Julia Kaldy studies textile design at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest where she will graduate this year specializing in accessories. Her interest in textile design began in high school, but after a year of studies, she discovered that she was more inspired by working in three dimensional forms, than the two dimensional world of textile. It was then that she decided to switch to leather, which laid the foundation for her graduate studies.

Check out her work, and read the interview after the jump.

What made you choose to get into textile design?
I’ve always been drawn to the arts, and always wanted to be part of that world and use it to share my thoughts. It was always something natural, and I never even thought about doing anything else. When this dawned on me, I began putting in a lot of work into developing my drawing skills. And as far as I can remember I was also always into clothes, fashion and loved playing dress up.

Where do you find inspiration? Tell us about your last project.
Often times, the basis of my work joins materials that are complete opposites, and experiments with them. I try to create harmony using these materials and together they are brought to life in a new form whether it be an accessory such as a pair of shoes, a bag, a piece jewelry, or clothing.
This concept can be seen in my latest collection, where I paired elegant forms with athletic materials, and joined leather and textile as well. The main theme surrounded accessories, which – following the design process – were brought to life through the help of Tamás Csángo who let me use the Csángo & Rinaldi workshop. I designed shoes with special removable uppers that could be easily removed or applied depending on the particular occasion they’d be used for.

With my latest work, I was able to design freely without having any sort of restrictions. I accidentally stumbled onto some white perforated leather that I immediately fell in love with, and I knew it would be the basis and main theme for the collection. I chose a last that was of typical Italian design, and very elegant. As a complete opposite to this, I chose a simple cotton material, but left the colours very subtle to place emphasis on the shape and materials.

What do you feel is your biggest success to date?
Every completed project to me is a success. Getting a passing grade on my thesis fills me with just as much success as creating an costume, and later seeing it on stage. I try as much as possible to vary my projects. I like to challenge myself in every field. I’ve taken part in several exhibits, and over the past few years I’ve had many opportunities. My work has been on display at the Hungarian Museum of Applied Arts, I’ve had several fashion shows at the Sziget Festival, and every year I take part in the Cékla Art event. I’ve had the opportunity to display my work at exhibits in the Czech Republic, Paris, and Berlin. All these experiences, and all the positive feedback is what motivates me and gives me inspiration to keep doing what I do.

What’s your opinion on Hungarian designers, and the Hungarian fashion scene? Whose work do you admire?

I think Hungary has an abundance of talent. Designers today are on the right path, and are showing the way for the next generation. I sense a continuous progress in the Hungarian fashion scene, and the young designers are more and more talented, and I see the target audience is expanding too. More and more people are wearing original designs, and although people are very sensitive to price, many have recognized that paying a little extra is worth it.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?
I always have a bunch of goals that I make for myself whether it be short or long term, but I always concentrate on the current project at hand, and try to bring the most out of that.  I recently applied for an Erasmus scholarship in Copenhagen, which I believe will help further my skills a great deal. Lately, I’ve been working with my friend, Nora Kovacs on designing costumes and props for films, and plays. We also worked on creating one of a kind sandals. Really, I’ll do anything that relates to my expertise. I’m most interested in the designing process, and any project that peaks my interest. My long term plan is to keep doing what I like, and then I can do no wrong.

Tags: Julia Kaldy, Young Hungarian Talent