer expertise in the field of textiles has led them to be one of the industry’s most coveted design teams. They are responsible for much of haute couture’s hand embroideries and unique textiles, which are utilized by some of the industry’s most illustrious fashion houses. Their brand has stood out and made their mark, resulting in a modern luxury lifestyle brand that is accessible to today’s design savvy consumers, including through their flagship boutique located in New York’s Upper East Side.

For more information on Babi and Sachin’s designs, visit www.sachinandbabi.com.

Check out Babi Ahluwalia’s favorite haute spots in New York at Haute Secrets.

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