Style Is Eternal – BCEFW Fashion HUB Kicks Off Life Story Interview Series with Ági Pataki

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Budapest Central European Fashion Week (BCEFW), the Fashion HUB has launched a new initiative: a life story interview series spotlighting iconic Hungarian fashion icons with outstanding careers. The first guest is Ági Pataki, who has made a lasting impact as a model, film producer, and in the beauty industry. She started her career as the iconic Fabulon girl and went on to become a defining presence in Hungarian fashion and film. Before the Fashion HUB life story interview, she briefly shares the turning points from her career, insights into her personal style, and her thoughts on outer and inner beauty.

Model career, film producing work, and beauty industry activities. Which area brought you the most (creative) fulfilment?

Á.P.: As a model, it is not necessary to be creative because the people you work with and trust – whether it's a photographer, a commercial director, or a fashion designer – provide that aspect. A model is more of a tool in the hands of creative professionals. If I had to choose among the three activities, filmmaking is undoubtedly the most creative part of my career. Although I am not a creator but a producer on the projects, filmmaking involves so many unexpected situations and is so unpredictable that even a producer needs some creativity. Naturally, the beauty industry (which I ventured into two years ago) also requires abstract thinking. 

If you look back at the beginning of your career, is there any memorable photoshoot or fashion project that was particularly defining, and why that one specifically?

Á.P.: For me, the beginning was the most defining and interesting period, as I started my career along three parallel paths. The first was when, while working as a Spanish interpreter, I took the ladies of a high-ranking South American delegation to the Rothschild Salon. I was the client in that case; I had arranged the fashion show for the guests, but Klára Rothschild (who was a major figure in fashion at the time) asked me to be her model. In her next big show, I appeared on stage as a bride. At the same time, Pál Sándor was preparing the film Szeressétek Odor Emíliát, and as part of the casting process, he visited all the secondary schools in Budapest and selected me as one of the actors. The third parallel path was the Fabulon poster. Andrea Németh did a portrait series of me for her graduation exhibition at the University of Fine Arts. The Kőbányai Pharmaceutical Company (now Richter Gedeon) bought this photo for the campaign of their newly launched cosmetic product line. The film, the photoshoot, and the fashion show all started in my life almost simultaneously, within a year – independently, in parallel, and a little bit by chance.

How does fashion play a role in your life today?

Á.P.: The truth is, I am not officially part of the fashion industry, yet I am very much involved in it because of my interest. I follow where fashion stands today, keep track of the progress of certain designers, and observe current trends. I'm also curious about how far certain designers can go. I enjoy attending fashion shows, I follow Hungarian fashion closely, and I root for designers who deserve international recognition. Hungary has such a small market that it is incredibly difficult for a talented designer to succeed solely within the domestic framework. Fortunately, we can see examples of international acclaim, such as with Nanushka or Aaron. 

What would you advise young people who want to build a career in fashion, design, or beauty, and what are the essential values or skills for a successful career?

Á.P.: There are fundamental qualities that you need to possess to succeed, regardless of the career path you choose. You need to be reliable, hardworking, precise, level-headed, and flexible: these qualities are essential across all industries, but they are even more crucial in fields like fashion and film, which are particularly uncertain and market-dependent.

How did your personal style develop? Is there something you always keep in mind when it comes to dressing?

Á.P.: The primary consideration for me is feeling comfortable in what I'm wearing. I would say that my style is somewhat independent of fashion trends – after all, I don't discard a piece just because it's from last year, or even ten years ago. If I truly feel comfortable in an item or I think it still works today, I wear it. It's that simple. Of course, I pick up a piece or two each season, but my wardrobe is defined by consistency: if you look inside, you’ll see a rather cohesive picture. Fashion is constantly changing, and in fact, I think it changes a bit too quickly, while my approach remains constant. 

Do you believe in timeless pieces?

Á.P.: Absolutely. I usually mention Glamour in this regard: their event dress codes don't encourage you to show up in something new, but rather to feel good and appreciate what you have.

The white shirt is a recurring element in your style – you've mentioned several times how much you enjoy wearing it. Why do you consider this garment so important?

Á.P.: The white shirt is a fundamental item for me because it looks good anywhere, anytime, on anyone. I can't think of any age, event, season, or time of day when a white shirt wouldn't be appropriate. If you want to look good, you don't need to think too much if you have a few nice white shirts. A part of my wardrobe consists of white shirts – I don't get rid of any of them, and even if I get tired of one, I take it out again after a few years when I've forgotten how much I wore it. I also have a Fabulon photo from the late '70s, where I'm wearing a beautiful, loose-fitting white shirt. I borrowed it from a colleague, and somehow, it has worked for me ever since.

What do you think about the direction in which the concept of beauty is being redefined in society and the industry? 

Á.P.: In the 21st century, there are countless ways to alter one's appearance, so we must be very careful with it. I am not against plastic surgery, but I believe it is very important to highlight that it is possible to focus on both health and beauty at the same time. Today, we know that it is essential to take care of ourselves both inside and out. With this in mind, I created my own brand, the Pataki Ági TITOK (Secret) Multivitamin and Fish Collagen Peptides product line, and I am currently working on developing a cosmetic product line as well. In addition, physical activity is essential for both maintaining our health and preserving our beauty. There are no miracles, but with a conscious lifestyle and proper care, a long-lasting healthy and pleasant appearance can be ensured.

IN A FLASH Q&A

– Which fashion show has been the most memorable for you in the history of BCEFW?

Á.P.: So far, I’ve enjoyed the shows held at the Museum of Fine Arts the most. I love the contrast between the venue and the latest fashion.

– If you could choose just one piece from the collections of past seasons, which one would it be and why?

The AERON collections resonate with me the most due to their simplicity, quality, and timelessness.

– Which fashion accessory do you consider essential for a stylish appearance?

For me, glasses are the most important accessory; they define everything else.
– Which kind of shoes do you wear more often, high heels or sneakers?

The older I get, the more I gravitate towards sneakers.

– What beauty products do you carry with you everywhere?

I always have a small makeup kit in my bag: mascara, lip gloss, at least one lipstick, and blush. When travelling, I always carry my daily-sized Pataki Ági TITOK multivitamin with me.