Hi Melinda, we’re excited to get to know you better! Tell us about yourself and your work.

I’m a fashion designer with a deep passion for textiles, creative self-expression, and creating beautiful clothing. As the founder and creative director of DAIGE, a Budapest-based womenswear brand, my focus is on designing one-of-a-kind garments made in small, sustainable batches.

Besides Daige, I also juggle several branding and marketing projects. I'm also incredibly proud of my role teaching Art Direction to students studying Fashion Photography at the Budapest Metropolitan University for the past eight years, with the aim of sharing my knowledge and experience in ways that are of value to others.

However, in general, I'm currently in quite a transformative phase of my life. I spent the last six months in London — which was such an inspiring learning experience, as I’m in the process of redefining myself. It’s all part of my growth process. Being away from my usual routine allowed me to create a new one, and now that I’m back home in Budapest, everything feels so familiar, yet so different.

How do you spend your downtime? 

I’m keen on astrology, watching good movies but I’ll be the first to admit to binge-watching cringe-worthy reality TV dating shows as well!

What's a day in your life like?

In two words: spent rushing!

My weekdays are a whirlwind of activities, but the weekends? It’s all about slowing down, recharging, and connecting. I love visiting art exhibitions, and London was the perfect city for that.

I’m an introvert at heart, even if it doesn’t always seem like it. I find that social interactions can be draining, so I make a conscious effort to recharge in my own way. This usually means slowing down, cozying up at home, reading, watching movies, reflecting, and learning. My family, relationships, and friends are sacred to me, and I do my best to nurture these connections, even though many of my loved ones live in different countries.

Let's see what’s inside Melinda’s YKRA bag!

BEACH BAG - I often carry a lot with me, so I always have huge bags. This bag is super useful for my daily gear as it has great structure, stability, and pockets. Plus, I keep a small yellow pouch for makeup and small items. Both are durable and practical, yet stylish.

Turtleneck - This is one of my favorite winter accessorie of DAIGE. It’s a super versatile — I wear it over and under coats. As I’m always cold, it’s a great and more edgy alternative to  scarves. 

Baseball Cap - This cap is from one of my favorite Spanish brands, and it's my go-to travel hat. Every time I wear it, it brings back memories of sunny days and adventures. Traveling is a huge part of my life, and my dream is to have a winter residence in Spain someday.

Sunglasses - These '70s aviator style sunglasses are my go-to choice. The orange filter turns cloudy days into sunny, warm skies. It's like a boost of instant good vibes -— perfect for London’s weather. Even on the gloomiest day, it helps brighten my day.

Aromatherapy Oil - After not wearing perfume for about ten years, I discovered this aromatherapy scent made from natural ingredients. I first tried the brand’s sleep aid oil and loved it, so I started using their Focus oil. I use it more for my well-being than as an actual scent or perfume, it seems to help my mental health. Even if it's just a placebo effect, it’s become a part of my daily ritual, making me feel more centered and balanced. 

Hairspray - My closest friends and family know just how much I fuss over my hair. It might seem superficial, but I always carry a can of hairspray with me, ever since I got bangs at 20.

Colorful Hair Tie - I got this at an open studio event in London, where there was a different artist in each room. I bought this hair tie from a painter who had digitized their artwork onto fabric and we had such a lovely conversation. Finding a community in a new city can be tough, and this hair tie represents that positive connection. It's a small piece of art that I carry with me, reminding me of the creativity and kindness I experienced in London.

Journal - This five-year journal was a gift from a good friend of mine. I’ve never been good at journaling, but it’s been a goal of mine to get consistent at it. It’s cool because with this journal, you can decide on the year you want to use it, and it’s enough to write a few sentences each day. It’s like a memory book, where you can look back on what was happening on the same day in different years. I started using it back in 2016 and 2017, but then I stopped, and I'm picking it up again now. 

Book - This book was the most recent book I read and I finished reading it just as I moved back to Budapest. I'm really into astrology and astronomy, and this book focuses on black holes, white holes, the  creation of universe, and much more. It explores concepts like the flow of time and how relative our perception is of it. Reading topics like these helps me take a step back and place my fears and worries into perspective. It’s a grounding reminder of how tiny I am in the grand scheme of things. Not to mention that learning about the mysteries of the universe is fascinating. These books give me a mental escape and a fresh perspective on life’s challenges.

Keys - My keychain is actually a pretty accurate representation of my life — I’ve moved a lot this year, and the many different keys are proof of that. It also includes some sentimental charms which were gifts from friends.

Passport - This ties into my travel theme. I've traveled and moved a lot these past years. I was in England for the last seven months, constantly commuting back and forth. Now I’m back home again, at least until spring, so I feel my passport deserves a spot in this interview. 

Crystal Prism - I’ve moved a lot within Hungary, Budapest, and abroad, and these little crystal prisms have always given me a sense of home. Hanging them near a window creates a magical world of light reflections, making any place feel comfortable and cozy. It might sound cheesy, but finding those everyday little wonders is important to me. These prisms turn my space into a sanctuary, creating comfort in everyday moments.

photos by Botond Wertán