The art of the traditional blouse with embroidery on the shoulder (called altiță) is an essential part of Romanian and Moldovan folk dress for men and women. The white blouse is handmade by women using natural fibres. It juxtaposes a simple cut with rich and colourful ornamentations that are stitched using complex sewing techniques. Interest in creating these blouses is steadily increasing and many value the practice as a means of relaxation and of affirming their identity and maintaining a visible connection to the past.