To get in the mood to write this beloved article, I am currently drinking a 40% homemade palinka to get my creative juices flowing. Once again, I have received a special invite from Design Terminal, to come to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Central Europe. I was told that I was a ‘main contributor’ – whatever that means… no, I didn’t give them any money nor am I Mercedes Benz. I was at least not being searched for on the registration list this time, they knew who I was when I got there. On Saturday, day 1, I was not allowed to go backstage BUT on Sunday, I was VIP. Very Important Press. Till this point, I have not received the press package, but I was allowed to sit behind the white mysterious curtain. As you might have read in my previous posts, I have already described that there was special security behind a white curtain, however, there was no bellboy asking me which Hungaria sparkling vine I would like, or palinka (by the way, where was the palinka stand this time?) and I did not really see the ‘VIP’ of this VIP section. A few rows of stairs with pillows to sit and watch the white curtain, with the new model of a Benz behind it.
(photo from last year – but curtain looked exactly the same)
Generally, the organization this year around was much more organized and the crowd was ‘more selected’ because the entrance price to see the shows was much higher. There were more people who were ‘related to the fashion industry’ rather than the street bandits who came to place their jackets in front row and block the views with their selfie sticks. Although, please, next time – just wait for the models to come down the runway people. There is no need to be sticking your heads out to see what’s coming. Just be patient. Wait. Once the model is in your view, that is when it is your opportunity to take your Snapchat, rather than blocking the view of everyone sitting next to you.
This is not to be taken as negative criticism, but let’s not pretend that Budapest (and Hungary, in general) have a high fashion scene. The collections which are mainly presented at MBFWCE are proper street wear and ready to wear clothing. There is nothing wrong with this, but there are people who show up to these events wearing ‘prom dresses’ and this event is not President Orban’s state dinner or even an Opera, but it is a normal fashion event of normal clothing. With that being said, Budapest is quite well known for it’s street wear (which is great!) and not for it’s high fashion ball gowns and splendor. This is not France or Italy – Emilio Pucci, Valentino, Chanel… the clothing which is being presented on the runways are hoodies, backpacks, leggings, trousers, running shoes – everything you can pretty much get in H&M or Zara, with a higher price tag, but not always better quality. Perhaps these items are ‘handmade’ but you should still be careful once you going to wash them.
Joke of the Year or April Fools Day goes to… JE SUIS BELLE for their netted, mesh, pink, power puff see through, WTF creations and with prints inspired by fish, monkeys, glitter, snakes, the American flag, LLAMAS?!, stars… excuse me but was the inspiration taken from the world’s political views on the USA? Donald Trump maybe? We all know that America is being blamed for it’s stupidity and this election is a big joke to us all… What was the LINK between all these things?
Except for the one greenish velvet jacket, as this was the only interesting piece which was splattered all over social media.
It also seems that recycling was a theme for MBFWCE as JSB has used the same glittery boots from its SS 16′
SS 16′
I write these articles for free, but I do pay attention. You’re welcome. Some may say I have paid close attention to detail.
Konsanszky: the designer I used to stand up and clap for, as they had beautiful cuts and good designs but now all there was were resembling ‘satin’ track suits, shirts, trousers… I am certain I can find similar items at Tesco, from the F&F collection (for a better price). I believe in simplicity but what can we expect customers to pay for? The 90’s are back, but this? No more comments as this was quite sad and painful to witness.
ÁERON had quite lovely ideas and their color selection was similar to previous collections (although, good choices on the fabric selection) but sitting in the front row also reveals that the models had too big feet – or perhaps too small shoes. Might have been best to go au natural and go barefoot.
Nanushka has expanded her line to women with hips and her design was much better than last season, but when I saw these straw hats, they reminded me of the sad girls from the village who need to go collect the wheat from the field. Oh tear.
It looks as though Nanushka had some left over fabric from 2 years ago – 4 seasons ago, as the cheetah print made it’s return, but trends do return!
http://nanushka.hu/en/page/ss14On a positive note, my love for Nanushka started in 2012 when I was on a flight and saw her collection in Time Out magazine and was totally in love. She is able to create clothing which is super wearable, comfortable and makes a statement. Urban chic. She really brought the cool girl to Budapest, rather than overdressing the woman in some strange, out of this world designs. Let’s pray that she is able to bring out the best of the ‘old Nanushka girl’ back to Budapest because we are tired of looking at plain, depressing fabrics in the same shapes.
Some of my favorite looks:
Unexpectedly, Tomcsanyi presented a very good collection with a variety of prints, geometrical designs in an athletic style as her previous collection reminded me of milk maids during communism. I recommend for you to look at this newest collection as it is already available online on her website. A pleasant surprise as she sticks to a street style look, rather than trying to present too much of a high fashion collection and generally she is known for also bringing a cool style for youngsters in Budapest. Dori has made a good collaboration with YKRA backpacks and if you are around Madách Imre tér, or in the 7th district, you are bound to find people who truly wear her style of clothing in a natural way rather than trying too hard to look like someone else. Dori’s collections are not forced, but really a signature look for the people which you can find in certain places in Budapest.
A little bit about male fashion: generally, there are very few options for men in Budapest as there are not many designers who cater to make the guys look different, or allow for men to experiment with clothing without feeling that they are too metro sexual. Sandor Lakatos had a collection for the boys, with interesting propositions, shirts with fun patterns and jackets which can make their outfit pop. Perhaps guys would not wear the total look, but for sure they can combine the pieces with more classic looks. I recommend that you check it out at the store BERLIN, on Andrassy avenue.
Dora Abodi is now collaborating with the shoe company WINK and she has kept true to remaining in line with the sporty street style look and in some of her pieces, she shows a bit of Mediterranean glamour: gold accents and rich textures and pleated skirts. She showed off some interesting puffer jackets, however, for the ss17 season, when it is 30 degrees C in Budapest it does not make much sense. Unless, she is following the new concept of ‘see now buy now’ which means that the collections are current and can be purchased straight after the runway show – it would make more sense to be wearing these items for the fall/winter.
The ONLY designer who presented high fashion looks at MBFWCE was Czech, Jiri Kalfar, who played with textures and good cuts, various evening looks which could be worn for good events and also represented some traditional clothing through his kaftan dress. Round of applause for Jiri!
Street wear continues to dominate the fashion scene in Budapest, close to nature, Balaton and hanging out with friends at coffee shops and simple nights out. Some collections continue to try too hard to look glamorous, and in fact it looks too frou frou and ridiculous and completely unwearable. Inspiration needs to be clear in the collections and the pieces need to be tied together. Minimalism is totally in right now, but the designers who expect to be compensated for their hard work also require input of good quality designs and fabrics. Perhaps we are awaiting new designers with some new creative insight to be presented at MBFWCE to show what Budapest can truly offer, rather than using the same designers each year, who seem to have lost their initial spark when they first began. I’m looking forward to some new surprises for the next season.
What do you think about presented collections?
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Generally, a great collection for both women and men, offering current trends however, men would not particularly wear overly tight leggings or ripped jeans. It might be too tight for their nether regions and a health concern. 
