Morocco Meets Paris

French style is often associated with a smart and sober palette of neutrals. However, French haute couture has a long history of embracing bold couleur—a trend influenced by designer Yves Saint Laurent who found his muse in the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco.

“Before Marrakesh, everything was black,” said Saint Laurent, who purchased a home in the city with his long-time partner, Pierre Bergé. “This city taught me colour, and I embraced its light, its insolent mixes and ardent inventions. It was when I discovered Morocco that I realised my own chromatism was that of Moroccan caftans, zelliges, zouacs, and jellabas.”

Capture the look: Pair the georgette flutter sleeve dress with the Marrakesh print scarf either tied in a slip knot around your neck or in your hair as a bandana. Complete the look with the cluster droplet earrings for that essential je ne sais quoi.

Marrakesh was a continuous source of inspiration for the designer. Many of his iconic collections referenced the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of traditional Berber clothing, spurring an interplay between French haute couture and Moroccan craftsmanship that still exists today.

Among Moroccan traditional garments, the kaftan has had arguably the largest impact on French fashion. A kaftan is a luxury item characterised by ornate embroidery, sumptuous fabrics, and breath-taking ornamentation. Many high-end Parisian boutiques and department stores offer intricately woven kaftans among their collections.

Capture the look: Style the embroidered blouse with the Classique 25 denim jeans to incorporate Moroccan-style effervescence into your spring/summer wardrobe. Accessorise the look with the fuchsia bauble hoop earrings and the Camilla sneaker for a modern take.

Popular prêt à porter brands have also included contemporary interpretations of the kaftan in their spring and summer collections, praising the garment’s breathability and stylish silhouette. It’s easy to understand why, as kaftans offer that mélange parfait of comfort, quality, and elegance cherished by Parisian stylists.

Capture the look: Drape the trim detail kaftan over the Classique 25 jeans for an effortlessly chic spring look. Complement the outfit with the Harli cross strap sandals in tan, Moroccan swirl earrings, and the Belle Bow trim fedora.

If you want an up-close look at Saint Laurent’s life in Morocco and its influence on his work, visit the Jardin Majorelle and Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakesh.

The Jardin Majorelle was originally the home of the French painter Jacques Majorelle, who built this vibrant and luxuriant garden as a botanical sanctuary. In 1980, Saint Laurent and Bergé purchased the property and renamed it Villa Oasis. Now, it’s a museum that hosts an exhibit on Berber culture as well as a 9,000 m² lush garden that visitors can stroll through.

What to wear: The ¾ sleeve linen shirt and the ⅞ tapered pant offer an ideal blend of comfort and laid-back sophistication, parfait for a café with friends or a trip to Morocco. Complete the look with the Hillary heeled loafer, crochet Raffia woven basket, and the Moroccan swirl earrings.

“For many years, the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colours.” - Yves Saint Laurent

After visiting the garden, walk three minutes to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech and explore the museum’s collection of archived YSL designs that reflect the cultural interplay between French haute couture and Moroccan motifs.

What to wear: Dress to impress while remaining comfortable and breezy with the linen silk blouse tucked into the Classique 25 denim jeans. Accessorise with the Moroccan swirl earrings. linen and silk reflect the two largest fabric exports of France and Morocco.

“The right colour can change your mood, your outlook on life, and even your personality.” - Yves Saint Laurent

Although French style has an eternal appeal that can often feel fixed, it also encompasses a fluid blend of diverse cultural inspirations, reinterpreted through a quintessentially French sense. Perhaps it’s this ability to adapt while staying true to itself that makes French style so timeless.

A note from the design team~
“This collection embraces Yves’s love of playful colour combinations with vibrant shades of rose, fuchsia, rich purple, olive, and some unexpected pops of bright orange and aqua. The cotton trims, vibrant embroidery, and tile print are inspired by Moroccan culture. We hope that you love this joyful collection as much as we do!”

À bientôt!