story by Carmella Bella McDonald
photos by Freda Henry
The husband and wife design duo, Sachin + Babi Ahluwalia, combined a fascination for vintage Harley Davidson motorbikes with a desire for luxe fabrics and leather accents for their Fall 2011 collection. Renowned for their textural and innovative ready to wear, accessories, and ethnic inspired home- furnishings, they elegantly created a dynamic tension with a gritty twist.
“We have always been about texture and we love to use various fabrics, and for this collection our inspiration was based on the overalls worn by the Harley Davidson mechanics in the 1920s, ” revealed Sachin. This was evident in their frequent use of wild, curly black Mongolian lamb hide, paired with slick black leather. “As this collection was Fall, we really wanted to be more diverse, so we married leather, shearling, and fur, to tulle, silk and chiffon,” added Babi, saying also, “our rings and earrings were inspired by kataras: old Indian fighting daggers.”
By layering boxy masculine cable knit sweaters with stretch silks, leather leggings, and accents, and incorporating fringe detailing on skirts, shirts, and dresses, the looks achieved dimension and momentum. Colors in the line are a subdued palette of pomegranate, oatmeal, and midnight blue, contrasted with powerful blacks, whites and floral motifs.
The collection of 18 confident looks affirm a strong sense of “relaxed feminine” with a touch of “tough girl.” From fem high waisted skirts, plunging necklines, and one shoulder dresses, to leather biker pants and knee-high boots with adjustable straps, it amounts to fantastic lady armor.
Through their ingenuity and craft, Sachin + Babi have woven a vivid and inspired tapestry.
