Our Bailha story

Mission

Bailha is dedicated to rethinking the rich heritage of Madeira Embroidery, creating unique and sustainable pieces. Our mission is to value the manual work of embroidery, fairly compensate the embroiderers, and promote Madeiran culture through embroidery experiences.

Origin

Bailha was founded in 2021 by David Oliveira and his mother Helena da Silva, inspired by the legacy of their mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers, all embroiderers in Madeira.

The project preserves this savoir-faire, challenging an embroidery industry that relies on the precariousness of female labour. Each piece reflects how we inhabit the island, embroidering its flora, landscapes, and memories.

Using sustainable materials and processes, Bailha is dedicated to transmitting traditional know-how through drawing and embroidery workshops.

"Bailha"

Definition

Feminine noun, from Late Latin ballo, -are (to dance); Madeiran pronunciation of "baila", dance, party; To move the body to the sound of music. Not to be fixed

Inspired by the movement of life, this project is an invitation to change and proposes a more human future, where artisanal work is dignified.