Hungarian folk costume in the contemporary fashion

Abstract

The aim of this article is to show the importance of Hungarian traditional folk costumes, which keep giving invaluable inspirations to every day wear. The current state of today‘s folk costumes is a result of a long proceeding development, and is formed by many influences. By our time this culture of traditional clothing has lost its original meaning and also has significantly changed. Old pieces of folk garments are worn especially during very special occasions or festivals instead of their former everyday use. Fashion keeps changing all the time. Designers often use historic and folk motives and the practical solutions of these pieces in their own collections as inspirations, since this offers the opportunity to maintain a rich tradition. The attempt is made to show some examples how folk costumes appear in today‘s fashion in Hungary, and how the emblematic characteristics of this tradition can be applied on some practical pieces of clothing for everyday use. Through the example of the design of a women‘s coat it is explained how the traditional construction of this piece of garment can be matched to today‘s needs, and still keep the emblematic elements of the Hungarian traditional folk heritage.