ZSIGMOND, or, fashion as an instrument of self-knowledge
We celebrate the Day of Hungarian Culture on 22 January, and we take this occasion to introduce what is a contemporary designer’s search for connections to Hungarian folk culture.
By Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest
#Day of Hungarian Culture #traditional source #contemporary fashion #self-knowledge
"Suba" coatMuseum of Applied Arts, Budapest
Dóra Zsigmond established her fashion brand, ZSIGMOND in 2014. The collections of the brand draw inspiration from Hungary’s traditions and cultural heritage, while they perfectly fit into today’s urban environment.
The brand is equally informed by the unhurried tempo of the Hungarian countryside and the hustle and bustle of big cities. A great deal of attention goes into choosing and carefully researching the themes that inspire a particular collection.
"Kopó" jacket - "Kopó" jacket/ "Kalmár" pants/ "Flare" T-shirt (SS 2020 RITUAL Collection)Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest
What drives her collection work, wherein she catalogues folk traditions and preserves old folk costumes, is her interest in the connection between the past and the future.
"Kalmár" pantsMuseum of Applied Arts, Budapest
This is reflected in the brand’s very motto: Inhale the past, exhale the future.
The essence of ZSIGMOND is to feed on the contrasting energies of tradition and modernity. It is this playful tension that injects a new dynamism into the garments, which are made with the highest quality materials, the utmost attention to detail and thoughtful craftsmanship. The materials, which are now delicate, now coarse, as well as the traditional techniques, lend a regional familiarity to the collections, while the formal solutions and unique cuts ensure a global appeal.
"Ash" raincoatMuseum of Applied Arts, Budapest
Her clothes place a strong emphasis on the individual.
Social phenomena are another source of inspiration for Dóra Zsigmond’s work, along with singular characters and funny situations, and she readily admits the influence of television series, films, exhibitions, books and songs that explore the problems of society.
Dóra Zsigmond subscribes to the principles of ethical fashion, and all her clothes are made in Hungary. Fabrics are sourced from European manufacturers that have the appropriate certificates, and preference is given to small manufactories, independent workshops and family businesses.
"Köles" coatMuseum of Applied Arts, Budapest
Recycling, environmental awareness and the promotion of sustainable fashion are part and parcel of the brand’s core concept, which also informs the choice of materials and the mode of processing.
"Köles" coatMuseum of Applied Arts, Budapest
The REMADE series gives new life to textiles that may be a century old and transpose folk culture, the materials and themes associated with rural households, into the fabric of urban life, as when old wall hangings find a new function in a garment.
"Nemes" coatMuseum of Applied Arts, Budapest
Combining time-honoured and innovative techniques, the fashion label strikes a bridge between the traditions of rural life and such young generations that have lost touch with their folk or roots.
Sometimes the designer bases a collection on some folk custom or belief, at other times on a period of social history that is lodged in the social memory as a collective trauma. On occasion, a piece may commemorate the sufferings of a broad social group.
This way, in ZSIGMOND, the clothing brand, fashion can become a means of self-knowledge and trauma processing.
Keep exploring!
Read the story about the sustainable design of Buliash Todaeva.
by Judit Horváth, PhD
editing: Bettina Varjas, Sarolta Sztankovics
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