The Best of Talitha Getty, Heiress of Bohemian Marrakech Style

Talitha Getty is deeply linked to Morocco. She was a big fashion muse for many, impacting Morocco and the international fashion sphere a few decades ago, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, a period in Morocco I am fascinated by. In those wild decades, Morocco was the stopover for many artists and intellectuals, including Talitha Getty. If you love Talitha Getty’s fashion, jewelry, and her palace’s interior design, then keep on reading for a deeper dive into the parts of Moroccan culture she beautifully embraced.

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 to the Swinging London socialite scene as a style icon.

Married in 1966 to American oil tycoon John Paul Getty Jr., Talitha Getty and her spouse settled in Marrakech, making 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, and 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 embody the quintessence of the bohemian chic style she invented.

What a beautiful bohemian dress, right? In the Moroccan dialect, it is called a 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 and mix different shapes (lozenges, stars, etc.) with 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, and materials. Some of her favorite pieces to mix and match were the colorful and embroidered Moroccan pillows and Moroccan poufs.

Talitha Getty loved to wear traditional Berber necklaces as statement pieces. Genuine 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 is a 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.

Last Updated on June 17, 2024 by Safaa (founder of moroccanzest)