If you were looking for a sign of just how big a trend minimalism is, you could find it at the Sachin + Babi for Ankasa presentation on the first day of New York fashion week. Known for the embroideries they provide to some of Seventh Avenue s biggest names, Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia s more-is-more aesthetic has defined their ready-to-wear line since its inception about three years ago. Here, though, they brought things down a notch. Handkerchief-hem dresses, strapless rompers, and matching "public" pj sets came in printed silks evocative of the soft, sun-washed colors the designers discovered on a family trip to Siena—a far cry from the neon brights of recent seasons. The Tuscan countryside s wrought-iron gates inspired the cage paneling on a cocktail dress, but embellishments were generally toned down as well. In fact, the husband-and-wife duo showed off a surprisingly deft hand for understatement, as in a beige trench and pantsuit trimmed delicately in tulle. Their romantic yet restrained long sundress with subtle pintucking on its front was a highlight.
