THE BRAND
Koko Bongo is an idiosyncratic and sometimes outrageous brand of street wear, one that nonetheless has a deep connection with who we are inside. Premised on the belief that fashion is a form of self- expression, KOKO BONGO democratizes fashion by bringing in elements of music and dance born in the streets, such as punk, grunge, hip hop, and more."Koko Bongo clothing reflects a world where everything that’s familiar can change in an instant. Each Koko Bongo garment expresses the unpredictability and whimsical nature of our lives today, while still retaining the connection with who we are,” says founder Koel Bohra.
Koko Bongo has caught the eye of many a celeb since its inception, including the likes of Babil Khan (https://elle.in/babil-khan-chic-androgynous-style-game/) and Raftaar for Woh Raat's music video. MTV Hustle's Vijay Dada and Sup Manikk have appeared on shows in Koko Bongo attire, as has rap singer Nejm on MTV Roadies. The Door magazine too featured Bhuvan Arora in Koko Bongo.
“Go on, get caught in a Koko Bongo!”
THE DESIGNER
Koel Bohra is the founder and creative director of KOKO BONGO, a brand name inspired by cherished childhood memories. Fashion has been in Koel’s blood: she grew up seeing her mother craft dresses for herself and her clientele while her father designed men’s clothing.
Even as a child, Koel was passionate about tasteful, stylish clothes. After graduating from high school, Koel naturally went on to graduate in Fashion Design at Woxsen University in Hyderabad, where she bagged a gold medal for design. This was followed by an assignment of several weeks at Wendell Rodricks, Goa. Here, she honed her craft working under the guidance of experienced designers. This was followed by a brief stint in the world of material design at Cancelled Plans, Hyderabad, where she learned much about sustainability in fashion and making the most out of available resources.
These experiences helped lay the foundation for her own venture, Koko Bongo, a brand specializing in streetwear. Koko Bongo is a reflection of the connection Koel feels with street style; it’s a form of personal liberation as well as self-expression. Koel’s ambition is to put Koko Bongo firmly on the global fashion map.