Caftan 2013: a tale of backstage in Marrakech

The tickets to Morocco's biggest fashion show -- Caftan 2013 -- had been sold out for a year.  Everyone, yes, everyone, was waiting for it to begin.

Today was the day.

Backstage, the anticipation was beginning to mount.  There were the loveliest caftans -- Morocco's equivalent of evening wear -- waiting on hangers...

Amazing pieces of Moroccan haute couture, upwards of $5000. 

Each caftan more stunning than the next.

The fabrics were sumptuous....

The detailing amazing...

The models -- lucky Arabian princesses for an evening -- began trying on their Moroccan caftans...

Their heels...towering....

Their accessories excessive....

On stage, future mannequins practiced their poses....

The doors to Marrakech's congressional palace then swung open.  Oh!

The city's beautiful people had arrived.

Wearing bejeweled dresses.

There were kisses for the soon-to-be entertainment....

And bites of the canapes...

But then it was lights......

and action!  The show was about to begin.....!

PS I'll be posting on Caftan 2013 all week -- truly one of the most exquisite and surprising events I've ever been to.  Stay tuned or subscribe and don't miss a post.

Marrakech: and a tale of dreaming

It began about three years ago. The dreaming. I began to dream vividly – all night, every night. My dreams began to wake me up, not just once but several times a night. They still do.

Sometimes I dream that amazing things will happen to me – opportunities so incredible that I want to jump straight into the air in happiness. I believe that these dreams are meant to encourage me.

Sometimes I dream hurtful and horrible outcomes, replete with betrayals and lies. I believe that these dreams tap into my inner fears and are meant to teach me.

Sometimes I dream in parables, with characters who speak in couplets or riddles. I believe that these dreams are meant to give me signs and send me messages.

{I once dreamt three nights in a row a continuing conversation with the Moroccan King -- he explained to me in detail his vision for building Morocco.}

And sometimes I dream situations that seem to come true the following day, or the following week, like a film preview of what is to come. Only it’s my life.

It all happens….in my dreams.

Do you dream?

 

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Marrakesh: and a tale of Peacock Pavilions and its cocktails

It must be Spring time because I'm serving cocktails at Peacock Pavilions made with flowers and herbs from our organic garden.  

*hibiscus flower cocktail with tequila  
*lemongrass lemonade with gin 
*lavender lovely with vodka.  {to name just a few}  

Every cocktail starts with a homemade simple syrup infused over low heat with the herb or flower.  It couldn't be easier but it's still special and unexpected.

{So I know it's Monday but cocktail, anyone?}

What are you drinking at your place?

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Marrakech: a tale of design at Peacock Pavilions

Peacock Pavilions is a handmade place.  In a long fit of craziness, it's all made by hand (right down to the cement pavers of the paths, for which we made molds, mixed the cement and poured on site).   When I look around my home, I see a series of projects strung together, one memory after another.  There are parts that are wonky and parts that are plain old not right.  But like a homemade cake, it's still suprisingly delicious to me (especially with great whirls of frosting).

My dear friend Melanie Royals is in Marrakech for her annual decorative painting retreat at Peacock Pavilions with a group of very talented painters. This time, we've collaborated on something very special.  Here's a little peek.

What do you think? Pretty right?

PS A set of one of a kind Moroccan cushions in Red Thread Souk.  Fantastic talismanic patterns (and price includes shipping!).  Add bohmian flair to your home in a flash!