Matyódesign: clothes and accessories with breathtaking matyó embroidery

Even if you have never been to Matyóföld, you have probably heard of one of the country’s most famous Hungarikums, the matyó embroidery. Over the years, fewer and fewer people have been able to uphold this tradition, but we can always find an exception. 

How was Matyodesign born?

Bien.hu tracked down one of the last persons who makes her living out of matyó embroidery. Rozi Váczi was the one who not only dreamt of revitalising this unique craft but also established a brand based on it. Thanks to her efforts, the splendid hand-made items of matyó embroidery design are easily accessible to people near and far. But how did this idea pop up in her mind? Well, once upon a time, little Rozi was spending her childhood in Tard, one of the three matyó villages in the Hungarian countryside, where she was surrounded by these special embroideries. However, often, you only realise the value of something once you’ve lost it, just as it happened to her. This is where the importance of “second chances” in life comes in. After Rozi gave birth to her first child in her thirties, she suffered from depression. With the support of her family, she was sent back to Tard in the hope of recovery. During her time there, she had to find a birthday present for her husband. She got the idea to ask her old nanny to create an embroidery for one of his t-shirts. We can call it true inspiration because this was the turning point when the idea of matyó embroidery design was born.

So, without a doubt, Tard has become the centre of the project, where nowadays forty-five embroidery specialists create gorgeous pieces. Still, how did it become a fashion trend? The secret is that these embroideries are combined with modern, stylish items like dresses, coats, jeans, dress shirts, handbags and backpacks. All of them are extraordinary; this is a fact. But the question is, who are the target customers? Technically, anyone who values this tradition and is willing to pay a higher price for quality and uniqueness.

• Read more: Klara Rotschild, Socialist Hungary’s very own Coco Chanel

Matyó embroidery at its finest

Although each piece is unique, since matyó embroidery is a heritage, there are predetermined restrictions when it comes to the patterns. “In total, seven colours are used, and their usage is specified. For example, the matyó rose always has to be red with a little blue and a yellow dot in the middle,” explains Rozi. Another high-valued feature of the Matyodesign products is their quality, as mentioned earlier. These embroideries are durable enough to remain intact for decades, providing their beauty to their wearers in the long run and making the customers’ style timeless.

If you are inspired by the Matyodesign brand and the tradition it represents, you can do more than just purchase a few new clothing items and accessories. Tours are available to Tard for everyone who would like to gain insight into the everyday life of the embroidery professionals. You can become familiar with their amazing work, while you enjoy the tranquil rural setting as a retreat from your busy city life. In the meantime, hopefully, you will be able to unwind, forget about your phone, and simply go with the flow offered by the village. Once you find your “turning point” like Rozi Váczi, and you would like to spend more time in Tard, starting this September, you have the chance to stay at the recently opened guesthouse. And you will be in for a treat!

Read more: How much do you know about Hungarian embroidery?

Author: Nikolett Erdei