BENTELS 

Designers Kavita and Pushpa Bagla promote the Bentels. They cater to the elite class of collectors and enjoy a place of pride at most homes everywhere. Bentels offers not just magnificent gift objects, but provides a reflection of the precious times in life. The product range is diverse and is made with crystal, semi precious stones and lacquer to weave intrinsic and exquisite design, which is endearing to the eye. The Bentels spares no efforts in bringing out the best in each product and craftsman. And the result is for all to see.

Kavita Bagla, the 20-year-old young designer started out this venture when she shifted to Delhi from Mumbai nine months back. According to Kavita she loved wearing jewellery, and she saw a lot of possibilities like this in Delhi. She started by taking part in exhibitions and then by supplying to some stores in Mumbai. Later, Kavita registered her company by the name of 'Bentels' as the products had a niche market.

It all started from a very small stage, but expanded day by day with a professional touch being added to suit the market needs. The response in Delhi was overwhelming; it was one place where the young designer actually started selling a whole lot of her stuff. Gradually it turned into a full-fledged venture.

Kavita plans to start exporting her stuff. But before that she wants to improve upon the quality of her finished products. She feels it's good that she started small as she keeps getting feedback from people about the problems in the product, their likes and dislikes. This has helped her to enhance the quality of her goods and then she plans to expand as she sees a lucrative market.

She says, "Just be yourself. You don't have to wear what the rest of the people are wearing, there is no need to ape anyone- your mantra should be just be yourself and wear whatever suits you."

Kavita has done a course in jewellery designing from JD institute of fashion technology. As for the training, she makes the designs with a lot of detail and gives it to the karigar, who actually makes the jewellery. But then the designing bit is important, as
the craftsman has to have an idea about what he is making. Kavita says, "I have a good eye and I follow the trends in the fashion world. Whether it's gunmetal which is in these days, or gold and leather. Now, I am designing stuff, which is more to do with leather."

The boutique is at Hauz Khas village. "Mom and me are both into it together and the response is good. In Delhi people don't wear much junk jewellery as they do in Mumbai, but now the perception is changing rapidly," she says.

Kavita designs everything but clothes. Her products include chappals, sandals with beading on it, purses, gutthis, accessories, bags, belts, all kinds of jewellery like the traditional maang tika to rings, necklaces, waist belts, belly chains, anklets and handbags.

She has started making stuff for kids for 5-6 year olds who like jewellery. A new venture, which she has recently started, is making of home accessories like lampshades.

The price range is between Rs 20- 500 for jewellery. The basic age group of her clients is anywhere from 10-year-olds to ladies who are 40 and above.

Kavita feels that she is the best model for her product and that her mom too models with her by wearing them with a sari. After looking at the mother-daughter duo, people are inspired to buy her stuff.

Her future venture includes designing for men. She feels that men do not like much colourful stuff, but for now she makes rudraksh bracelets to suit their taste.

She has been successful in diverting her older clientele from wearing the typical diamond and gold to her kind of jewellery.

Jyoti Narang