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“Quality product, lovable cause” – this is the motto of Diaconia. But what does that mean? It is a brand that represents both modern, clean design and a deeply human mission.
You may have already come across Diaconia while shopping in Budapest: the Hungarian fashion brand may not only have caught your attention with its beautiful, quality items, but if you searched for it online, you may have also read that it provides jobs and new opportunities for people living in disadvantaged settlements. Today, their products are made in three locations – in Mezőladány, Zemplénagárd and Nagyecsed – in leatherwork, textile and ceramic workshops. Some of the workers have not found work for years, while others are picking up clay or leather for the first time. The goal is not just employment: Diaconia strives to enable its employees to build an independent, secure livelihood for themselves.
New jobs, Hungarian designers
Diaconia’s operation is a fine example of social responsibility: the company owner, the Hungarian Reformed Charity Foundation, does not take the income as a dividend, but rather reinvests it in the program, creating new jobs for people in difficult circumstances. The brand is inspiring not only through its products, but also through its approach. Following the principle of 'nets instead of fish', it empowers its employees to thrive independently.
The brand’s designers – Szilvia Bozsik, Csaba Pankotai, Anna Mihályfi and Gyula Mihály – are Hungarian industrial artists: they are responsible for the clean, timeless design that characterizes Diaconia. The brand does not want to follow trends, but offers products that are elegant, universal, yet special in t
heir simplicity. For example, seamless bags made with the origami technique have become real favorites, but belts, wallets and small accessories made of cowhide are also popular. The latter also help reduce waste production, making the brand even “greener”.
Where can you find Diaconia in Budapest?
Would you like to see and buy their products? You can do this in two places in Budapest. They have a store on Párizsi Street and at the Récsei Centre. There you will find beautiful items and stories — behind every bag, mug or textile, there are human destinies, new beginnings and small successes. Not only are Diaconia's products eye-catching, they also warm your soul when you hold them in your hands.
As you walk along Váci Street, you will come across their store on Párizsi Street, which offers a more elegant and exclusive experience.
In contrast, the sample store in the Récsei Centre, located just two bus stops from Keleti Railway Station, showcases the full range of patterns and colours of the brand's products. And here you can also meet the so-called Mentőmacik, which are these lovely plush figures made at the initiative of the Hungarian Reformed Charity Service to comfort children in distress when placed in ambulances.
So Diaconia is much more than a fashion brand; it combines craftsmanship, social responsibility, and design, representing values that we can all be proud of.
A brand worth following on social media, right? You can do so here and here to make sure you never miss any of their news!
Photos: Diaconia, Mia Balogh
