I was fortunate enough to set foot on the great continent of Africa again, this time in the Kingdom of Morocco. After touching down in Casablanca, we took a short flight to the ancient imperial city of Marrakech.
Established in 1062, Marrakech is a tale of two cities. Inside the sandstone walls you will find the medina, or the old city, home to snake charmers, ceramic pottery, and a never ending supply of couscous. Outside of the red walls lies a modern urban city replete with luxury boutiques, shiny sports cars, and palm tree lined streets. Somewhere in between lies the Jardin Majorelle.
In 1922, the famous painter Jaques Majorelle began creating a garden featuring a striking cobalt, that would come to be known as Majorelle blue. Sometime after his death, the garden fell into disrepair and in 1980, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Berge purchased Jardin Majorelle, saving it from becoming a hotel complex.
Berge and Saint Laurent made the garden their home and the designer took inspiration from the plants and bold colors that were often seen in his collections. Today, the grounds are home to a small cafe, boutique, and a museum dedicated to Berber history and culture.
I wore a white high waisted bonded crepe draped asymmetrical pencil skirt with split from Australian brand Nicholas paired with a white cross back crop top from ABS. I found these two pieces separately, but the fabrics were nearly identical. I love that when worn together, they give the illusion of a dress. The scarf I used to cover my hair is actually a kanga, a rectangular cotton fabric traditionally worn around the waist by East African women. This was one of the two I purchased from the Maasai Market in Nairobi. On my feet, my favorite Giuseppe Zanotti black suede sandals with a recessed heel.
Jardin Majorelle is stunning. Lush and abundant with warmth, it is a place to spend an afternoon with someone you love.
Yves Saint Laurent passed away in June of 2008. His ashes were scattered in the rose garden.
PHOTOS BY JTB