Monika Ungar Uses Budapest Fashion Show to Challenge Stereotypes About Orthodox Women

A fashion show in a Budapest synagogue put modest clothing and the women who wear it in the spotlight, as organiser Monika Ungar sought to challenge common assumptions about Orthodox Jewish life. The models were members of the city’s growing Orthodox communities, rather than professional runway performers. Ungar said the event aimed to show that Orthodox Jewish women can dress beautifully while following religious rules. The “Kosher & Chic” show took place in a modern synagogue that also operates as a cultural centre, bringing fashion into a space used for community and cultural events. The clothing reflected tzniut, the modesty principles observed by many Orthodox Jewish women. These guidelines generally call for covering the collarbone, elbows and knees. Married women often cover their hair with scarves or wigs, though practices can differ among individuals and communities. Some outsiders see these rules as restrictive, while participants describe them as an expression of personal values and religious commitment. The show offered a public view of how the women interpret those expectations through their own style. Jewish community life in the Hungarian capital has grown since the fall of communism in 1989, with new schools, restored synagogues and cultural events. The fashion show formed part of that wider community presence, presenting a side of Orthodox women’s lives that Ungar said is often misunderstood.