Fraternity-Testvériség, 2009 (87. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2009-04-01 / 2. szám
AMBASSADOR'S WIFE BRINGS HUNGARIAN FASHION, MUSICIANS, AND ART TO WASHINGTON always easy. Of course, here I’m not talking about major political issues related to Hungarian-American relations, because that’s the job of the Ambassador, but my emphasis remains on cultural programs which could to a great extent also contribute to building a positive image of Hungary in the United States. It’s a fact that sometimes it’s difficult to balance family and official duties. Fortunately, Balázs quickly got used to the new circumstances, and he hasn’t been affected by the language difficulties either. But Bence has had to adjust as after pre-kindergarten, he attended a new school and has had to get accustomed to his new environment. He needs much more care and help. The most difficult part of our schedule is juggling after school and evening duties because our lives are planned minute by minute. For that reason, we don’t have enough time to attend the children’s games, have good and lengthy conversations and laughs around the dinner table, and, as any parent knows, these are important elements of any childhood. I hope, however, later, that the children will admit that though their parents were away a lot, the advantages of being in Washington, DC will last a lifetime and are truly a gift that they couldn’t enjoy or benefit from in any other way. Q. Your library contains books on Herend porcelain by Gabriella Balla and Hungarian Ceramics from the Zsolnay Manufactory by Editor Eva Csenkey and Ágota Skinert. In addition, you serve formal dinners on your Herend china. Since my husband’s relatives have lived in Herend for years and paint such pieces, I’m particularly pleased that they are part of your collection and that you actually use them instead of viewing them as museum pieces as I do. Hungary has long been known for Herend, but what has been your personal relationship with Herend chinaware? A. Your story with Herend is really amazing. I also have an early relationship with Herend porcelain. My father, when he was young, was a sportsman and he won European championships. At that time, the Herend porcelain manufactory was already making trophies for the winners of such events of great prestige. So when I was bom, I grew up literally around outstanding Herend pieces. However, we should pay the same attention to the Zsolnay porcelain manufactory founded in Pecs which has a 150-year rich tradition all its own. Much innovation: different types of clay and glaze were developed by the founders and the secrets of eosin and pirogranit are still company held secrets. In Hungary, many famous buildings contain Zsolnay statutes, roofs, ornamentation and entrance ways. And we shouldn’t forget the beautiful Zsolnay-Katti Zoób jewelry which is even sold by Harrod’s in London, and we know that store has exceptional expectations. I’m very glad that in the history of Hungarian Embassies we are the first to use Zsolnay porcelain service presenting the ivory colored glaze that Zsolnay is known for. We choose the “spring series” for its lovely patterns and colours which unites traditions and modern motifs. Q. Ironically, four years ago when I was in Budapest, I attended a fashion show featuring Barbara Léber, and some months ago you helped bring her clothes to Washington for DC’s Fashion Week. What is it about her work that attracted you to this particular Hungarian fashion designer? Many know that she is a founding member of the first Hungarian Designer Association, was voted “Best in Budapest, 2008,” and graduated from the Hungarian University of Applied Arts. A. I think Barbara sees into her customers’ souls and without words, she senses with her antennae what the dress has to show about its owner who wants to feel self-confident and feminine. In addition, she knows from her experience which part of the body should be emphasized. She’s the master of making the dress exciting and yet tasteful. I really like the beautiful materials including the legendary French lace that Barbara works with, not to mention the design and construction of the gown. 1 hope that she returns to the U.S. because wherever she showed her works, she had unbelievable success. To this day, her first American customer proudly and happily wears Barbara’s marvelous hand-made creations. FRATERNITY - TESTVÉRISÉG 15
