Friends and Founders bound by Fashion: Akriti & Bhavna Konquer the Fashion World

Friends. Amigos. Compadres. Partners. Sisters. Yes, you can use all these words and more to describe the bond between the founders of Konquer’s parent brand, Label Akriti & Bhavna. The young founders of the brand, Akriti Kapoor and Bhavna Varma can very well star in an adhesive advertisement because they are literally inseparable.

Born and raised in Mumbai, which is dubbed the City of Dreams, these two saw a dream together which they are hustling to achieve every single day. This Friendship Day, let’s put the spotlight on the hustlers and dreamers who are building a brand that aims to make every woman look her best and feel her most confident.

Bhavna and Akriti met each other in college. It might not have been “love at first sight,” but they both realised that they had a common love-fashion! While Akriti had formally studied fashion designing, Bhavna just had a natural knack for it. Be it Rachel and Monica from Friends, Blair and Serena from Gossip Girls or the fashionable four from Sex & the City- these girls were inspired by the impeccable fashion sense from an early age. Getting to know each other, exchanging fashion tips and going crazy at Zara and H&M sales together brought them super close. Of course, the amazing Punjabi food at the Kapoor household and the delectable Marwari cuisine at the Varma home that both of them gorged on together while trying on the outfits from their sale haul, helped deepen this connection!

Till now, this story sounds like the story of any pair of friends in any city in India, right? Well, yes. There must be thousands of Akritis and Bhavnas who bond over fashion, food and friendship in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata and many other places. But, no, they are different because they dared to dream!

As Bhavna says while reminiscing the early days of their connection, “We often found ourselves discussing the latest trends on our shopping adventures, which helped us bond even more. This connection was the beginning of a deep and enduring friendship that eventually led us to start our brand together.”

They both got into corporate 9 to 5 (which would always stretch beyond 5) for some years, and, after spending their days immersed in the grind, they just knew this was not their cup of tea. So they went out for coffee! Yes, it was over a cup of cappuccino that they brewed the idea of having their own brand. They decided it was time to take this relationship to the next step. It was time to become “partners” for life!  Thus was born their little passion (for fashion) project “Label Akriti & Bhavna”.

When asked about how their label extended to their women’s handbag line Konquer, Akriti says, “The idea of Konquer as an extension of A&B came very naturally to us. With our respective backgrounds in Digital Marketing and Fashion Designing, we saw a gap in the market for stylish, high-quality bags which were also affordable. We wanted to create a brand that reflected our personal styles and catered to fashion-forward individuals.” Their strong friendship, complementing skills and utmost dedication made Konquer a reality, blending contemporary designs with practical functionality.

Their mantra for a completely conflict-free business partnership between friends that operates smoothly is for each one to have roles that are clearly defined based on their individual expertise. The Digital Marketing aspect is handled by Bhavna who has had work experience as a Social Media strategist in a global company. Managing their brand’s online presence, social media image and promotions is Bhavna’s role. Akriti focuses on the design and creative side, bringing forward her skills to create stylish and unique designs. They plan and execute their work by collaborating closely and leveraging their strengths. Regular meetings and brainstorming sessions help them align their ideas and strategies.

While it is difficult for creators to have favourites, but if asked to choose their favourites from the present Konquer collection, the Tiffany bucket bag, Ellie shoulder bag and Zelda sling bag make it to Akriti’s list. Bhavna chooses Reina tote bag. However, she too chooses Tiffany like Akriti for its glam quotient and unique design.

When asked to describe what each means to the other, Akriti is quick to call Bhavna her “saviour.” She says, “Bhavna is  somebody who can get us as a business and also me as an individual out of any tough spot. I know I can always count on her.”

For Bhavna, Akriti is one of the strongest pillars of her life. She adds, “I can always rely on her, and she’s been there to help me out of countless tough situations. Her support and friendship mean the world to me.”

P.S. We think they are obsessed with each other. Sources say, if they don’t meet for even two days they get agitated and start annoying other people around them. If that’s not true friendship, we don’t know what is!

Konquer Together Sale Offer

Want to gift something special to your bestie this Friendship Day? We’ve got the “Konquer Together” sale for you. Get flat 25% off on every bag and combo deals at special prices. No code required. Offer valid till 5th August. HURRY!!!