tempting temp tats

Trendy made-to-fade tattoo salon inks opening date in Montrose

Don't dig this tat? It'll be done within 9 to 15 months.

Photos courtesy of Ephemeral Tattoo

Tattoo regret is as old as time itself. A recent poll revealed that more than 78 percent of people regret at least one tattoo. Art that is initially cute or ironic (we see you, dreamcatcher and barbed wire armband) may become a source of embarrassment as years go by.

And, of course, there is always the dreaded relationship tattoo — Sumner + Adam 4eva — can quickly be inked over post-relationship, but not without its fair share of time, money and remorse.

Fortunately, Houstonians can get that ink without remorse thanks toEphemeral Tattoo, which opened its first location in Houston and Texas last month.

Before Ephemeral Tattoo — known as the nation's first temporary tattoo parlor — opened in 2021, the only options for getting semi-permanent tattoos were henna art (which lasts two to four weeks) and stick-on tattoos (which lasts three to seven days). However, those wanting to experience tattoos without commitment can get one with the first-ever made-to-fade ink.

Ephemeral ink is made from safe, FDA-approved ingredients that are slowly absorbed by the body overtime. Chemical engineers and co-founders of Ephemeral Tattoo, Brennal Pierre and Vandan Shah, spent seven years developing the proprietary blend of medical-grade ingredients.

With a price point of $195 to $550 and more, a customer experience at Ephemeral begins with a consultation proceeds to working with a tattoo artist to perfect the design, getting the actual tattoo, and receiving detailed instructions for aftercare.

Tattoos are given by a traditional tattoo artist using a conventional tattoo gun — the only difference is Ephemeral's made-to-fade ink. Depending on a person's skin tone, tattoo design, and placement, the tattoo should fade between 9 to 15 months.

Setting itself apart from traditional tattoo studios, the Ephemeral studio features a relaxing atmosphere with light, natural colors from Pantone's SkinTone Guide and private rooms.

When Ephemeral first opened its doors in Brooklyn last year, there was an eight-month wait to get inked. The lesson there? Houstonians looking for noncommittal body art should make an appointment asap.

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Ephemeral Houston; 1665 Westheimer Rd.; Open 10 am to 8 pm daily. For more information, visit Ephemeral Tattoo.

HAUTE HOUSTON

High fashion label Sachin & Babi makes rare Houston appearance

Photo courtesy of Sachin & Babi

Sachin & Babi is hosting an exclusive shopping event so Houstonians can snag pieces from their Resort Collection on November 12 from 5 to 8 pm at Avant Art Gallery.

Having dressed the likes of former First Lady Michelle Obama, Mindy Kaling, and Octavia Spencer, high fashion label Sachin & Babiis known for its attention to embellishment, color, and silhouette. Ahead of the sold-out Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon, where the New York-based brand will be headlining with ready-to-wear looks from their fall collection, Sachin Ahluwalia, one-half of the high fashion duo is making a rare in-person appearance in the Bayou City.

"We are thrilled to see what Sachin & Babi will bring to our Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon," Angie Lane, Houston Ballet's chief development officer, tells CultureMap. "Saks Fifth Avenue has been an invaluable partner over the years, consistently creating an engaging and dynamic show for Nutcracker Market luncheon guests."

The brand, which has a large customer base in Texas, has its sights set on more permanent digs and retail expansion in the Lone Star State.

"In Texas, fashion is embraced in the truest sense. There's a celebratory spirit and full-of-life energy that aligns with our brand ethos," said Ahluwalia. "Our goal in everything we create is to celebrate the women who inspire us and remind us why we do what we do. I have always believed that the most important component of a woman's wardrobe is her smile, and Houston has that joyfulness so ingrained in its culture."

We sat down with Sachin Ahluwalia to discuss the brand's fall collection and what we can look forward to from the label in 2025.

CultureMap: How would you describe your fall collection?
Sachin Ahluwalia: Each season, we're inspired by the nature surrounding us, but this fall, we were particularly struck by the captivating beauty of botanical flowers. We referenced some of our favorite photographers who have captured striking macro shots of oversized blooms, and from this, we focused on the romantic allure of a 'White Rose in Moonlight.' While we often envision roses bathed in sunlight, a rose is equally enchanting beneath the moon's glow. There's a subtle message there — a reminder that beauty can thrive even in the quiet of night.

CultureMap: What colors and fabrics are you leaning towards for fall and winter?
SA: This fall, we focused on deep floral contrasts on luxurious viscose chiffon, faille, and Mikado. As fall also welcomes the return to the social calendar and gala season, we emphasized intricate beading and embroidery, creating unique, wearable pieces that make her feel her best for all the celebrations ahead.

CultureMap: When you create a collection, who are you designing for?
SA: For the past decade, Sachin & Babi has been redefining what it means to dress for life's most memorable moments. We design to a level of sophistication rather than any particular demographic. Aiming to offer more than just a garment, we want to give our customers a transformative experience that celebrates each person's unique style and story. We dress her for her most special occasions because she deserves to feel extraordinary without compromise.

CultureMap: What has been inspiring you for your 2025 collections?
SA: We are inspired by the incredible women in our country. She continues to marvel and inspire us with her confidence, elegance, and beauty. We're committed to helping her feel her most beautiful for all of her special moments, big and small.

CultureMap: Do you think you will ever move away from your east-meets-west aesthetic?
SA: It's hard to divorce ourselves from our natural inclinations and DNA. Babi and I spent our first 20 years in India, but we've spent the last 30 years building our home in New York City. We embrace our natural propensity for color, craftsmanship, and embroidery from India and marry it to the lifestyle of the women we know and adore in the US. Our goal is to converge traditional Indian techniques with a modern sensibility to create ready-to-wear that feels made for you.

Photo courtesy of Sachin & Babi

Sachin & Babi held an exclusive shopping event in Houston.