Internal market stability and international inspiration – the launch of the third ‘design START’ programme

Recognizing the creative and business potential in the Hungarian design industry, the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA) has launched its third mentoring programme to support local design brands. The goal of ‘design START’ is to facilitate professional and business success and to strengthen local stability for up-and-coming Hungarian design labels. The five brands - Edőcs Márta, KOMOK, OBAI, Vandor Studio and VERBA Home Design -  selected by a panel of professionals will participate in a series of workshops and lectures consisting of 6 modules, a professional internship at a local manufacturer as well as at least one international field trip during the 8 month-long ‘design START’ programme in 2021.

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA) introduced an effective and long-term mentoring programme to drive one of their most important missions of providing well-coordinated professional support to all actors of the fashion and design sector. The programme is especially aimed at up-and-coming designer brands that first need support to earn local success and stabilize their Hungarian presence. The five designers selected by a panel of professionals for the third ‘design START’ mentoring programme will have the opportunity to work with prominent lecturers and excellent mentors, gain local and international experience and take part in one-on-one tutoring sessions.

The designers had to submit an application to be eligible for the programme. The application document had to include the designer’s portfolio, branding concept, a presentation of two product ranges as well as a comprehensive business plan for the upcoming two years. Applicants were expected to present a plan that is feasible visually and as a business. The selected five brands - Edőcs Márta, KOMOK, OBAI, Vandor Studio and VERBA Home Design - are all unique and marketable with high potential.

Edőcs Márta designs and creates modern, minimalist wall art, objects and jewellery from glass with special, attractive elements. The products that appear simplistic at first, are forged with high technical knowledge and background from high-quality Italian and American materials in her own workshop. She is best known for her glass jewellery in which glass is paired with silver in a spectacular way.

Interior designer Norbert Juhász and architect Péter Nagy make the KOMOK team. The furniture and design brand - together with other local designers and workshops - offers sustainable, high quality solutions. Their operational model was adapted from the mentality they experienced while working in the architecture industry with cooperation being their driving force. Their creations include coffee tables, writing desks, pendant lights, nightstands as well as plant stands and pots.

The OBAI brand, founded by Boglárka Mázsi in 2018, was born from the ease of experimenting and a love for materials. The ceramist turned designer’s enthusiasm for concrete and ceramics is represented in all her creations. OBAI provides alternatives for mass-produced and fine art pieces to bring art to people’s everydays whether in the form of jewellery or accessories that turn a house into a home.

Harmony, attention to detail, precision, professional expertise and first class materials are the keys to Vandor Studio’s product portfolio. Textile designer Krisztina Vándor is mastering jacquard weaving, creating recurring motifs in her home fabrics. Using distinct, one-of-a-kind color and pattern combinations, and her meticulous attention to detail have become her trademarks.

The designer of VERBA Home Design, Eszter Varga merges the values of design, sculpture and painting to create sophisticated wooden pieces and room dividers while focusing on the importance of sustainability. With her creations, she highlights the tiny modules of the world breathing around us to emphasise an eco-conscious lifestyle. Her BEE product range was inspired by the systems made of uniform microelements found in nature like honeycomb or wheat ears. She created modular systems in which all elements can be assembled into different patterns.

The three-stage programme includes 18 hours of workshops and lectures consisting of 6 modules, one-on-one consultation sessions, a professional internship at a local manufacturer as well as at least one international study trip. The six mentors and lecturers are all prominent figures in the design industry with unique professional lives who will help Hungarian brands with their knowledge and shared experiences. During the 8 month-long programme, the designers will have the opportunity to take part in customized tutoring that provides long term developmental potential not only for young brands but for those who have been in the industry for some time, too.