#DAIGEMUSE // Zita Görög
“I want my daugther to know that a post-partum body is normal. That mom without makeup is normal, and so are scrambled eggs for breakfast and that you don’t need a private jet for a nice holiday.”
Zita Görög radiates beauty and calmness, in a way that almost makes me nervous. Of course, that’s not her intention, as she is matter-of-fact and curious, not at all intrusive or loud. After a few moments of conversation it becomes clear that she is beautiful from the inside, too, and more than that, wise. You might think that one would be wise with such an adventurous career, loves, and three children - but if you read any interview with Zita from 15 years ago you realize that she has always been this calm and wise. Does she see herself that way? We asked her about it, as well as about her age, beauty tricks, her best memories and plans, because of course we were interested, too…
You have travelled the world and lived abroad for a while. What was your most defining travel experience?
Zita:
I can only highlight moments, impulses from my travels, impressions that shaped my worldview. Sitting on the ocean shore for the first time on Saipan, an island between Japan and Hawaii that I have not even heard of before… That was magical. But the cleanliness of Singapore, the purple flowers of the Bahamas, doing tai chi with a group of strangers in China, or buying my mom’s Christmas present in Paris, paying it with a checkbook in 1997 like I was in an Audrey Hepburn movie, was unforgettable. But I sneaked into a Diana Krall concert in Milano, listened to Pavarotti and the Backstreet Boys from the top of a hill. I returned from Kenya with an empty suitcase because the local girls wanted to dress up for a pageant, I taught them how to walk on the runway and gave them all my clothes - we said goodbye in tears. In 2001 I cried on the New York subway, the mixing of different cultures was so beautiful. I can always return to these memories and they always embalm my soul.
If you could go right now, where would you go, and who would you take with you?
Zita:
Ha most azonnal mehetnék, akkor Japán lenne az úti cél és vinném az egész családot. Nem is tudom nélkülük elképzelni! Az elmúlt 14 év alatt összesen háromszor utaztam el a gyerekeim nélkül 1-1 hétre és mindig megbántam. Nincsen annál jobb élmény, amikor először csodálkoznak rá egy másik kultúrára, és az ebből fakadó vicces helyzetek igazi lelki táplálékok mindannyiunknak. Japán pedig kihagyhatatlan ahhoz, hogy egy teljesen más pólust is megtapasztaljanak.
Do you feel a desire to prove yourself? To either yourself or to others?
Zita:
Not anymore. The need for validation comes from a lack of self-confidence and we waste a lot of time, and sacrifice too much, trying to prove the unprovable. But the education system encourages this as well, creating a messed up society. I consider it an important task of mine to teach my children good, and straighten out what isn’t, so half their lives aren’t spent developing their self-knowledge and they can act instead. I want them to be insightful and forgiving towards themselves.
How did you celebrate turning 40?
Zita:
I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect me at all. When I look into the mirror, I can see it… But when I am singing Creep (editor: a song by Radiohead) in the car, I don’t feel it. I received an amazing gift for my 40th, a weekend by myself, in the country of my choice. Of course I didn’t get to go this year, and my annual trip was cancelled, too. This annual trip is something I gift myself every year: a concert of Ludovico Einaudi in Milan, just before Christmas. Every concert of his is a one and a half hour meditation. I don’t miss the museums and shopping, either. This is my “me time”, but two days of that is enough for the year.
The need for validation comes from a lack of self-confidence and we waste a lot of time, and sacrifice too much, trying to prove the unprovable.
In previous interviews you have called the movie industry, modelling, and television an “illusion”. How is your relationship with these industries today?
Zita:
Entertainment industry. It’s in the name. Unfortunately often it not only entertains, but also manipulates and humiliates. I don’t know if it ever was anything other than a distraction. It’s not that I don’t enjoy a good movie with my family, but consuming nothing else is not enough for the soul. The MeToo movement uncovered the dark side of the media industry, but it cannot erase it. There are roles and assignments that are worth doing, and experts that are a joy to work and create with - I had the chance to experience that. But I no longer put myself in embarrassing situations.
In light of this, how do you see social media?
Zita:
Ooooh, I’m keeping my daughter away from it for a while, that’s for sure. It’s completely unnecessary to overwhelm her developing personality, distract her, or make her want to chase perfection. I want her to think that what she sees at home is normal. That a post-partum body is normal, and so is mom without make-up. Scrambled eggs for breakfast is normal, and you don’t need a private jet to take a nice holiday.
You have often taken a stand in social issues: you spoke up against violence against women, you were an ambassador of Age of Hope for years, and you also supported the free birth movement. Where is your social sensitivity coming from?
Zita:
From my parents. They helped everyone they could, from the smallest to bigger things. My mother raises funds for not-for-profit organisations to this day. My father was a mine paramedic, he went in when others were trying to get out. I do what I can, but I feel like I should speak up more. Often when I get to actually formulating my view, others - with a larger audience than mine - have already put into words what I am thinking. Other times I am so shocked by the issue at hand that I feel I cannot speak in any cultured, well-mannered way. At times I had to distance myself from a social issue because I felt like I was going crazy from the inertia. Often I think I am not enough to create meaningful change, and people are too indifferent - but then something gives me renewed strength to carry on. This will be my path, once my children are independent, or at least a bit older.
Do you have any beauty tricks? Or do you even have the time for a multiple step beauty routine and visiting salons?
Zita:
My skin is not perfect, it never was, but beauty salons are not my thing. Somehow I never really visited them regularly, maybe because I hate pain and discomfort. I had my hair pulled, my makeup done so much, that now I’m happy to be left alone. For the last 2 years I have been using ZO Skin Health products after the recommendation of Dr Berni Buda, and they are enough for me. I also love oils, such as the oils of Nuxe. Washing my face with cold water in the morning and removing my makeup with a hot towel at the end of the day are also unmissable parts of my routine.
Te nem csak felveszed, hanem be is ruházol a haza tervezők darabjaira. Mára rendszeres vásárlóink között tudhatunk mi is, gyakran megfordulsz a Repertory-ban, hogy válogass az új kollekcióból, de más magyar tervezői márkák is gyakran felbukkannak a Instagramodon. Mesélj a motivációidról!
Zita:
Hungarian things often get looked down on. I was often looked down on for being Hungarian, if people even knew where to look for the country on a map. If Hungarian fashion was on the level it is now during my active model years, I definitely would have preferred them 20 years ago already. Other than supporting the growth of a local market by buying Hungarian, it also feels good. For a long time there was no street styling, and local designers only focused on occasionwear. USE Unused and Nanushka were the first of the big ones to open my eyes to Hungarian fashion outside red carpet events. And as much as I would love to, I cannot wear Nóri Sármán’s garments to get groceries, so I had to look around a little. I found such beauty, so many amazing designers of dresses, bags, and jewellery, that I didn't even expect. And yes, it is important to support each other - I never feel like I am wasting money when I buy from Hungarian makers. I know I am getting a piece of someone’s concept and soul, something that I can pass onto my daughter. This is not even me speaking - she has been asking me for years if she can wear my clothes when she gets older. So I’m not only buying a jumper, I am creating a legacy.
I know I am getting a piece of someone’s concept and soul, something that I can pass onto Lotti, my daughter.
Do you have any plans for 2021?
Zita:
I haven’t had set plans or resolutions for a long while now - I don’t want to mess with spontaneity! I perform my duties, exercise responsibility day in and day out, but I also leave a little freedom for myself by not putting a time-limit on my ideas - and on myself.
Art director: Melinda Tóth
Photography: Márton Kecskés
Interview: Júlia Kegyes.
MUA: Barbi Nógrádi
Assistant designer: Piroska Papp
Styling assistant: Fanni Horváth