Marrakech, Morocco: and a tale of Shay Mitchell at Peacock Pavilions & with Project Soar

This Spring has been full of surprises.  One of them was hanging out with the adorable Pretty Little Liars Actress Shay Mitchell.

We spent some time at Peacock Pavilions.  Of course, Shay matched the decor.  

I was thrilled when Shay did a blog post that included Peacock Pavilions.  You can check it out here.  

Shay also did a lot of shopping at the M.Montague Souk, including for the gorgeous black sequinned wedding blanket I designed and matching black sequinned cushions, as well as my own eye cushions, a red sequined kilim, a classic Moroccan wedding blanket, peacock hooks that I designed, my book, Marrakesh by Design, and quite a few other items! Pinch me!

Perhaps most importantly, Shay demonstrated her big heart.  She is a champion for underprivileged women and girls worldwide.  Accordingly, she came to activities of Project Soar, the non-profit organization I founded to support underserved girls in Marrakech.  Her words were so inspiring to the Project Soar girls!  

Shay  did a little video of her time in Morocco, including at Peacock Pavilions and Project Soar (as well as the shopping we did together in Marrakech!).  

In even more fun news, I did a guest post for Shay on her blog on how to throw a Moroccan cocktail party, with recipes and decor. Take a peek and throw your own party!

Marrakech, Morocco: and a tale of my being an on air host for CNN

Dear friends,

Having lived in Marrakesh, and several other cities overseas, I have depended on CNN International, not only as a news source, but also as a gateway into culture all around the world.  In particular, have always loved their feature shows, like Inside Africa and Inside the Middle East. And as far as personal role models go, reporter and anchor Hala Gorani tops my list of everything desirable in a woman - intrepid, smart, compassionate and beautiful.

So it was such a thrill for me last July to work with CNN on a CNNGo Marrakech episode.  It was ridiculously fun being on air explaining Marrakech from a hot air balloon, taking viewers shopping in the Moroccan souks, and talking about the magic (and sheer craziness) of the snake charmers on the Jemma el Fnaa Square.

I am very excited to be giving it another whirl, this time on the show, African Voices.  I'll be featured in an upcoming episode as one of three designers in Africa.  I will be talking about my creative process, sharing items that I've designed in the M.Montague Souk and then taking viewers into Marrakech to show them my inspirations -- including all the beautiful visuals of this chaotic and amazing city I now call home.  

Here are some quick pics from my day with CNN.

This episode of African Voices will air in July!  I'll keep you posted.  

With love from my Moroccan olive grove,

Maryam in Marrakesh

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Morocco: and a tale of how to set a bohemian chic table

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I love to throw a #tribalchic parties at Peacock Pavilions and Spring and Summer are the perfect seasons to add color and pattern.  I snip branches of bougainvillea from the garden and add them to the overhead lighting.

Roses from the garden are nestled into ceramic Moroccan tea glasses.  My own embroidered peacock feather napkins (coming to my souk soon!) add a stylish graphic touch.

The major splash of color and pattern comes from the table cloth.  Each of these long lengths of tribal fabric are one of a kind and hand dyed.  They can be used in so many ways - on beds, tables and for canopies!

I add a custom nameplate, candles and scatter bougainvillea on the table for yet another color layer.  

Let the party begin!

Free shipping on these gorgeous textiles until May 15!  $10 from every sale benefits Project Soar.  Maybe it's time for your own gypsy chic party?

Images by talented Natalie Opocensky