Yes, it is hard to believe, only on my 3rd day in Marrakesh inside the Medina, did I walk through the Souks, or “Shops” to look for fashion shopping inspiration.
The North East side of the Medina is not a bad departure point to explore the Souks. The area around Riad Karmela, Rue Azbezt, toward the direction of Plaza Jamaa El Fna, has larger streets that form a circle with smaller alleys in between. This helped me to find my way around and stay closer to my departure point.
At first, the colors, smells, noise and over packed presentation was overwhelming. Everything was displayed up front, from textiles to tagines, metal or straw covered lamps, shoes, bags, eyeglasses, to food, spices, even small animals.
As I walked along the different streets, I noticed how the shops changed from touristy, gaudy, chaotic, to more defined and refined.
As I walked along Rue Rahba Kdima, several shops caught my eye. Home decor with a modern edge, smaller items, hammered metal bowls and dishes. But, they were still too large to consider as gifts for my friends. My suit case was already quite filled up, I needed to shop carefully, may be look for fabrics, a tunic, unique ear jewelry.
May be perfume? That’s the thought.
And what would you cook in a miniature tagine anyway?
Away from the main “alleys” of the Souk, I found some attractive shops. Some are new ventures, Concept Stores, founded and run by young entrepreneurs with a modern interpretation of how to approach business. Mostly a group of different businesses that offer more unique items, in one restored building.
I found a boutique/art Gallery in the main alley, in Rue Rahba Kdima. This was a concept store on several levels with a café, on one level, fashion mixed with oversize paintings on one side.
A boutique/art Gallery on one level, fashion mixed with oversize paintings on one side. This boutique sells fashion by AMINE BENDRIOUICH, his line “Couture & Bullshit”.
The art on the wall features, HASSAN HAJJAJ, a figure of Arab Contemporary art.
On the other side of the staircase, AMIR LAFTIMI, a hair care artist, transforms women in his intimate salon.
On the ground level is a small shop with bags and accessories. If you are looking for small items, gifts for your friends, this is a place to explore.
The best was Café SHTATTO. With a modern rustic vibe, Acid Arab or iqu’at music, on the rooftop, it rewards those who make the climb up with delightful fresh avocado sandwiches or fluffy omelets. The vibe felt more “Marrakesh”, more intimate, than some of the large Cafés on the plazas.
Café SHTATTO was one of my Favs. I stopped several times in the late afternoon for fresh squeezed Orange/Ginger juice. SHTATTO is an amusing place to watch the sun set in the distance, with a panoramic view over the rooftops and meet people.
My focus was on fashion shopping today.
Surprisingly, I saw some of the nicest tunics, traditional embroidery, printed fabrics, in small shops along the way to Place Jemaa al Fna, along the famous “Covered Souks”. The ceiling is covered with rattan mats to shield against the sun.
One of the shops I liked is called: Art. Ouarzazate. Brothers Samad and Malek sell rugs on one side, and converted the other side into an intimate boutique to sell modern kaftans, tunics and tops with handmade traditional embroidery in bright colors. This well curated quiet boutique was a gem amidst the bustle of the Souk.The location is easy to find in Rue Rahba Kdima, across the way from the Heritage museum.
They had some Babouche slippers in red velvet, embroidered with golden thread, and velvet mules, that I would have loved to buy. May be later.
FIND: Art.Ouarzazate, 15, Rue Rahba Kdima
When I travel in countries such as India or Morocco, I always look for some traditional clothing items that reflect the local culture, such as tunics, tops or kaftans.
Close to Rue Semmarine there are several clothing shops with a more traditional design bend.
El Joumar Abdellatif was one of the larger shops where I spent more time to try on and buy several tunics. Of course prices are very negotiable, depending on how much you buy. The quality of embroidery and craftsmanship of the tunics was more refined than in some other shops in Rue Semmarine.
I selected several tops. A black top with a stand up collar and sequins with rope embroidery, that looks very elegant with black pants, and a royal blue tunic with white rope embroidery with rope buttons for day wear.
The quality of embroidery and craftsmanship of the tunics was more refined than in some other shops in Rue Semmarine.
Craftsmanship, quality of fabrics, and designs are most important for me, when I look for traditional ethnic tops. Cotton, light wool or linen is my preferred choice.
Over time, I have learned what colors are best for me. My wardrobe is built around white, black, blue, green, orange, fuchsia. Water colors look best on me. My complexion and hair have a reddish tint, so orange and warm colors look best.
Au Fil d’Or was a place that has high quality traditional tunics, Dashikis, Djellabas for men and kaftans for women. Prices may be higher, construction and fit is excellent, colors more subdued, so many to choose from. Quality is always the better choice, if you keep your traditional clothing for a long time.
Of course, you can find a large selection of traditional Moroccan clothing around Place des Ferblantiers and Avenue Houmann El Fetouaki. Be careful, often fabrics tend to be synthetic, construction is not so well made, designs or colors may be just drab. Quality is always the better buy.
The Medina, full of surprises, can be a source of inspiration for fashion, or home décor shopping, if you look beyond the first row.
To find modern interpretations of Tunics or kaftans in small boutiques, look in the back streets, the side streets, in places you wouldn’t think to find the unique. Don’t be deterred by an unassuming exterior of a non descript building.
Find concept stores, or small stylish boutiques around the Azbezt and Mouassine district. You may spot a tunic or two, or a pair of mules.
Just may be, there could be a pair of red velvet embroidered Babouche slippers that you just can’t resist.
Best of all, they take up almost no space in your suit case.
Enjoy,
Jasmin
more fun in Marrakesh in my next posts