Transforming traditional flowery Roma patterns into bold, modern prints, designer Erika Varga aims to use fashion to increase acceptance of the Roma minority in Hungarian society.
She launched Romani Design, Hungary’s first Roma fashion label, with her younger sister Helena Varga six years ago.
Since then her colorful, sometimes flamboyant, designs have won fans in Hungary, as well as in Brussels, Berlin, Paris and India, where she has also presented her women’s and menswear collections.
Inspired by the traditional clothing of her rich Roma cultural heritage Varga, 46, hopes fashion can fight stereotyping in society.
Born in eastern Hungary, she was a jewelery maker before turning to clothes. She also worked for several years as a mentor to young Roma people – an experience that she says has had a profound influence on her mission now as a fashion designer.