Travel Inspo: Morocco
A colorful moroccan adventure: Marrakech, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fez and Tangier
Our Moroccan adventure took me on a whirlwind journey through many vibrant cities where I fell in love with the country's rich culture, incredible centuries-old craftsmanship, and intoxicating colors. To make it even more special, I traveled with my oldest childhood friend.
Given our packed itinerary covering five cities, we opted for a private driver, and Omar turned out to be an exceptional local guide. His recommendations for riads and restaurants, coupled with his knowledge for steering us towards off-the-beaten-path destinations, truly enhanced our experience, immersing us in the authentic essence of Moroccan culture. Omar's thoughtfulness extended to providing impromptu history lessons during our journeys, making our trip both enlightening and unforgettable.
Marrakech pattern inspiration
L: Marrakech airport M: YSL Museum R: Riad
Marrakech: Where exotic charm and timeless traditions unite
We started in Marrakech, a bustling city that never sleeps, where we were charmed by its lively medina. The crowded souks overwhelmed our senses with vibrant hues and aromatic spices. Amidst the lively chaos, Jardin Majorelle offered us a tranquil retreat, with its lush greenery and pops of striking blue buildings that blend art deco and Moorish influences. The peak of inspiration, for me, was the work of legendary fashion designer Yves St. Laurent at the YSL Marrakech Museum. His innovative and powerful designs moved me to tears. A must see!
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Casablanca: The majestic Hassan II Mosque, a stunning example of architectural grandeur
After Marrakech, we made a quick stop in Casablanca to visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque. Its impressive architecture and intricate details left both of us in awe, providing a glimpse into Morocco's religious heritage. The mosque can accommodate a maximum of 105,000 worshippers – 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside ground. This must be an incredible sight when completely filled with devotees.
Colors of Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen: A tranquil blue-hued city nestled in the Rif Mountains
Continuing our journey, we headed to Chefchaouen, nestled within the Rif Mountains, which felt like stepping into a fairytale. The entire town painted in soothing shades of blue created a peaceful ambiance. We lost ourselves in the narrow cobblestone streets on the hunt for local art to take home.
Fez Doors
Fez: An ancient city established in the 9th century, rich in history and cultural treasures
Fez, often hailed as the cultural capital of the country, draws visitors with its medieval Marinid architecture, lively souks, and enchanting old-world allure. We were fortunate to be accompanied by a knowledgeable local Fez guide, as getting lost in this ancient city is very common. Despite Omar's familiarity with Fez, he recognized the importance of finding an expert guide for us. Our chosen guide led us through the intricate maze of Old Fez, revealing stunning mosques, tanneries, and ornate palaces.
We were able to explore pottery in the Ain Nokbi district just outside the Medina. We saw firsthand the city's cherished artisanal heritage. Renowned for its traditional methods, Fez pottery showcases intricate hand-painted designs and vibrant colors, often featuring geometric patterns and floral motifs. Visiting the city's historic pottery workshops, we saw skilled artisans carrying on this centuries-old craft with great pride.
Perhaps the highlight of our stay in Fez was hearing the ethereal Call to Prayer that resonated across the city while we stood on a rooftop. The haunting melody enveloped me completely. I will never forget it.
Tangier at sunset from our riad rooftop
Tangier: Overlooking the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean
As our trip drew to a close, we spent a night in Tangier. We had cocktails at sunset on the rooftop of our riad and enjoyed a delicious meal at Le Salon Bleu.
The port city offered a unique blend of European and Moroccan influences. The distance between Tangier Port to Tarifa Port in Spain is only 17 nautical miles. Only an hour ferry ride away!
Before your Moroccan adventure: the one book you should read
Before traveling to Morocco, I read "The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca" by Tahir Shah. I highly recommend it! Not only does it give you great insight into the incredible Moroccan culture, but Shah's storytelling and fierce sense of humor make for an engaging read.
Blue tagine inspired by the colors of Chefchaouen.
Bringing Morocco home: culinary and art inspirations
When I returned home, the magic of Morocco lingered in my mind, inspiring me to recreate tangible memories. I made two tagines - one in cyan reminiscent of Chefchaouen's blue streets (pictured above), and another in terracotta evoking the earthy hues of Marrakech. These cone-shaped cooking vessels are integral to Moroccan cuisine. My favorite find in Marrakech were the African beaded masks. There's nothing quite like bringing home local art as a souvenir from your travels.
Pattern inspo
This year, I wanted to try my hand at sculpting larger pieces. Without a set plan, I started by throwing multiple concave cylinders and pieced them together to form a horn-like structure. With the playful shape, I decided to utilize bold colors found throughout the medina. While in Marrakech, I was drawn to the beautiful inlay side tables with stripe patterns, which inspired the glaze pattern and colors. I think it definitely captures the energetic vibe of Morocco.
Bazaar Fusion, 2023
Chefchauoen Chi
“As my Creative Director, Janette catapulted our brand onto the global scene. I had no doubt that her venture into ceramics would offer a unique eye and reach a new level of artistic expression.”