Your New Dress Friend ™

One-of-a-kind, vividly expressive garments, crafted in our own studio.

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Csilla’s Story

In 2017 the designer at her boutique @ 504 Congress Avenue, downtown Austin

Established 2007 in East Village, Manhattan, New York City.

“When I was 14 years old my mom kneeled down next to me and said “Why don’t you become a fashion designer?”. I was sewing together a pair of pants by hand on the floor. It sounded very fabulous and it was the first time she spoke of my professional future. (Besides grandma inspiring me to be a doctor, attorney or mathematician all through elementary school).

At time we had just emigrated from Hungary to Mexico where my father worked as an agricultural engineer developing land, aiding growing citrus trees. My sister and I attended a Catholic school with uniform. We did not have exposure to many clothing stores, but I have seen numerous fabric stores downtown. At first I bought one meter of fabric and I surprised myself with how much I loved the dress - white and orange stripe rib knit skinny dress - I was able to create. Later I worked at a friend’s boutique on the weekends, I naturally spent every penny I earned on fabrics and made a new outfit for myself every day. For Christmas my parents bought me a sewing machine and the rest is history… “

After earning a degree from the UT Austin (& NYC) and a few years in corporate fashion, I turned to my sister Reka and said “I would like to start a clothing line but I am overwhelmed with needing to create a business plan”... She, pragmatically as always, replied “Just start making dresses”. Golden words of wisdom.

My father’s vision and courage carried our family across two continents - Africa and America - and for my Mother’s and Sisters’ guidance, I remain forever grateful. Their wisdom has been the brightest light along the way.

Born in Hungary and shaped by life across Algeria and Mexico, Csilla brings a rich, global perspective to her design philosophy. From the very beginning, every piece has been handmade, crafted with intention and care.

Inspired by the world around her, she designs clothing that blends comfort and beauty. Pieces that consistently bring compliments, comfort and confidence, as her clients have shared for nearly two decades. Beyond fashion, she’s a passionate traveler and fitness enthusiast, eager to share her experiences in style, wellness, and mindful living. This corner of the web is her way of connecting, inspiring, and helping shape a brighter future for all.

“I’ve been called a tree hugger, an adventurer, a best kept secret fashion designer. I am honored to be able to do what I love: design, travel and be a parent. I would love the opportunity to inspire a new generation to live mindfully, to think globally, and to pay it forward.”

The alchemy of fashion and sustainability, creating elegance with purpose.

Confidence | Compliments | Comfort

INSPIRED BY You

For the compassionate LEADER, adventurous & sustainable visionary, chic & ethical muse.

As her clients describe Csilla’s creations…

For people of consequence with a global perspective.

“Leave the World a little better than you found it.” by Csilla Somogyi

An ethical, carbon neutral path to the future of fashion begins here...

Our process is intentional & rooted in full transparency: in house production in the heart of Austin from first sketch to final stitch.

We don’t outsource. We don’t overproduce. We ensure fair labor practices, reduce waste to zero and create clothing that honors You & Our planet.

Sustainable

From first sketch to the last stitch we only work in house, thus minimizing the impact on our planet. We strive to be carbon negative. Each square inch of fabric is used up, even the smallest scraps are donated to schools and children for art projects.

Warranty

“Wow, you hemmed this dress for free for me even though I bought it at your shop 4 years ago! Thank you so much!” Dianna C. - We guarantee each garment by complimentary repairs, hemming, and adjustments. (exclusions apply)

Design

Every garment is handcrafted from scratch, beginning with a carefully designed original paper pattern drafted by the designer. Each piece is then carefully cut and sewn in-house at our studio in Austin, Texas, USA.

Inspiration

“I find anything and everything inspiring. I design with purpose and practicality, for maximum functionality and most comfort. Classic minimalist silhouettes made most interesting by an unusual twist are my favorite.” by Csilla Somogyi

Mission

We believe in preserving OUR PLANET by creating for a slower, more meaningful way of dressing with each garment designed with purpose. We believe in classic styles that honor craftsmanship, reducing waste, and restoring value to the things we wear.

You

You have been Csilla’s muse and inspiration for nearly two decades. Without You, who appreciates our designs and what we stand for, we could not be writing these words today. THANK YOU

Contact us

Contact us

We’d love to hear from you!

  • "It's great when one dress can take you to a black tie dinner, a wedding and a cocktail party at Pebble Beach! Ps. It doesn't wrinkle." ​ -Sandra Darnell Austin, TX

  • "So so so very happy we found you Csilla. Your clothes fit beautifully and I love the one of a kind fabrics. You and your team are so talented and lovely. And the accessories are fantastic! Continued success, love, and happiness" ​ -Lisa Lamattiz

  • "Not often (never really) that this 65+ girl looks FABULOUS in clothes and everything I tried on here fits the bill. Love it." ​ -Deborah St. Simons Island, GA

  • "I love my 5, no, 6! new outfits I purchased from you today, and I just met you! You and your team do beautiful work and everything fits so well!" Eleanor from Washington DC

  • "You are the best kept secret designer" Mary Bell, Texas

  • We are headed to Alaska this weekend for a wedding. Which one of your beautiful pieces am I am going to wear?? 🤩🧐 I’ll send a pic!" Laura M. from Austin, August 2025

🛍️ Two Ways to Shop

1. Shop & Checkout

Browse the collection, add your favorite pieces to your cart, and check out when you're ready. Simple and seamless.

2. Build a Box

Not sure what will fit or feel best? Select 5–15 items to try on at home. We'll ship them to you, and you only pay for what you keep, returns are free for anything that doesn’t work. * We kindly ask for your patience while we build this feature into our website. Estimated launch date for “Build a Box” is 9/15/2025. In the meantime please email us for inquiries and requests YourNewDressFriend@gmail.com.