Vaibhav Sharma: Pioneering Sustainable Fashion Innovation

Vaibhav Sharma is a leading figure in the global textile and fashion sector, serving as founder and CEO of Konception Designs alongside co-founder Harshita Sharma. His career reflects a strong commitment to sustainable practices and entrepreneurial excellence, transforming industry challenges into opportunities for growth. At 41 years old, Sharma has built a company that bridges Indian manufacturing expertise with international demand for ethical fashion.

Early Foundations and Education

Sharma’s professional journey began with a solid academic foundation in textiles. He earned a B.Tech degree from the Technological Institute of Textiles and Sciences, gaining essential knowledge in production processes. This education sparked his passion for understanding the industry’s operations from the ground up.

Sharma started as a Shift Officer at Auro Weaving, part of the Vardhman Group in Baddi. Although trained in a yarn spinning plant, he chose to work in weaving operations to gain a complete understanding of textile production. This hands-on approach allowed him to develop practical skills in production and quality control early in his career.

Building Expertise Across Borders

After Auro Weaving, Sharma joined Triburg, a leading Indian buying office, where he spent four years refining his skills in garmenting and merchandising. His role exposed him to sales, marketing, and consumer research, broadening his perspective on global supply chains. This period marked his transition from domestic operations to the international stage.

Sharma also gained experience in garment production hubs across China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. He contributed to establishing an Ethiopian branch for his then-employer, focusing on marketing strategies tailored to emerging markets. These experiences taught him to integrate international best practices, forming a cornerstone of his leadership style.

Over more than two decades in the fashion industry, Sharma has navigated production and sales with a focus on quality garments for top global brands. His ability to adapt to diverse cultural and operational norms has positioned him as a versatile leader capable of fostering long-term partnerships.

Founding Konception Designs

Konception Designs was founded in Gurgaon, India, under Sharma’s visionary guidance, aiming to fill gaps in sustainable fashion distribution. The company quickly attracted a global clientele, with 40 percent from the United States, 40 percent from Europe, and 20 percent from other regions. This international mix highlighted Sharma’s focus on global growth.

Within months, Konception Designs expanded with offices in Dubai and Los Angeles, followed by locations in London and Hong Kong. These expansions established the firm as a leading design and manufacturing partner for mid- and high-end retailers. Sharma’s strategic decisions drove rapid growth, emphasizing innovation in sustainable sourcing.

The company works with carefully selected manufacturers known for ethical practices, from fiber to packaging materials such as poly bags and cartons. Konception Designs partners with renowned brands including Guess, Farm Rio, Fracomina, Akira, Danube Home, BB Dakota, Steve Madden, and Soma. These collaborations demonstrate Sharma’s success in aligning Indian capabilities with global fashion needs.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is central to Konception Designs’ philosophy, guided by Sharma’s belief in ethical sourcing throughout the supply chain. The company prioritizes materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester to minimize environmental impact. He encourages clients to adopt these practices, fostering a wider culture of responsibility.

The firm’s guiding principle captures this commitment: If it cannot be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned, or removed from production. This principle guides operations, ensuring transparency and accountability in every project. Sharma’s vision positions Konception Designs as a leading sustainable garment provider globally.

Post-COVID challenges tested the team’s resilience, yet the company maintained a focus on self-responsibility and mutual support. This period reinforced an adaptable business model that prioritizes both profitability and environmental sustainability.

Leadership and Corporate Culture

Sharma fosters a culture where every employee operates with autonomy, promoting self-motivation and accountability. This approach creates a collaborative environment with transparent decision-making processes. Young talent thrives in this culture, demonstrating attention to detail and proactive problem-solving.

Konception Designs maintains a lean, cost-sensitive structure that delivers high profitability without compromising investment in human resources. Hiring is selective, resulting in long-term retention and a dedicated workforce. Sharma views employees as the organization’s true strength, investing in training and technology enhancements.

His cross-cultural insights benefit both staff and clients, building lasting relationships through innovative solutions. Sharma often notes, “We are alone at the top,” reflecting the company’s unmatched standards in service and results. This mindset also guides partners to adopt genuine sustainability practices rather than follow trends.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

Sharma’s leadership has earned him several prestigious awards. In 2022, he received the Dynamic Entrepreneur Award from Industry Leaders in Delhi for his impactful leadership. The following year, he was honored with the Visionary Entrepreneur Award in Delhi.

Other accolades include Entrepreneur of the Year in Mumbai and the Golden Pinnacle Award in Dubai. Konception Designs itself received the Indian Achievers Award for Promising Startup under Sharma’s direction. These recognitions affirm his role in elevating Indian textiles on the global stage.

The company’s strong year-over-year growth reflects positive team dynamics and contributions to global textile advancement. Sharma’s strategies have consistently exceeded expectations in quality, delivery, and cost efficiency.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Sharma aims for Konception Designs to achieve 100 million USD in revenue by the end of 2026. This goal involves diversifying product categories to establish a year-round business model for Indian producers. He seeks to challenge the view of India as only a seasonal manufacturer, creating more international opportunities.

Sharma’s plans focus on redefining global perceptions of Indian production excellence across sectors. Through sustainable innovations, the company aims to remain a leader in ethical fashion. His forward-thinking approach promises a lasting impact on both the industry and emerging markets.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Sharma advises future entrepreneurs to set clear goals and pursue them with passion and focus. Success requires starting at the ground level and gaining hands-on experience to build a thorough understanding. He emphasizes advancing step by step rather than taking shortcuts, embracing challenges that develop true expertise.

This philosophy has guided Sharma’s own path, turning initial hurdles into foundational strengths. For the next generation, his guidance underscores perseverance and practical immersion as keys to entrepreneurial success. Through such leadership, Sharma inspires a legacy of dedicated, innovative business excellence.