Dough Doll T-shirt

The popular imagination of the island, embroidered on cotton

With their bright colours, the dough dolls wear the traditional costumes of the island. Often linked to scenes of daily life or regional dances, they reflect the cultural identity and popular imagination of Madeira.

They bear witness to knowledge passed down from generation to generation, embroidered on this beige organic cotton T-shirt by the embroiderer Dorina Pina of Bailha.

Bailha is a project by David Oliveira, from Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, in Madeira, who grew up among his mother’s and grandmother’s embroidery. He trained as an architect in Oslo but never forgot the embroidery of his island, and came back. Today he draws the designs that take shape in the hands of the embroiderers, the keepers of rare techniques learned at home and perfected over the years.

Always choosing natural fabrics, Bailha brings Madeira Embroidery back to life. With the same delicacy, the same time and the hands of the embroiderers. To be worn and lived in.