What to make of the year in fashion thus far? Political turmoil, tariffs, a looming recession—you name it, our collective preoccupations seem to be anywhere but the industry. Nonetheless, designers are chugging along, building collections that speak to our everyday lives and a pursuit of normalcy in the face of, well, everything else.

“We’re here in this crazy time trying to sell beautiful things,” offered Babi Ahluwalia of Sachin & Babi’s pre-fall collection. In this delivery, that idea translated into linen and soft organza gowns in classic shapes and vibrant summer florals. The lineup’s most novel pieces were a column gown and a shorter shift with broderie anglaise detailing, while the most striking were a run of painterly florals placed on bright green and fuschia gowns.

The Ahluwalias have given their Garment District showroom a makeover, priming it to host bridal parties, wedding guests, and other occasion-wear clients for fittings and alterations. It’s part of a broader effort to expand their direct-to-consumer footprint; one that, as reported by Babi, is very much working. “The guest of the wedding is a big client of ours,” she said. It’s self-awareness like this that keeps labels like Sachin & Babi going during challenging times.