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    Fashion News

    Sachin + Babi aren't household names (yet), but their groovy clothes aregarnering attention

    Clifford Pugh
    Jun 4, 2011 | 1:18 pm
    • Designers Babi Ahuwalia, left, and Sachin Ahuwalia at New York fashion week
    • From the Sachin + Babi spring line: Lighter colors in girlier styles (with aprayer bead necklace)
      Photo by Clifford Pugh
    • A tougher look for fall: Sachin + Babi trench coat worn over eco-leatherleggings
      Photo by © Shawn Brackbill
    • Also for fall: A one piece cocktail dress with sequin-paneled skirt
      Photo by © Shawn Brackbill

    As the showcase designer for last month's Recipe for Success dinner and fashion show at Tootsies, Babi Ahluwalia quickly noticed that Houston women are not afraid of wearing bright colors.

    "I'm living in the Northeast (New York City) where gray is the color," she said. "It's a fantastic, different sensibility (in Houston). It's softer, but they're still a little whimsical."

    Ahluwalia knows a lot about clothes. She and her husband, Sachin Ahulwalia, are quickly earning a reputation for their hip women's line, Sachin + Babi, that has the quality of designer collections at a lower price. Dresses made of high-quality, textured fabric go for under $600; slacks under $250 and tops under $300; a pair of fleece-lined, body-hugging faux leather leggings at $175 are a steal for the fashion-conscious dresser.

    "We want to be a little more democratic in our price point so our reach is much wider. But it is still for the customer who appreciates high design. She likes draping, color and texture. She wants to embrace it for her everyday living. We are just two designers trying to offer something different because there are a lot of designers in the market," Babi said during an interview at Tootsies.

    The couple, both from India, met at the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1994, fell in love and married. After graduation, they each took a loan from their parents to launch a successful business featuring beaded, textured and embroidered fabrics that such high-end designers as Oscar de Renta, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent and Carolina Herrera gobble up.

    "We learned the craft from the finest — the cut of a dress, the drape of a gown," she said. "You learn enough, you want to have your point of view."

    Six years ago, the couple launched a high-end home furnishings business called Ankasa after being unable to find decorative pillows for their new condo. The followed up with their namesake clothing line two-and-a-half years ago. It shares boutique space with the design business on New York's Upper East Side. "The love of design you can apply anywhere, whether it's clothes or even pottery for that matter," Babi said.

    While their spring collection is romantic and girly, with soft florals and terracotta colors, they went in a totally different direction for fall with a biker girl aesthetic. "It's a little tough for fall, but we have fun with it," Babi said. "My husband just got a Harley."

    The play of texture that marks the line is apparent throughout both collections. A gown is made of pink tulle and beige trench coat canvas; a one-piece cocktail dress is marked by a white blouse and black sequined skirt; another dress has a leather bodice and a skirt of shredded georgette strips.

    The couple also creates a jewelry line to accompany each collection. To complement the boho-influenced spring collection, they featured prayer beads necklaces and onyx jewelry. For the edgier fall collection, they created earrings, amulet collars and cuffs based on Indian fighting daggers. "Every season is different," Babi said. "It enhances the identity of the clothes."

    Each collection is a collaboration. Babi serves as Sachin's muse and buys the fabrics. Sachin, who did not make the Houston trip, sketches the ideas; Babi tweaks them based on a woman's wardrobe needs. "We play off each other's strengths," she said.

    Working together in business while being married has its moments, she admits. But with two young children (8 and 5), Babi says it's nice to have a co-worker who realizes the importance of having a life outside of work. "Because we're in it together, he understands my needs," she said.

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    BEAUTY BASH

    The Makeup Show returns to Houston in full glam for its 20th anniversary

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Jun 17, 2025 | 3:30 pm
    Danessa Myricks Beauty
    Photo courtesy of Danessa Myricks Beauty/Instagram
    Industry pros and beauty lovers gather at The Makeup Show for product launches, live demos, and insider education from top makeup artists.

    Houston beauty pros, educators, and trend-obsessed makeup lovers rejoice The Makeup Show is making a glam comeback to the Bayou City this fall to celebrate its 20th anniversary after a four-year hiatus.

    This curated experience will take place from September 20-21 at the Hilton Houston Post Oak, bringing together the best and brightest in the beauty industry. Attendees will include everyone from makeup artists to brand owners, aestheticians, salon owners, photographers, models, and anyone who lives for the latest must-have product drop.

    In addition to showcasing a variety of innovative and prestige brands, including, Alcone Company, AppleDoll Beauty, Ashunta Sheriff Beauty, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Elora Lane, Kryolan Professional Make-up, MYKITCO, and Temptu PRO, the show will feature four educational stages. Attendees can learn from industry pros through educational talks and demonstrations. Keynote artists include Danessa Myricks, James Molloy, and Sheika Daley, with more names to be announced soon.

    The Makeup ShowAttendees can test out new products and mingle with beauty insiders during The Makeup Show’s exciting return to Houston September 20-21.Photo courtesy of The Makeup Show

    Attendees can access show-exclusive discounts, test out new tools, and chat with the brands’ founders and executives to better understand the artistry and science behind what's in their kits. This year, for the first time, The Makeup Show will debut its Community Stage, spotlighting rising talent and fresh perspectives from emerging artists in the industry.

    The Makeup Show tickets range from $36 to $55 and are available here.

    houston beauty eventsprofessional makeup artistsbeauty industry educationmakeup trade showthe makeup showthe makeup show houston
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