Let’s be honest: I enjoy the occasional Primark bargain or Zara haul as much as anyone else. But as we all know, fast fashion exploits overseas workers is disastrous for the environment, bad for the economy, and ends up costing you more in the long run than buying “real” clothes. Why not make 2019 the year we support independent designers and small businesses? Yes, one garment from the below brands will set you back more than something from the high street, but at least you know who made it, where it came from, and that you’re making an investment that you can wear for years, and that contributes to a versatile, high-quality wardrobe. Isn’t that the dream?
As an advocate for the Hungarian creative industry, I wanted to share with you my favourite brands to browse while impatiently waiting for my next paycheck. Start with them and explore the slowly, but surely developing Hungarian fashion scene from there!
1. DAIGE
At the top of the list is DAIGE, a Budapest-based brand designed by Melinda Toth. Characterised by mini-collections designed around a strong central theme and concept, DAIGE’s pieces are unique, original, fresh and easily wearable with just the right amount of flair and flirtation. Whether it’s a minimalist printed t-shirt or a full-length glitter dress, DAIGE garments will fit into & elevate your wardrobe right away!
https://www.instagram.com/daigeclothes/
2. TOMCSANYI
The TOMCSANYI brand draws inspiration from founder and designer Dori Tomcsanyi’s experience growing up in post-socialist Hungary and the “happy days in the Eastern bloc”, combined with high-end fashion and sleek minimalism. TOMCSANYI garments scream effortless elegance but are not lacking witty humour either. Moreover, materials are sustainably sourced, and everything is produced in their Budapest studio!
https://tomcsanyi.eu/pages/about
3. NANUSHKA
Worn & loved by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Sandra Sandor’s brand has taken over social media and the international market with it. NANUSHKA’s style combines confident ease with subtle femininity, function with flair, and delivers a modern, day to night wardrobe for the fashion-obsessed. Prices range between £150-500, so it’s not exactly tailored to the student budget but keep an eye out on their post-season sales to bag a bargain & get an investment piece that not everybody will have!
4. ÁERON
ÁERON was founded in 2011 by designer Eszter Áron. The brand celebrates superb quality and innovative craftsmanship, every collection attempting to reinvent a traditional tailoring technique while using only the best materials such as Japanese vegan suede. In its style, ÁERON is minimalist yet feminine, with structured pieces, bold colours, and subtle playfulness hidden in the details.
5. The Mama Kin
Finally, some jewellery: The Mama Kin is a brand for the modern women who want jewellery that will fit casual jeans and t-shirt outfit as well as a little black dress. Among the pieces, you’ll find subtle, minimalist stud earrings, as well as statement hoops, geometric bangles, and shimmering pearls revived for 2019.
Photos: instagram.com/daigeclothes instagram.com/tomcsanyi_budapest instagram.com/nanushka instagram.com/aeronstudio instagram.com/themamakin