The Hungarian Heritage House, a gorgeous landmark in Buda's old town dedicated to preserving traditional culture, has just opened a new exhibition. And if you're a fan of fashion or folklore, this is one for the Budapest bucket list.
Folk Fashion dives into the rich textile collections of the Hungarian Heritage House – Museum of Applied Hungarian Folk Art, alongside the personal stories and wardrobes of private collectors and museums. Expect 150 stunning pieces of clothing, accessories, and artefacts inspired by folk art, showcasing how the forms and motifs of popular culture have influenced fashion designers from the early 20th century to today.
Think cocktail and bridal dresses, statement shoes, and even sportswear – all infused with Hungary's rich folklore motifs. The exhibition draws inspiration from four iconic regional patterns: Kalocsa, Matyó, Sárszeg, and Kalotaszeg, which you'll spot right at the entrance. From there, dive into the fascinating stories of designers who transformed these traditional elements into fashion statements – from 20th-century French couturiers to today’s top Hungarian designers.
As you can see the influence goes way beyond Hungary. Take Elsa Schiaparelli, the legendary Italian designer, who became an international ambassador of Hungarian fashion. She travelled through the Palóc and Matyó regions, Hortobágy, Kalocsa, and Sárköz with Jacqueline Almásy – wife of Louis J. Cartier – drawing inspiration from traditional folk attire. The Halas lace, in particular, mesmerised her, and she wove Hungarian motifs into her evening jackets, bringing them onto the world stage. Then there’s Mariska Kárász, a Hungarian-American designer who made waves in New York but always stayed true to the folk art of her homeland. Her designs seamlessly blended heritage and high fashion, proving that traditional craftsmanship never goes out of style.
French designer Paul Poiret also found inspiration in Matyó patterns, while Gottex made waves with its globally renowned Matyó and Kalocsa-patterned swimwear collection. Even the London Olympics uniforms featured Kalotaszeg motifs, proving how deeply folk art has woven itself into fashion history.
One standout piece in the exhibition is Márta Sebestyén’s performance dress, worn before Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Another highlight is Lea Gottlieb’s swimwear collection from Israel’s Holon Design Museum, making its European debut. These stunning designs have graced runways worn by none other than Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer.
The exhibition also explores how Hungarian folk art influenced the hippie movement and continues to shape contemporary fashion. Expect to see works by designers like Dóra Tomcsányi and Katti Zoób, alongside breathtaking bridal gowns from Daalarna.
The exhibition may be small – just one room – but it's packed with creativity. As you wander through, discovering the impact of Hungarian folk art and admiring the stunning pieces, you'll be immersed in beauty. And if you're feeling adventurous, step into the fitting room and try on a piece yourself!
DETAILS
- Folk Fashion is running from 13 February to 30 October
- Tickets cost HUF 2,800, while the discounted price for students and pensioners is HUF 1,400
- More info here
(Cover photo: Szilvia Csibi)
