BLAISE FERNANDES
MAJORDA: The fruit of labour is sweet, and for Nelinda and Carol D’Silva, the sweetness is shared with those who admire, cherish, and purchase their exquisite creations in Bobbin Lace. Nelinda D’Silva from Majorda has been mastering sewing, lace-making, knitting, and embroidery since she was six. Today, she’s not just an artist but an entrepreneur, trainer, and teacher, globally recognised for her skills in lace-making.
Her journey to international acclaim began in 2002 when the Portuguese Consulate noticed her talent. Since then, Nelinda has proudly represented Goa and India nearly 20 times at international exhibitions and workshops, from Vila do Conde in Portugal to Novedrate, Italy, Sebourg in France, and Bobwa in Poland. A career highlight was participating in the 2015 Guinness World Record for the Biggest Bobbin Lace in the World in Portugal. Most recently, Nelinda and her daughter Carol showcased their creations at the XXXII Mostra Internazionale del PIZZO di Novedrate in Villa Casana, Italy. This April, they’re set to charm audiences in Camariñas, Spain, a hub for bobbin lace artistry, from the 16th to the 20th.
The skill of bobbin lace was nurtured in Nelinda’s family home, passed to her daughters Carol and Andrea, ensuring that this cherished tradition lives on. Nelinda hasn’t confined her teaching to family alone—she actively campaigns to upskill Goans, organising training sessions and ensuring the tools of the trade are accessible to
enthusiasts.
The creations of Nelinda and Carol reflect a nostalgic elegance of the Goa of old—pure, simple, yet impeccable. Through their work, they hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the finer things in life, reviving Goa’s cultural richness amid environmental and cultural changes. Bobbin lace, a European art introduced to Goa through its Portuguese connection, has also united global communities, connecting continents through its intricate threads.
In blending tradition with modernity, Nelinda and Carol have made bobbin lace adaptable for contemporary use in jewellery, bags, shoes, hats, and apparel. This synthesis of past and present highlights their vision to make this once-arcane art more accessible and versatile.
Carol, a mechatronics engineer, is poised to take Goan Torchon bobbin lace to new heights. Her wedding gown, a magnum opus, featured lace pieces handcrafted in 16 countries, each piece uniquely representing its origin. This extraordinary creation has garnered international attention, displayed at European exhibitions, and debuted in the haute couture scene under the ‘Carol D’Silva’ label at the Brisbane Fashion Festival in August 2024.
The D’Silvas’ showroom and training centre in Majorda, is set to expand its activities. For those interested, training sessions can be arranged by contacting Andrea at 98505 36942. Plans are also underway to establish a museum dedicated to bobbin lace, adding another feather to Goa’s cultural cap.
From preserving a centuries-old tradition to giving it a modern twist,
Nelinda and Carol are ensuring that this fine art continues to captivate audiences and inspire future generations.