Having spent time with my family over the holidays, I’m reminded of the great distance we’ve come. I grew up in Transylvania, but of Hungarian descent which made it that much more challenging under the communist dictator, Ceausescu in Romania. I was 10 when we arrived in the US and very quickly realized that fashion was so much more important in this country. This concept of fashion being expressive instead of being utilitarian.

I see a tangible trail right back to Transylvania in my choices of fabrics. I want to spend 2018 honoring my roots and sharing more of my design process. Contrary to popular belief, Transylvania was not a dark place filled with vampires. It was a fairytale land filled with beauty and inspiring craftsmanship. From needlepoint to fruit preserves, everything was made by loving hands.

We lived in harmony with nature, raising vegetables
and chickens and feared visits from the foxes.

 

  Animals were celebrated, for example, if a stork came
to nest in your chimney, it was a sign of good fortune. 

My parents would read me fairytales at
night which seemed so real as the landscape
nearby was dotted with castles. 

 I remember a heavy embroidered carpet hung on the
wall next to my bed to keep the draft away as I slept.  



I remember being surrounded by strong the women who
had to deal with food shortages and political pressures
while maintaining a vibrant, color-filled home.

 

Beauty was the only prevailing weapon against communist suppression and as such, it still fuels my desire to bring it to life.  

From aspiring actress to fashion designer.

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