Folia Historica 29. (Budapest, 2014)
I. TANULMÁNYOK - Kollár Csilla: Divat és propaganda. A londoni és a varsói magyar bál az 1930-as években
FASHION AND PROPAGANDA. THE HUNGARIAN BALL IN LONDON AND IN WARSAW IN THE 1930-IES Summary The ball season was a very important event in the life of young ladies. Families of similar social standing met at balls, which were regulated events with a lot of fun and dance. While dancing with young gentlemen, the maidens had the opportunity to find a suitable husband. The balls have a long history in Hungary as well. Directly after World War I, however, no balls were held. The Treaty of Trianon brought about tragic consequences for Hungary; the country lost more than two-third of its territory and population. Between the two World Wars Hungary strived at making a powerful and extensive propaganda to improve his political and economic image. Hungarian balls organised abroad gave a good opportunity to promote Hungarian products, Budapest and the rural Hungary as desirable touristic destinations. The well-documented balls in London - "Old Budapest Masquerade" organised by Girls of the Realm Guild in 1936 - and in Warsaw - in 1937 organised by Polish-Hungarian associations - presented many characteristic features of the Hungarian propaganda and fashion as well. The promotion of the country as modern, safe, exotic place was the most important aim of the touristic propaganda. The characteristic elements of the balls like the decoration, meal, drinks, dance and music wanted to present Hungary as more interesting and attractive. The organizers of the balls encouraged the guests to wear ball gowns with traditional Hungarian cut or ornaments. The National Committee of the Hungarian Clothing Movement founded in 1934, had a big role by presenting Hungarian fashion and products of Hungarian textile industry, especially in the case of the Warsaw event. Dr. Ferenc Ferenczy, the leader of the Committee collected the documents of the Hungarian balls in London and Warsaw and gave the documentation to the Textile Collection of the Hungarian National Museum. 129
