La Pollera, Panama’s national dress
Satins and brocades that make up the sumptuous dress of the company at that time were not adapted to tropical climate and the dress of servants was opened by the mistress and enhanced with lace and embroidery. It has not been worn outside the house, but gradually added more ladies in lace and ribbons, hair ornaments (Tembleque) and jewelry for the neck and he finally made his way into the public eye.
Experts agree that the mats must be white and 12 meters of material required can be fine linen, cambric or veil.The reasons may be brought by birds, flowers, fruit, vines, garlands or native grounds. The height of elegance is achieved when these drawings are executed in "talco en Sombra", which is hand-sewn appliqué, but they can also be created in cross stitch or embroidery. The cost of the costume gala runs into hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars, depending on the part of the job.
The basic parts of the pollera are partly dress or top, skirt or lower portion and the skirt or petticoat. The dress or gown is composed of two sleeves, embroidered appliques or favorite color and design edged with Valenciennes lace and gracefully draped with a lace insert wire by hand to the neck (the shirt is worn outside the 'shoulder.) Wool is woven in and out of the insertions and two large pom-poms are centered on the chest and back. The wool must be the same color as the shoes, which are heel and made from velvet or satin.
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The skirt is adorned with two pieces of fan motif and together with the insertion and bordered insertion and lace. It is very well collected over a waistband. Four wide ribbons hanging from the belt, two front and two in center back, they are called "gallardetes" which means "graceful pavilions....
