A talented artisan in the most famous traditional bazaar in the country, in her shop Dallaku offers gorgeous handmade pieces, the result of 40 years of dedication to the art of needlework and embroidery.

Kruja Bazaar is the best place to witness medieval traditions come to life by the crafty hands of talented artisans. If you only take a stroll along the cobbled-stoned streets, you will have the chance to see women weaving away, creating carpets, curtains, table covers, and traditional costumes in real time. A simple walk here becomes a walk through time.

It is along the 5-century-old cobble stones of Kruja Bazaar that you will find Vjollca Dallaku, one of the most talented embroideress who has been making some of the loveliest pieces in the bazaar for years now. She has been embroidering and sewing professionally for more than 40 years, using and perfecting the traditional techniques of this region along the way.

Dallaku considers this to be the most beautiful of all professions, especially at a time when the global market has been inundated with products and garments that resemble handiwork but are far from it. According to Dallaku, handmade pieces remain incomparable to all mass produced items and retain a value and an attention to detail that cannot be replaced.

Growing up surrounded by embroidery, she learned the first steps of the trade from her parents, both professional tailors. Despite the many challenges posed, she reassures us that her passion and insistence on keeping this tradition alive has never diminished. In her shop – now 17 years old – she also offers finely embroidered flags, a very popular item.

Handcrafted items in the Albanian tradition are Vjollca Dallaku’s greatest love. This carefully and lovingly made work has become a brand that bears the name and devotion of the hardworking Albanian embroideresses.