Transforming traditional flowery Roma patterns into bold, modern prints, designer Erika Varga aims to use fashion to increase acceptance of the Roma ethnic minority in Hungarian society. She launched Romani Design, Hungary's first Roma fashion label, with her younger sister Helena Varga six years ago. Inspired by the traditional clothing of her rich Roma cultural heritage Varga (46) hopes fashion can fight stereotyping in society. At a glitzy fashion show in the capital featuring Hungarian designers over the weekend, held by Marie Claire magazine, models strolled the catwalk in Varga's vibrant Romani designs. "The fact that Roma designs have now integrated into the international fashion world is a huge experience for the Roma community," said Lorena Dogi (38) a Roma activist from Romania.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 17, 2016 02:57 UTC