Happy Tuesday, my studious students.
The single-subject focus for today's class is shopping. Shopping in Marrakesh is bewildering to say the least and can be downright maddening to say the most. How can one choose from the hundreds of souk-stalls in this maze of serpentine streets, overflowing with pottery, lanterns, bags, caftans, teapots, carpets, jewelry, spices, herbs... and more and more...? It might be impossible. Now don't bite those fingernails in despair. This isn't a pop quiz.
To help solve this dilemma, here is a short round-up (Part 1) of a few speciality shops enclosed within the persimmon-colored ramparts known as the medina.
Mustapha Blaoui : 144 Rue Bab Doukkala 011/212-024-38-52-40
If desperate times call for desperate measures and you can only spare a few hours to find a nice selection of things to buy, this one-stop shop might just be the ticket to calm those overzealous nerves of yours. The owners of some of the most stylish riads load up on just about everything at this coveted spot.
Kif Kif : 8 Rue El Ksour 011/212-061-08-20-41
A charming boutique with a selection of original artisanal goodies - breezy cotton tunics, pop-art totes, silvery poufs, sorbet-hued knit toy camels, and djellaba nightgowns for the tots. A three-piece ring inscribed with "I Love You " in Arabic, French & English was darling, but it was the tea glasses with hand-painted Moroccan motifs that caught my attention.
Kulchi : 1 Rue El Ksour 011/212-024-43-77-02
A stone's throw from Kif Kif, the local boho-chic love the whimsical, girly frocks and beach-ready caftans made from vintage 70s fabrics at this sweet little shop owned by French owner, Florence Taranne.
Assouss Argane : 94 Mouassine (Entrance on Rue Sidi El Yamami) 011-212-024-38-01-25
Day tripping to Essaouira? If not, step into this modern depot selling (hushed voice) liquid gold, or perhaps better known as argan oil. Made from the nuts of the argan trees, indigenous to the highway that stretches from landlocked Marrakesh to the lovely little bohemian seaside city 3 hours away, Moroccan's swear by its age-defying miracles to soften the crinkliest of foreheads and eyes.
+ Michi : 19-21 Souk Lakchachbia 011/212-061-86-44-07
See here.
All this traipsing around in this dusty labyrinth making your tummy grumble? Head to the airy beauty, Terrasse des Epices (it's owned by the same guy who owns Cafe des Epices) on Souk Cherifa for delicious tidbits where you can while away the noon (or evening) hours under swaying lanterns.
Ready to kick down those heels? Let's go!
Stephanie Jewels : 15 Souk Cherifa 011/212-613-70-70-221
If you aren't laden down with your unbelievable loot already, on the same floor as Terrasse des Epices, head straight to this petite boutique for long chain necklaces with hammered disks and rings adorned with stones from Parisian expat Stephanie Giribone. Drape yourself with her delicate gold bling and the boys back home might not be the only thing wrapped around your finger.
Akbar Delights : Place Bab Fteuh 011/212-071-66-13-07
Tucked away in the bustling Place - next to the shimmering teapot stalls - you just might miss this pint-sized luxe boutique. A favorite haunt amongst the jet set, their jewel-encrusted, sequin-adored garb is Moroccan design reinterpreted from mostly chic Indian textiles. Perfect to lounge about your Elle-Decor worthy riad or to wear to your dinner party in fabulous comfort.
Kasbek : 216 Rue Riad Zitoun El Jedid 011/212-063-77-56-90
And speaking of fabulous, this teeny-tiny, go-to shop encapsulates some big glamour a la Talitha Getty. Save up your pennies and splurge in one of their gorgeous vintage caftans. No special two are alike. Rest assured you won't be caught in the latest season's "it" dress at the next soiree you crash. Spanx, not required.
Back to the riad, we go...
Class dismissed :)
(images : photo 1/4 from Indagare, 2/4 linked to their sources)
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