Collection: Lilian (Lilifolk)

The beginnings

Lilian tells us about the birth of Lilifolk:

I have loved Hungarian folk motifs since kindergarten, and I equally love folk music and world music inspired by traditional music.
As a child, I did folk dancing, and then I took it up again as an adult.
It was at that moment that I made a t-shirt decorated with a matyó motif, painted on fabric, for one of my dance partners.
It was a huge success! So much so that, encouraged by my friend and faced with the demand, I started hand-painting many t-shirts, one by one, decorating them with a brush. Little by little, it became clear that there was more demand for embroidered t-shirts than painted ones.
However, large embroideries cannot be applied to pre-made t-shirts, so I started sewing the t-shirts myself. That's how I created my brand in 2016.

Hungarian patterns are making a strong comeback

Surprised by the enthusiasm generated by her creations, Lilian explains that this interest is also part of a broader movement: Hungarian motifs have become trendy again.

It used to be considered almost "old-fashioned" to wear a matyó t-shirt. Now, that's no longer the case: I even see tattoos inspired by these patterns on young people. I think that in Hungary, we have fertile ground for preserving and practicing traditions. Matyó and kalocsai patterns are very popular, both here and abroad. Our regional culture is rich, precious, and worth passing on. Wearing clothes with folk patterns is no longer something to be ashamed of.

Lilian works with motifs from different regions of Hungary. According to her, these traditional designs fit perfectly into contemporary fashion, including internationally. She adds:

Perhaps, without realizing it, I helped dispel the stereotype that folk art is something outdated. By combining traditional motifs with modern clothing like a t-shirt or blouse, you create pieces that fit naturally into current culture and are suitable for all ages.

Inspiration

At my house, inspiration for patterns always comes in a flash. I first draw the sketch, I choose the fabric, which after cutting goes to the embroidery workshop, then the sewing takes place.
Thus, each piece is designed specifically for my brand: an exclusive design, created step by step, from the initial sketch to the embroidery and sewing. Throughout this entire process, I handle the majority of the work myself.

Lilian specifies that it is essential for her that her products are made from natural Hungarian materials.

Expertise recognized by the Hagyományok Háza

A large number of Lilifolk's embroidered T-shirts and blouses, adorned with popular Hungarian motifs, were examined by a jury of experts from the Hagyományok Háza and recognized as pieces conforming to tradition, of high craftsmanship and culturally authentic.
(The Hagyományok Háza is a Hungarian cultural institution based in Budapest, whose mission is to preserve and transmit Hungarian folk arts).

- Personal note -

Lilian was one of the very first artisans I contacted when creating Ethno Slava. I've always had a soft spot for Hungarian embroidery, which I find sublime. When I discovered Lilian's creations, I immediately felt they perfectly matched my project: to share the treasures of folk traditions by adapting them to contemporary materials, so that everyone can wear them in their daily lives.