Case Study - Clothing Design with Castelo Branco Embroidery Focusing on the Symbology of Embroidery

Abstract

The Castelo Branco Embroidery is full of decorative grammar, it is endowed with symbolism, both in design and in what concerns the application of embroidery stitches and the colour palette. Here the typical embroidery of Castelo Branco is applied to a garment and studied from the design of the piece to the symbolism and history of the typical embroidery. A non-interventionist and interventionist action research methodology was used, and the following hypothesis was formulated: Is it possible to create new pieces of clothing respecting the symbolic load attributed to the embroideries of Castelo Branco? This investigation reinforces the importance of preserving and identifying the tradition of embroidery, giving it an innovative character, focusing on examples of pieces already created where respect for traditional materials and symbols allowed for the development of innovative garments. The reality is that in real terms the Embroidery never actually became extinct. A further note is made to recent uses of the embroidery in clothing and accessories which demonstrate its versatility in enhancing the creativity of designers.