2024 Spring
Barbie 65
Török Kata is the Marketing Director of Mattel Hungary, responsible for the entire portfolio, such as Scrabble, Hot Wheels, Uno, Fisher-Price, Matchbox, and Thomas the Tank Engine, but their girls’ portfolio also includes Monster High or Disney princesses alongside Barbie.
“Barbie has always been designed as a toy doll to inspire girls. In 1959, Ruth Handler, the creator of the doll, said that she wanted to give her daughter a doll where the child could not only be a mother but also try out other roles, and through the doll, she could become whoever she wanted. The aim is for Barbie dolls to be inspiring, role models, with some story behind them. Playing with dolls can help make the world a better place. The essence is that everyone can find someone like themselves and identify with their own Barbie,” said Török Kata.
The Azahriah Phenomenon
It started from the small bedroom of a panel apartment, and today it has professional management behind it. Teenagers and people in their fifties alike are fans. We’re exploring the Azahriah phenomenon.
Azahriah learned to sing and play guitar from the internet, later training himself to become a music producer – of course, all self-taught – and even mastering mixing techniques entirely independently. Since childhood, he has consciously prepared for stardom. He knew how to leverage the opportunities provided by modern tools, such as the internet.
Today, musicians are no longer at the mercy of radio and television channels. There’s only one measure: the number of downloads – explains Bence Penke, a blogger. Azahriah even blends genres within a single track. It would be difficult to deny his talent and diligence. But there’s also a luck factor in every success. In his case, a scandal brought the breakthrough.
The building blocks of soul and community
László Nagy, an architect and owner of Szegletkő Generál Ltd., constructs houses, event centers, hotels, sports complexes, and synagogues. The latter for the community. He resides in Sárbogárd with his wife, four children, three grandchildren, and in close connection with God. Their lives, like the pieces of his Lego collection, build upon each other, in trust and love.
He leads the local sports club and the cultural foundation of the religious congregation. He believes that keeping one’s word is paramount. He teaches this to his children and demonstrates it to his colleagues in his three companies. He is responsible not only for them but also for the inhabitants of his hometown. The youth of the Transdanubian city can now engage in sports under suitable conditions, and soon the residents will have a new community space in the renovated Sárbogárd synagogue. We talked with László Nagy about family, faith, the present, and individual responsibility.
Just 90 days later
Klenk-Sipos Rita and her co-author, Szilvási Endre, presented the daily lives of the police, the disaster management, or the rescue service in a unique, exciting, and detailed approach in the “90 Days” report book series. Recently, the latest installment of the series, “90 Days Among Scientologists,” has been released. It offers tough, thought-provoking questions and objective, real answers from the personal experiences of a professional investigative duo. According to the article’s author, Ferenc Hűse, this is how it should be done, it can only be done this way, but in any case, it is worth presenting something that, whether admitted or not, masses of people are curious about. István Nemere, the wise summary of the literary legend, reflects on the book: “Finally, a book that reveals the complete truth without hidden or false intentions: It took a long time to wait for it, but it’s already in our hands.” The curious readers’ opinions are reflected in the successful series’ sales statistics.
Ar2day Galéria
The Ar2day Gallery was founded in 2009 by Ildikó Benkő, who had been active in the world of design and interior decoration for 15 years prior. In response to the 2008 crisis, she decided to establish an art gallery with a similar identity to contemporary commercial galleries covering largely the American and Western European markets. This gallery aims to maintain close relationships not only with art enthusiasts and collectors but also with designers, interior decorators, and architects.
The gallery’s objective is to broaden the recognition and bring closer to the audience highly skilled contemporary Hungarian artists with unique individual styles. People acquire their artworks not only as investments but also based on aesthetic considerations that suit various interiors.
In collaboration with the Kempinski Hotel in Budapest, the Ar2day Gallery has been organizing the Kempinski Art Soirées four times a year since 2013, within the hotel’s communal spaces.
Hotel Helikon
András Csere, the General Manager of Hotel Helikon Keszthely, speaks from a perspective of one year about the hotel he leads.
“The greatest professional challenge of my life began on the Ides of March 2023 when I took office as the director of Hotel Helikon ****superior Keszthely. I was entrusted with the management of a hotel with a fifty-two-year history, which had undergone complete renewal and reconstruction by September 2022. The result is impressive: 176 sophisticated rooms, divided into four categories – Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suite, and Suite. Each room features a unique balcony and breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Balaton. In our more than 1500-square-meter wellness area, we pamper our guests with eight different pools, one of which is Lake Balaton itself, and I haven’t even mentioned our sauna world yet. In addition to our private island and beach, our Tennis Center awaits tennis enthusiasts with six clay courts.”
Aphrodisiacs
It is an obvious fact that the spring months can be confidently referred to as the season of love, the time of new romance. Perhaps it is not a coincidence that the “world day” of lovers, Valentine’s Day, falls at the end of winter, at the beginning of spring. Often, new relationships bloom during this time, and existing ones gain new strength. Modern science can precisely analyze the processes that occur on a physical and emotional level in people, but is there a connection between the foods consumed and the desire for love? Is it true that certain foods can arouse desire? What was the secret of the infamous womanizer of the Middle Ages, Casanova? How can the functioning of hormones and amino acids in our bodies be influenced? In our survey, we attempt to map this world to guide the reader in the direction of thinking about how to enrich and enliven their developing or existing relationships with the help of aphrodisiacs.
Aphrodisiacs
“We are what we eat” – how often do we hear this phrase, yet how little do we truly understand its meaning. Certain foods also function as aphrodisiacs, and here we can divide them into two categories: those that have biologically or medically proven effects, and those that are based on folk traditions or the perceived or real beliefs of cultures that prioritize esotericism.
The term aphrodisiac immediately brings to mind the stimulating effects on desire, but these desire-enhancing foods often act stimulantly on the consumer due to the active ingredients they contain, and more as a positive side effect.
A small serving of grilled shrimp with a delicious salad, a ginger-clove pumpkin pie, mango soup, or even a simple pasta with fresh basil can be mouth-watering on its own. Especially when prepared on the grill for our partner on a light spring evening, I can confidently say that besides the food, the atmosphere will certainly act as a true aphrodisiac.
The World’s Most Beautiful Profession
In February 2017, Attila Sasvári opened Prézli Bistro, introducing a new segment into his life: the self-service restaurant. Coming from a background in classic hospitality, this was an entirely new world for him. His goal was to provide à la carte quality despite being a self-service restaurant. He rose to the challenge, and for seven years now, they have been operating continuously with full capacity. In addition to Prézli, they have also established their Green and 8 m2 hospitality units in neighboring stores.
He believes the secret to success lies in the unity of excellent colleagues and striving for the best, alongside a happy family providing a solid background.
To young colleagues, he simply says that they have chosen the world’s most beautiful profession. There is nothing more beautiful than hosting someone.
Viewed from the outside, the hospitality industry may seem difficult, sometimes overwhelming and chaotic, but he loves this circus. He has learned a lot from great people and perhaps he can also contribute something of himself.
Loose Reds
In today’s rapidly changing world, winemakers must keep pace with consumer demands and new trends while preserving their own identity and philosophy when creating new wines. Both internationally and domestically, there are trends emphasizing lightness, freshness, and the expression of fruity notes, even in red wines. Many seek out lower alcohol content, easy-drinking reds, and even chilling red wines in the summer is no longer considered sacrilege.
Representing this category are the so-called bistro wines, with an excellent example being the Dilara cuvée from Streit-Zagonyi Winery. This blend of Portugieser, Kékfrankos, and Merlot is simultaneously fresh, elegant, and complex. Moreover, the name of the wine tells a tale of a secret love affair between a Hungarian hussar officer and a lady from Istanbul, woven in the enchanting past.
Studio F360
Tringer Lilla, a physiotherapist, manual therapist, and Kovács Anna, a nutrition consultant, two dynamic, energetic, health-conscious women, have teamed up to create Studio F360 Health Center, with their holistic approach and a wide range of services. Alongside physiotherapy and manual therapy, special emphasis is placed on therapeutic massage and sports massage. Nutrition customization is an essential part of sports rehabilitation, hence nutritional counseling and InBody 770 body composition analysis are frequently requested services. Mental reinforcement and support are not only needed by athletes, so a mental health professional also collaborates with the team. Aromatherapy and various essential oil treatments are regular complements to each healing process. Additionally, various branches of yoga have found their place in the palette.
ALL-IN COLLAGEN
Why does a fashion designer deal with dietary supplements?
“Every fashion designer aims for the perfect appearance. Over the years, I’ve approached this holistically: Body – Soul – Clothing. In this context, ALL-IN COLLAGEN was born. But why would I, as a fashion designer, venture into creating dietary supplements? Why is a professional approach to our beauty so natural and obvious to me? Well, because I understand it!
After the age of 25, collagen production in our bodies decreases drastically. We must supplement it, but it matters what types of collagen we use. Each type of collagen integrates into our bodies differently, with different effects and strengths. That’s why ALL-IN COLLAGEN contains five different collagen peptides. I also engage in the creation of dietary supplements because I know which active ingredients are worth introducing into our bodies for the sake of our beauty,” said Léber Barbara, a fashion designer.
Two in One
In one of Zugló’s most beloved areas, Alsórákos, on Örs vezér út, there is a 495 sqm plot with a 278 sqm, 6-bedroom, and a 126 sqm, 3-bedroom family house for sale, priced at 249 million forints.
It’s the perfect choice for a larger family, accommodating multiple generations. Of course, the possibilities are “endless”, and our smaller house is perfectly suitable for family business, office, or clinic.
Our well-maintained garden and terraces between the two houses further enhance the property’s quality and intimate atmosphere, with room for three cars comfortably parked within our fence.
Both houses come with extras: air conditioning and electric shutters in every room. Our manicured garden is enriched with flowers and beautiful silver firs.
The two family houses are for sale together, but the new owner may also consider taking one for personal use and the other for investment purposes.
Hotel Abacus
The Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel**** Superior is located 25 km from Budapest, in Herceghalom. The hotel’s inspiring atmosphere, innovative environment and uncompromising gastronomical philosophy makes it the ideal place for family vacations, wellness weekends, conferences, business meetings and even weddings. The chef, Ferenc Toth, whose resume boasts with extensive foreign experience, uses simple, local and seasonal ingredients from Zsambek’s basin in his dishes. The majority of the spices he uses are grown in the kitchen’s own garden. Their dishes draw on both international sensibilities as well as the traditional Hungarian sense of taste; all while using modern culinary technology. The combination of gastronomical pleasures with a peaceful, familiar atmosphere and modern environment translate into more than half the guests being regulars. Their success was further confirmed when Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel won the title of Best Rural Business and Conference Hotel in Hungary.
Abacus Carnival
Organized by the management of the Abacus Hotel, the hotel’s carnival party took place for the third time. Over one hundred and fifty participants showcased fantastic costumes at the party that lasted until dawn. Zsolt Kálmán, the hotel director and the host of the evening, ensured a high-quality event. Attendees dressed up as Barbie and Ken, Maharajas, or even Dracula. There were mice, cats, sailors, chimney sweeps, and even Bob Marley costumes. Hippies, fire and ice pairings, and skeleton costumes were also present.
Just Clear Award
In 2024, Hungary’s sole fitness and lifestyle awards ceremony, the nutriversum Just Clear Award Gala, was held in the ballroom of the Budapest Marriott Hotel. At the event, the most renowned fitness and lifestyle experts, as well as public figures, were honored.
The official sports awards of this year, the Just Clear Awards, were also presented, recognizing the best achievements at competitions organized by the Hungarian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and the work of professionals in the field.
The Schobert family dominated the awards: Réka Rubint received the Female Presenter of the Year award, while her husband, Norbert Schobert, who retired from the business world last year, was honored with a lifetime achievement award. Rella Rubint was chosen as the fittest YouTuber.
“I was the first to start carbohydrate reduction in the early 2000s, and then continued the work with fitness menu home delivery. I am proud to have been able to create something new,” said Norbert Schobert.
Athlete of the Year Gala
The 66th Athlete of the Year Gala took place at the Hungarian State Opera House. Personally attending the gala was Dominik Szoboszlai, while among the distinguished guests were the Golden Ball winner and world champion Italian footballer, Fabio Cannavaro, the world record holder in high jump, Javier Sotomayor, and the Hungarian-Slovak fitness competitor and coach, Tímea Majorova. The first award of the evening, for the sports moment of the year, was earned by Vogel Soma, the goalkeeper of the water polo team, for his save that secured the World Championship gold medal. The female athlete of the year was sailor Érdi Mária, the male athlete of the year was Dominik Szoboszlai, and the coach of the year award went to Marco Rossi. The team of the year – in traditional sports – was selected as the men’s national football team, while in the same category, individual sports, the men’s sabre team took the first place. The MSÚSZ Lifetime Achievement Award was received by Pál Schmitt, a two-time Olympic champion fencer.
ZEMA 2024 Collections
The ZEMA Hungarian Porcelain and Jewelry House presented its new pieces for the year 2024 in a grand showcase at the end of last year. The 2024 collections can be grouped into two themes.
One theme revolves around a traditional pattern from Eastern Hungary, the Beregi Cross Stitch, featuring youthful designs in its characteristic blue and red colors.
The other theme is the highly elegant Empire collection, characterized by delicate lines and a completely new aesthetic. The Empire collection debuted in two color schemes: a subtle blue-platinum combination and a slightly bolder summer green-gold ensemble.
In both design directions, one can find pieces ranging from understated to bold, serving as perfect accessories for the modern, fashionable woman of today.
V. The Fashion Show POP UP STORE
The Fashion Diffusion Hungary’s own event series, now in its fifth edition, was organized by owner Anita Zsanett Tóth, hosted at Il Bacio di Stile. Over three days, fashion shows and unique Hungarian and international fashion brands, exhibitors made the long weekend exciting.
During this time, we met with 25 brands, while 15 fashion brands presented their latest collections within the event. The fashion shows took place in the store space, evoking the atmosphere of old salons, bringing the showcased collections palpably close to the audience.
Spring buzz
The new Honda ZR-V introduces itself as a mid-size SUV boasting outstanding exterior design and convenience features. The Ford Puma is the true VIP pass for urban adventures, a resourceful SUV with next-generation connectivity and dynamic mild-hybrid efficiency. The MG5 Electric represents the new wave of second-generation fully electric vehicles. The MG4 Electric is a spirited electric hatchback that is not just a vehicle, but an incredible blend of driving experience and intelligent technology. The Nissan e-POWER represents a revolutionary technology that completely redefines the concept of electric driving. The new MINI Countryman is not just a car but an experience that makes every moment of the journey memorable. The DS7, as a new generation SUV, is much more than just a vehicle. This car signifies nothing less than the perfect harmony of innovation and comfort.
Shining Car
Their motto is “Careful Work”. Shining Car offers environmentally friendly exterior and interior car cleaning. Whether it’s at home or at work, in a parking garage or on the street, we come to you anywhere, even on weekends. Martin Léber, the founder of the company, based the structure of his business on his own experiences: “My own needs inspired the ‘Shining Car’ service. Just like me, and many others, during the day while we work or engage in other leisure activities, we often park our cars for hours, and this time could be perfect for cleaning the car.”
All their tools are mobile, and they clean the car bodies with environmentally friendly “No Water” technology. You can choose from several car cleaning packages and also add extras. They arrive quickly, even within 1-2 hours, and the customer pays when they receive their clean car.
Stylish Appearance
Our attire is our trademark; thus, it’s not enough to simply wear it, but one must also know how to “carry” it. A stylish appearance cannot be reconciled with merely putting on pieces of clothing, as it holds much greater meaning and significance. With every moment, we emit a message to our surroundings, expressing our values, individual taste, and also communicating our relationship with others.
In crafting our outfit, foremost factors are the place, occasion, and time, yet alongside these, there’s significant importance to age, body type, and to some extent, our personality as well. Even if a more classic style aligns better with formal appearances, leaving little room for extravagance or fleeting fashion trends.
Oscar Gala
The most anticipated red carpet event of the year, the Oscar Gala, lasted for over three hours with Jimmy Kimmel as the host. Apart from the turbulent episodes of previous years—slaps, envelope mix-ups, mispronunciations—Al Pacino managed to surprise. “It seems Oppenheimer won,” he said, not even mentioning the other Oscar-nominated films. Christopher Nolan’s epic movie was awarded in seven categories: Best Picture, Direction, Male Lead and Supporting Actor, Cinematography, Music, Editing. There was also a Hungarian victory: Zsuzsa Mihalek won in the Best Production Design category alongside two colleagues for the film “Szegény párák,” partially shot in Budapest. This year’s big contenders, like “Barbie,” “Choked Flowers,” or “Maestro,” were left empty-handed. However, Billie Eilish took home her second Oscar for the Barbie theme song.
Star Couples from the Past
In our compilation, we evoke long-forgotten Hollywood love stories.
Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere, the supermodel and the American gigolo The charming Edward of “Pretty Woman” and the most famous beauty of the time. Salma Hayek and Edward Norton, the Latin bombshell and the quirky guy. At one time, one of the most surprising romances unfolded between the Mexican bombshell and the sour-faced acting genius. Sarah Jessica Parker and Robert Downey Jr., the good girl and the prodigal boy. In them, in the mid-eighties, two budding and broke New York actors found each other. Kim Basinger and Prince, the blonde sex icon and the funky little prince, hot-blooded pop star genius. Tom Cruise and Cher, the young titan and the mature pop diva, perhaps the most shocking star romance of the 80s. Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis, the dream guy and the wild teenage girl, perhaps the most famous heartthrob in the film world, dated the actress-singer who was a decade younger than him for over three years.
The Icon of Action Films
Jason Statham, an English actor, producer, martial artist, and former diver. He has a successful and thrilling career. Demonstrating outstanding athletic performance in his youth, he transitioned to modeling. Following his success in fashion and advertisements, he ventured into acting. Statham has become an icon of action films, portraying tough and rugged heroes. He authentically embodies the role of an urban hero, characterized by integrity and moral principles. His career took off with Guy Ritchie’s film “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” and he gained international acclaim with movies like “Snatch” and “The Transporter.” In his private life, Statham is reserved and private. Since 2010, he has been in a relationship with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and they welcomed their son, Jack Oscar Statham, in 2017. His latest film, “The Beekeeper,” once again showcases his brutal quest for revenge. Statham is an international icon of action films, and his success is rooted in hard work and dedication.
