This dress is on of the best known in Mexico. The original form is an embroidered blouse worn under the over blouse , as seen in the first image. During the 1970´s these blouses became Maxi and regular dress known as the Wedding dress there are still women in the village that wear this blouse in the traditional way. The more commercial blouses and dresses have suffered deterioration in quality.

For more information contact:  info@mexicantextiles.com

Return to Valley Zapotec Home Page

Secure Paypal
Help defer cost of documenation

page 1 of 2 Next

1
If you look closely the blouse is visible under the overblouse. This is the original form.
adraw
The key to making the dress is the hand drawn design to be embroidered. Here is an example of the hand drawing using a ball point pen. More examples of this drawing can be found in the village of San Pedro Martir.
deshilado
Deshilado, is created by drawing out the threads and then re-tying an intricate design. In the case of this dress multicolored thread was used, it was originally done in white on white. The smocking on this dress is of good quality.
elements
Five elements, the crocheted, the embroidery, deshilado, haceme si pudes ( do me if you can) smocking, and the crochet randa.
embroidery
The various steps are often done by different people and a dress like this could take more than two months to finish.