Growing up, my mother was the best dressed woman I knew. Petite and Iranian, she had her clothes tailored to match her size 2 frame. She fit into the sample sizes and took advantage of designer sales in a hundred mile radius. Unlike the other mothers in our relaxed Westchester New York community who lived in tennis skirts, my mother was always dressed stylishly, her thick mane of black hair coiffed, her make up impeccable. Her closet was also a place of childhood fascination -- the closets opened to well ordered perfection, with clothes categorized and pressed, ostrich and snakeskin handbags lined up, shoes kept in their original boxes.

Growing up with a mother like that, I couldn't help but be inspired. I have always been interested in clothes and follow my own peculiar bohemian modern style. I've also drawn sartorial inspiration for interiors -- the stitching, the cut, and the embroidered details, transforming themselves into cushions, bedding and upholstery.

Living in Africa, it's particularly exhilarating to receive a sleek black box from Net-a-Porter, my online seller of choice, where purchases are made furtively and without husband approval. Whether it's a Rick Owens leather jacket, a Proenza Schouler coat, or a Chloe bag. A few items (because I really can't afford more) but treasured and worn season after season.

So it's a pinch-me thrill to be featured in Net-a-Porter's beautiful magazine, Porter. I'm so grateful to be included in not one, but two stories, one on Marrakech and another on Peacock Pavilions. Very thankful also for the kind words on passion project, Project Soar, and on my online boutique, Red Thread Souk.

Many many thanks for words by Porter Magazine's Travel Director, the fascinating Catherine Fairweather, as well as author and friend Dominic Bradbury. Also a thank you and shoukran to the crazy but amazing photographer Michael Turek.