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Paper short abstract

This paper explores the redesign of geometric motifs from Macedonian traditional embroidery, focusing on the bridal shirt Crnogorka (Montenegrin woman) from Skopska Crna Gora—a region near Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia—preserving identity through contemporary design.

Paper long abstract

This paper explores the redesign of geometric motifs from Macedonian traditional ornamentation as a form of contemporary expression that bridges heritage and innovation. The case study focuses on the embroidery of the bridal shirt known as Crnogorka (Montenegrin woman) from Skopska Crna Gora, a region near Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. These embroidered patterns, with their strict geometric rhythm and stylized symbolism, reflect both local identity and universal visual language.

The research follows the transformation process: selecting motifs, stylizing them, digitally reinterpreting them, and integrating them into contemporary design contexts. This creative adaptation shows how tradition can be preserved while being reframed, ensuring that cultural memory remains dynamic and relevant. The study argues that traditional forms are not static relics but living resources that can be reimagined for modern artistic and design practices.

Within the framework of collective memory, the paper highlights how the reinterpretation of Crnogorka motifs contributes to continuity between past and present. The transformation of these patterns affirms the enduring value of Macedonian textile heritage while opening new pathways for its expression in global contemporary design. It emphasizes the importance of folklore and ornamentation as vital cultural narratives that sustain identity across generations.