Morocco's Timeless Allure: The Backdrop for a New Fashion Story

Last December, a Condé Nast Traveler team found the perfect stage for a Spring collections shoot not on a runway, but in Morocco. The country's enduring influence on fashion was evident in the SS26 shows, from Balmain's desert motifs to Michael Kors's relaxed silhouettes. We sought that same inspiration on location, drawn by the light, the dramatic scenery, and a deep tradition of artisan craft.

Our base in Marrakech was La Sultana, a sanctuary within the ancient medina. The hotel is a collection of five restored riads, a testament to meticulous preservation. In our riad, rooms opened onto a courtyard adorned with intricate tilework and carved balconies. The property's history is woven into its walls, originally a gift to a palace worker and later revived by master craftsmen using traditional methods. Evenings were spent dining under the stars on seafood sourced from the coast, followed by cocktails on a rooftop with views stretching to the Atlas Mountains.

For a complete change of pace, we traveled to the Atlantic coast and the quiet lagoon of Oualidia. Here, La Sultana Oualidia rises from the dunes like a fortress of calm. The rhythm of life is set by the sea. We sailed at dawn, ate freshly caught crab and lobster on a private beach, and sampled the local oysters for which the region is famous. The hotel facilitates a profound sense of ease, with discreet service attending to every detail.

Against these settings, models Chiara Scelsi and Alberto Perazzolo wore pieces that responded to the environment: vibrant hues for the sunset, sharp whites against earthy walls, and bold jewelry that elevated simple fabrics. As the light faded each day, the team gathered on a pier over the lagoon, sharing mint tea and a sense of quiet accomplishment, the Moroccan landscape having done its work as the ultimate collaborator.