DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
BG : In response to our constantly changing world, the Begola collections bring a positive note. Begola’s creations deliver the tiny highlights that bring a touch of sweetness and magic to brighten your day. Begola lets people express themselves and give their creativity free rein.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
BG : I wanted to design a piece of jewellery for every time of day that doesn’t get in the way. It had to be colourful and adaptable to every wearer’s needs.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
BG : Begola is more like a journey for me. I have loads of ideas for extending the range. I also derive a great deal of satisfaction in counseling my customers in their choices and seeing how happy my jewellery makes them.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
BG : My husband and I produce Begola ourselves. We do not outsource manufacture abroad or allow our products to be made in low-wage countries. We insist on diligence, quality and continuity in every stage of the process and we take great care in selecting our raw materials and their sourcing. Dubious providers of materials and questionable manufacturing methods that do not fit to our ethical standards and our ideal of high-value production simply do not make it into our portfolio. In our opinion, you need to be consistent in your principles down to the smallest detail if you want to deliver a credible performance guarantee to your customers.
We are always open to discuss a commercial transfer of our production rights for the right terms and conditions.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
BG : I simply wanted to make the world a little more colourful and spread some happiness.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
BG : Everything was created in my workshop. The design was the result of many creative discussions within the family.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
BG : Pretty much anyone can wear Begola. Our youngest client is 8 years old and our oldest is just over 80. Even men can wear certain Begola variants.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
BG : All mountable charms, the Begols remain in the selected position on the leather band without sliding or falling off. There is no jangling sound, no irritation. Additionally, the leather bands are finished with a silver clasp much as a watch-strap. In the event of wear and tear on the band this can easily be replaced and the original clasp retained.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
BG : BEGOLA are the first letters in my name. BE for Bettina, GO for Gomez and LA for Latus.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
BG : I used a pencil, one of the oldest and most proven design tools known to man. And then I moved on to more modern methods, including CAD and 3D Plotters.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
BG : Begola is fun!
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
BG : Yes, I worked with a CAD specialist to get the most from this technology and not to forget, leather specialists to create the leather straps. And we still rely on their expertise for new and upcoming Begola collections.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
BG : CAD allows you to work much more precisely and develop shapes that are almost impossible to create in the workshop.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
BG : No, my design is not influenced by data or analytical research in any way. What I have learned however, is how much fun people have in choosing matching Begols to go with a leather band they have selected. There is something playful and meditational about this process.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
BG : We were approached by a A' Design Award & Competition per E-Mail to see whether we fancied competing. Naturally, we jumped at the chance. It has been and continues to be a good challenge and great fun.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
BG : I have learned a great deal about working with CAD and how it can help me realise my designs. I’ve actually become quite good at it.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
BG : Gosh, I can’t think of anything right now. Thanks for the friendly conversation.