Castelo Branco Embroidery—Tradition and Innovation

Castelo Branco Embroidery and Innovation are the two major focuses of this research—by identifying the focus the following questions are asked—Is it possible to develop garments with the application of Castelo Branco Embroidery? Is it possible to apply Castelo Branco Embroidery on accessories and footwear? It is around these questions that the objectives began to be outlined. The Castelo Branco Embroidery is an identifying element of the culture of a region in the interior of the country and presents itself as a reference of the Albicastrense cultural heritage and was traditionally used mostly in bedspreads and panels. The richness of this heritage element lies essentially in the raw material used—silk and linen—but also in the vast diversity of elements and motifs that together construct a narrative that may vary according to the composition chosen. This richness is also represented in the vast palette of colours and the diversity of stitches that are used. The methodology consisted, in a first phase, in the research and bibliographical revision about the theme—Embroidery of Castelo Branco. This was followed by the preparation of a briefing to present the challenge to the Fashion Designers invited to participate in the project. At the same time, a national competition was held which resulted in new proposals or ideas that came to fruition. The products resulting from the initiative should reflect the use of a cultural element and the tradition of a region in a contemporary approach where the work of fashion designers is presented as a differentiating element, important for adding value and sustainability. Embroidery as a traditional element is associated with innovation through the creation of new proposals.