Datura Studio has created some delicate pieces that become a canvas to show the local flora and extol the craftsmanship of the different techniques of Majorcan embroidery, a craft with a long history that is still preserved in Mallorca.

In this project by LOOP and Bordados Mallorquines, they has designed two unique pieces embroidered by Francisca Moyá: a bodice and a skirt as the protagonist of the ensemble. The skirt is inspired by the traditional peasant skirt and is decorated using Majorcan embroidery techniques, but using as decorative motifs the native botanical flora, as well as species that are cultivated on the island, represented by the fig tree, the olive leaf, the houseleek, the white steppe, the mat, etc.

Various techniques have been used to embroider the herbarium, such as shadow stitch, Majorcan stitch and stem stitch, all on black silk organza (a fabric formerly used by wealthy families on the island) as the basis for the embroidery on the front and back of the skirt. Both the organza and the cotton thread are black to create a play of transparencies reminiscent of the first known graphic record of Majorcan embroidery (painting by Ana Puigdorfila y Dameto 1713, with a border of white thread covered with tulle with black embroidery).

‘The time it takes to do things carefully, calmly, paying attention to what matters, the contact with nature. We still have time to relearn from the masters, of whom there are unfortunately few left.’

Datura Studio aims to create a pattern, sewing and tailoring workshop to be used by local fashion designers, who are currently forced to leave the islands to find this type of service. Stefania Borrás also wants to promote the artisanal heritage linked to fashion through training courses to ensure the transmission of these manual trades, such as embroidery.