The Best of Talitha Getty, Heiress of Bohemian Marrakech Style

The Best of Talitha Getty, Heiress of Bohemian Marrakech Style

I am fascinated with the history of Morocco in the prodigious 60 and 70s. I was first introduced to this era by my parents who witnessed its vitality and audacity as young adults. Morocco in those wild decades was the stopover for many artists and intellectuals. Talitha Getty was one of them.

Born in Java, Indonesia in the early 1940s, Talitha Pol grew up in a family of creatives. The world remembers her as the pioneer of the gypsy, bohemian-chic style. Her Indonesian cradle was probably behind her fascination for embroideries, colors, and oriental scents, which she brought as a style icon to the Swinging London socialite scene.

Married in 1966 to American oil tycoon John Paul Getty Jr., Talitha, and her spouse settled in Marrakech and made Le Palais Da Zahir their home and the main stop for jet setters visiting Marrakech. Yves St. Laurent, who also resided in Marrakech, was a good friend. The Beatles and the Rolling Stones spent a Christmas together in their hedonic palace. There were many parties as Talitha knew how to throw a bash.

Immortalized at her Marrakech palace by photographer Patrick Lichfield for an editorial in Vogue 1970 – before her tragic death in 1971 – the photographs are still iconic. Mixing luxury and nonchalance, long caftans, turbans, and pearl necklaces, they embody the quintessence of the bohemian chic style she invented.

What a beautiful bohemian dress right? This is called in the Moroccan dialect Kachaba, a casual and comfortable dress worn around the house when hanging out. The Kachaba can be worn as is, or a belt – Hzam – can be added to define the silhouette.

The embroideries in the Kachaba are usually handmade and very delicate, adding to the charm and femininity of the dress. They can represent flowers and leaves as well as mix different shapes (lozenges, stars, etc) that carry cultural meanings of love, fertility, and protection.

Talitha Getty was the queen of outdoor parties in Marrakech! Moroccan outdoor decor had no secrets for her, and she loved to mix and match colors and fabrics, Berber rugs, artisanal pillows, as well as materials. If you enjoy Bohemian Interior design and appreciate the artistry and free spirit of Talitha Getty, you’ll probably love Bohemian Moroccan outdoor decor.

Talitha Getty loved to wear traditional Berber necklaces as statement pieces. Real traditional Berber necklaces are made with quality sterling silver and genuine gemstones like amber and turquoise. They usually feature charms and talismans gathered throughout the years and worn to channel love, protection, and prosperity. This traditional Berber necklace – $650 – is a personal favorite and very similar to the Berber necklaces Talitha Getty used to wear. It’s a beautiful necklace that can be passed down through generations, handmade by Berber women using vintage gemstones and charms.

For a more affordable alternative, this genuine onyx necklace – $99 – which I designed – is inspired by antique Berber jewelry pieces. It’s very elegant and minimalistic, yet with a beautiful bohemian vibe that will look gorgeous on any woman dressed up or down.