Established in Slovakia in 2012 by artist and designer Petra Arbetova, Bepart is focusing on handcrafted jewelry and homeware influenced by the Scandinavian aesthetic and clean-cut, minimal lines. Working with traditional goldsmithing techniques, Arbetova uses precious metals, mainly sterling silver and 14kt gold to handcraft her pieces. Besides designing jewelry, the young designer meticulously takes care of every aspect of her growing label – even the packaging is created by her out of plywood. We caught up with Arbetova to discuss launching her own brand, inspirations and musings about the industry, and future plans.
Tell us a few words about your background, and how you came to start your own brand.
I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava last year. I’ve always been into crafty things and making stuff by hand. I reckon 15 years ago my friend brought one pair of turquoise earrings from holidays. I fell in love and started making jewelry. Bepart started back in 2012, when I came back from an exchange program in Finland. I guess it was the strongest impulse to start something of my own and pursue my real passion. I started expressing my creativity through fine jewelry over Bepart. However, the process of growing your own brand is a long one. As a jeweler you need loads of supplies, so I have gradually set up my studio and accumulated my own tools/machinery. After the master’s degree, I interned in London. This experience helped me run my business, and nowadays I earn my living through my label.
Where does the inspiration for your minimal lines stem from?
I am a minimalist since I can remember. I love Scandinavian design as well as simple design with a good concept. My studies in Finland made me realize this will be my path. I am working with geometrical shapes, especially the circle. Even my first proper collection for Bepart is called “Circle,” and was inspired by this perfect organic shape.
I reckon it is natural for me to work with a minimal and simple concept. Basically I’m mostly inspired by modern and contemporary art and design, and I get daily inspiration from social media, mostly Pinterest; so the internet does the job.
While you use precious materials, your prices are fairly affordable. What prompted this decision?
I think it depends on the view. Some people are shocked by the prices especially in Slovakia. I always try to set up the prices based on the time needed to create it and materials I use for every single piece. Every piece is unique and handmade by me. I think the prices are fair for the quality you get, and hopefully my work is not affordable, only to small amount of people.
Walk us through your design process – from choosing materials to design development, etc. How do you go about creating new pieces?
First, I come up with the main theme or inspiration for the collection. My design process always starts with a sketch. After that, I play with designs, ideas or shapes from a previous collection by reinterpreting them. Usually there are two lines – sterling silver and 14kt yellow gold. These two materials are the main choose.
The packaging is also designed by you. How important is it for you to overview each aspect of your brand?
I am developing my packaging from the moment I founded the label. It is a bit tricky designing packaging that fits to wide range of jewelry designs. I think it is a strong part of every label and agree with quote “packaging sells.” I personally love when I receive a product in nice packaging with details from head to the toe. I make handcrafted packaging out of birch plywood for Bepart jewelry. It takes so much time, but I believe it is worth it. Branding and packaging are a huge part of my creativity.
Actually, this packaging brought new product line. It was nice hearing from my customers that they enjoyed unpacking their order. I decided to add new range of jewelry boxes to my label. They are handcrafted from birch plywood, and made to storage your jewelry or precious, personal small things.
As a young designer, do you feel the pressure to follow in industry trends to become successful both commercially and creatively?
I feel like nowadays you do not need to follow trends. There are so many different lines of trends and loads of group people which like different things. I make jewelry for myself. It sounds selfish, but I think when I like my work there would be somebody else who will like it as well.
What are your core philosophies of growing your brand?
Put your heart to every single piece, and, mostly, work honestly.
How does living in Slovakia influence your design style and business sense?
We live in an international world, and influences come from every single corner of the world. I used to have a small collection which was inspired by Slovak folk cross-stitch embroidery. I don’t feel any special influences by living in Slovakia right now. For me, it is a good place to live at the moment. I have my studio in my hometown, and it is easier to base the business in the country where you were born.
What are your future plans?
I would be happy if I were able to continue developing the label, and earning a living out of it. Hopefully, I will be able to bring new products and collections. It would be genuinely awesome to start collaborating with more stores, and see my pieces in some of my favorite stores.
www.bepart-studio.com
Images © Bepart
