So here you are, in my personal Moroccan bubble that I hope will inspire you.
I grew up in Morocco in a traditional Moroccan family in Salé, one of Morocco oldest cities. My Mother’s family was very attached to tradition. One of my happiest memories were in my aunt’s little sewing shop, playing with colors, materials, patterns and learning how to sew, knit and embroider.
We regularly used to spend afternoons walking the Medina narrow streets, entering each small shop, looking for the rights fabrics, colors and sewing threads to create gorgeous Moroccan tablecloths, Caftans or Djelabbas. I remember how happy I was to be part of the group, and how my mother and aunts would grow my excitement by allocating a small time to shop the materials for my personal sewing projects.
What I was living resembled my mother’s childhood. While she was growing up, she used to create Moroccan rugs with her sisters and mother, which were exported to France. Unfortunately, as she was the only sibling going to school, she quickly stopped participating in this routine to only focus on her studies.
The same thing happened to me. The lovely and sweet afternoons in my auntie’s shop, sewing and listening to music, disappeared little by little as I grew older and as I started IT engineering in France. For many years, the only times I could reconnect with my passion were during the summers, when I came back to Morocco for vacation and could go to the Medina to explore the small shops and the craftsmen creations. Till now, Moroccan Medinas have a special place in my heart, especially ancient Moroccan Medinas like in Marrakech and Fez.
I also grew up listening to my mother’s stories about her childhood. My favorite stories were about the way Moroccan women used to take care of their skin and hair, how they used to dress and the beautiful jewelry designs that almost completely disappeared. Her stories contrasted a lot with what I was seeing in that time, a Morocco thirsty of modernity where tradition was seen by many as a flaw, while the Morocco she grew up in in the 60s and 70s was a beautiful mix of tradition and modernity.
Gorgeous Moroccan woman in the 70s wearing a traditional Djellaba and covering her face with a silk scarf. Covering the face was a sign of modesty and had nothing to do with religion.
A year ago, I finally decided to reconnect with my passion in a more formal and organized way. I quit my corporate job in Paris and started learning about Moroccan history, culture, fashion, and design. My love of Morocco culture and traditions grew bigger, and you know what? I have never been more in phase with my self and what I love.
I hope you enjoy my journey and you find your inspiration. Either you want to visit Morocco, cook traditional Moroccan dishes, or add a Moroccan touch to your closet or home decor. As we say in Morocco, ”Marhaba” (welcome).
Love,
xx
Safa