Szilveszter Makó, a Hungarian photographer based in Milan, has rapidly become one of the most sought-after image-makers in the fashion and celebrity magazine industry. Known for his painterly, surreal portraits that incorporate elements of Hungarian folklore, Makó’s work has appeared on numerous high-profile magazine covers over the past year.
Among the celebrities recently photographed by Makó are Sandra Bullock, Jenna Ortega, Alicia Keys, Emma Corrin, Gigi Hadid, Hunter Schafer, and Daisy Edgar-Jones. His distinctive style blends muted tones with tangible, often hand-crafted props such as painted fish, flames, and utensils, creating scenes that feel both meticulously constructed and deliberately imperfect. This approach has gained traction at a time when audiences increasingly seek texture and personality in imagery, moving away from hyper-polished, hyper-digital aesthetics.
Makó, 35, whose career took a significant turn three years ago when he shot Willem Dafoe for GQ Italia, describes his work as a continuous fight for perfection despite inherent limitations. His preference is for physical materials and sets rather than relying heavily on digital manipulation, a choice that resonates with some creatives who view his work as a reaction against the rise of artificial intelligence in image creation.
In September, Makó opened "Bauhaus Ballet," an immersive exhibition in downtown Manhattan that invited visitors to step inside his constructed scenes. The installation featured elements designed to evoke the Hungarian countryside, reflecting Makó’s personal roots in Lillafured, Hungary. The exhibition drew a long line of visitors eager to experience the distinctive world he creates, accompanied by audio recordings of Hungarian poetry and elaborate staged settings.
Makó’s unconventional aesthetic is rooted in his upbringing and education, including a Waldorf school education and a background in photography and psychology. Early projects involved photographing emerging models in unusual, often outdoor locations, emphasizing distinctive features over conventional beauty standards.
While his innovative style has earned widespread acclaim, it has also encountered some criticism. Marina Abramovic, the performance artist, expressed frustration with what she described as Makó’s insistence on executing his own pre-conceived vision with little room for collaboration. Similarly, some critics have noted the repetitive nature of Makó’s imagery as his style becomes pervasive, particularly following his recent cover shoots. Critics pointed to perceived similarities between images of Jenna Ortega and prior work featuring Gigi Hadid, including the reuse of certain key wardrobe pieces. Makó acknowledged these overlap issues as part of the collaborative process with stylists.
Supporters argue that Makó’s signature visual language is precisely why he is regularly commissioned, and expecting constant stylistic reinvention would ignore the essence of his work. Makó himself has said that he is still developing his style and asks for patience as his vision continues to evolve.
Despite his rising profile, Makó maintains a self-critical outlook, expressing that ultimate validation may remain elusive, especially from his community back in Hungary. He balances a demanding schedule with quieter personal moments at home in Milan, where he enjoys downtime with his cat and draws inspiration from films and television.
As demand for his distinct style shows no sign of waning, Makó represents a contemporary shift in fashion photography, merging crafted, tangible storytelling with the surreal and familiar.