We talked to the young designer living and working in London about his new collection and future plans
Enikő Mihalik is not the only model who would replace the world of catwalks with design. Like Mihalik, who collaborated with Sugarbird, Nini Molnár also wanted to stay in the fashion industry after her modeling years and ventured into accessory design. The plan clearly worked, the up-and-coming designer was awarded two prizes for his work last year. After the drive, you can read our interview with the bag designer!
You started your career as a model, did you know from the beginning that you wanted to be successful in the fashion industry later on, or did it develop this way during work?
Yes, I've been modeling since I was 14, but at that time I didn't think about any other position in the fashion industry. Modeling probably added a lot to my love of fashion, but this specific idea of becoming a bag designer only came to me after university.
What do you think it takes to be successful?
In my opinion, success requires countless things. A good idea and the right time are important, but what is essential is persistent hard work. For a long time I thought that luck was also necessary, but I realized that luck really means hard work. I am happy that in a year and a half I can claim two awards, the Kreáció 2016 special award and the Glamor Women of the Year 2017 accessory designer award. These recognitions motivate me endlessly and encourage me to work even harder.
Why did you end up in accessory design and not clothes?
I went to university in London, where fashion plays a very big role in people's lives, of course at stellar prices. I have been attracted to bags for a very long time and for me it has always been the most defining element in an outfit. Living in London, I always wondered why you couldn't get a unique, fashionable, quality bag at an affordable price. And realizing this lack, I decided to design bags. The clothes are less attractive, but it's possible that I will deal with that in the future.
Is it easier to establish yourself as a designer in London than in Budapest?
I think it is definitely more difficult to establish yourself in London, if only because of the greater competition or even because of the higher costs. But fortunately, I have already developed a customer base in England, and we even get shocks from all over the world. I have had customers from the United States, Japan and Canada.
Who is the target audience for your bags?
I recommend my bags to those girls and women who like special things and like to stand out from the crowd. And I wouldn't limit the age group, because young girls and even my friend's grandmother like to carry my bags.
What are your plans for the future?
We are constantly working on exciting and interesting pieces that stand out from the gray everyday life. For example, the new Starbag Collection has just come out, which is a very practical little bag decorated with a puffy star. By the way, the star has already become our trademark and can be found on several models. My goal is for my customers to feel more confident when they carry my bags. That's why our motto is:
“Don't forget that your confidence is your best accessory. But our accessories also help with this!"
But apart from that, I want my brand to reach as many people as possible, both at home and abroad. And it's no secret that one of my dreams is to one day have my bags on the shelves of famous international stores.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I used to daydream about this a lot. There are so many fashion designers that I look up to and inspire. But I would love to collaborate with Miu Miu one day, I love their playfulness and the special colors and materials they work with. Their style is very close to me.
