The redesigned trophy for the Highlights of Hungary, which honours outstanding Hungarian initiatives and achievements across various fields, was designed in partnership with the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design. As managing director of the Highlights of Hungary Marianna Csehi explained, the awards have celebrated exceptional accomplishments for over a decade, highlighting that excellence can be pursued in any field for the benefit of the community.

MOME’s ethos aligns perfectly with the values of the Highlights of Hungary, and the university’s students and alumni have a long history of contributing to the design of iconic trophies.

Product designers Adrienn Király and Bálint Szalai were selected for the project based on their exceptional portfolios. They first crossed paths during their time at MOME and have since lived and worked in cities including London, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Kyoto, even founded a studio together.

For this project, they focused on the award’s symbolic essence, crafting an object that represents excellence and perseverance. Drawing inspiration from the concept of “elevation”, they envisioned a trophy embodying light, intended to instil hope and momentum in its recipients.

According to Adrienn Király, designing a trophy is a unique challenge compared to functional objects, as symbolism takes precedence over utility. Bálint Szalai added that the trophy’s form and meaning were inspired by the inclusive approach and lack of strict categories in Highlights of Hungary’s community-driven award system. They aimed to create a piece that resonates with its audience while symbolising the beam of light that the Highlights of Hungary seeks to shine on outstanding achievements.

“Achieving excellence requires perseverance and overcoming challenges. We imagined this award as a luminous object, placed on the winner’s shelf, radiating strength and inspiration for the journey ahead”, Szalai said.

The project also benefitted from the expertise of glass artist Diána Farkas, whose craftsmanship and insights were instrumental in bringing the designers’ vision to life.

The newly designed trophy debuted at a ceremony held on 14 November at the Budapest Music Center. Alongside the Highlights of Hungary trophies, the Kreatív magazine special award was also presented to senior lecturer Apol Temesi and designer of the Your Nature collection.

Temesi, a textile artist who transforms textile waste into interior design objects, shared her philosophy and creative process in her nomination video.

“My journey began during my doctoral studies, when I started working with waste from the domestic wool industry. This sparked a desire to explore natural materials and plant-based dyes, leading to the creation of the Your Nature series, which showcases the pigments and colours of invasive plants. As I delve deeper into these ecologically complex questions, my palette of colours and materials continues to grow, opening new creative possibilities. I believe it takes a lifetime to identify the deeply personal challenges that, when addressed, can truly make the world a better place”, Temesi reflected.