THE DESIGNER
Sarolta Réka Balogh is a senior fashion design student at the University of Pécs. The designer's passion lies in art and creative expression, primarily showcased through clothing design and execution. The designer is most interested in the craftsmanship of haute couture and the visual representations of various subcultures. It is these dualities and the encounters they create that inspire the designer both conceptually and visually.
The designer enjoys working with both textiles and leather. Sustainability and respect for the environment are important values. Great care and attention are given to the materials used, regardless of the project. The designer will participate in the Budapest Central European Fashion Week SS26 fashion show with her graduation collection.
THE COLLECTION
The central theme of the designer's graduation collection, titled Csend (Silence), is inspired by Béla Tarr’s film The Turin Horse. The designer chose this subject based on personal intuition, drawn to the film’s quiet, dark beauty and thought-provoking narrative. The designer believes that art has the power to change the world and to prompt people to think. The spirit of the designs aligns with a quote by Béla Tarr: "I have always wanted to save the world, but quietly."
The elegant women's collection reflects the restrained and quiet essence of the pictorial world of Dogma films, accompanied by a philosophical narrative. Béla Tarr’s film inspired the designer to create a personal monochrome world through fashion pieces. Nietzsche’s philosophy and the director’s intellectual connection emphasized the importance of silence — both its pain and joy.
The visual world of The Turin Horse is embodied in the collection’s refined, dark elegance. The subtle, unified pieces of the women’s collection, rooted in traditional peasant attire, come together to form a couture image. The fullness of the garments, with leather elements symbolizing a constricting feeling, create a unified form worn by the body. The collection is a reflection of silence, crafted with care and attention.