The Beauty of Moroccan Textiles & Where To Get Yours!

Morocco often called a tapestry of cultures, has had decades of cross-cultural interaction and several foreign influences that have led it to become the beautiful, rich country it is today. Every part of Morocco - its architecture, music, art - is a perfect representation of its multi-cultural populace and this diversity is most visible in its textiles! Morocco’s textile history began hundreds of years ago when the native African Berber women (an indigenous tribe of North Africa) began weaving for religious, spiritual, and magical purposes. This practice was then influenced by the influx of Jews, Arab travelers, and European missionaries, creating the style of Moroccan textiles that we know today.

The wool is sourced from the deep ends of the Atlas mountains, the fabric is dyed using 100 percent natural colors in various places, particularly Fez, and the infamous rugs are hand-woven by women groups across the country.

Some pieces to purchase when visiting Morocco are - Rugs, Ceramics, Trinkets, Candles, and other household ware. To help you out, here are six boutiques that you mustn’t miss out on!

Les Nomades Bennahid Nº40, Marrakesh, Derb Zaouiat Lahdar, Marrakech, Morocco +212 661344162, lesnomadesrugs@gmail.com

Les Nomades, Marrakech was established in 1993 by Namous Abderrahim, who came from a family of rug weavers. It is known for its contemporary rugs that incorporate traditional Berber weaving techniques and local materials, so the product is 100 percent Moroccan. Besides rugs, Les Nomades also creates carpets, blankets, kilim, festival tents, and more using cotton, silk, or naturally dyed wool. Though pioneers in creating vintage carpet designs, they also offer a range of modern, minimalist designs, and if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, they can even customize one for you!

Chabi Chic 322 Rue Principale, Marrakech, Morocco +212 808523037, contact.chabichic@gmail.com

If you’re looking for a lifestyle brand that combines traditional Moroccan crafting with current trends in the industry, Chabi Chic is the place for you. Established in 2013 by two Parisian women who settled in Morocco, it offers household goods, small furniture, furnishings, cosmetics, and even scents. With four stores in Marrakech and hundreds across the globe, it has grown to become a global brand, while preserving the age-old customs of Moroccan craftsmanship, making it the perfect place to shop for some trendy and contemporary pieces.

Salam Hello salamhello.com

Home to a collection of novelty textiles, handwoven by Berber women, Salam Hello has made a name for itself in the rug market despite being a fairly new store. An ethical, sustainable brand, it was started by an American woman to raise the living standards of the Berber women and produce artisanal Moroccan rugs available for people across the globe. Made from 100 percent sheep wool and dyed using all-natural ingredients, each thread of these rugs is hand-woven from start to finish. So if you’re interested in purchasing a one-of-a-kind rug, while at the same time supporting local female artisans, look no further than Salam Hello.

Soufiane Aissouni Rue Mohammed el Beqal, Marrakech 40000, Morocco +212 650947365, aissounis@gmail.com

Soufiane Aissouni is an innovative home decor brand based out of Marrakech. It puts a creative spin on classic Moroccan design, to create beautiful novelty pieces such as mirrors, candlesticks, lamps, and more! Employing only local craftspeople and inculcating authentic practices of Moroccan art, Soufiana Aissouni’s products are of brilliant quality. If you’re looking for home decor objects and you’ve got bold taste, this place will keep you captivated for hours!

Côté Bougie Lot N° 457, Qi Sidi Ghanem, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco +212 0524335764

A family-run specialty candles and fragrance business, Côté Bougie is the one-stop-shop for exquisite candles authentic to Morocco. It was founded in 2003 by a Moroccan woman to fuel her passion for home goods and give back to her community. Côté Bougie works with a women’s collective based in Essaouira, a port city of Morocco, and is a sustainable brand that uses 100 percent plant-based wax for its candles. Besides exclusive scented candles, you can also find reed diffusers and room sprays, all of which come in an array of fragrances - floral, gourmet, and oriental - that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort!

LRNCE 59 Rue Sidi Ghanem، Marrakesh 40000, Morocco +212 524200108

A lifestyle brand founded in 2013 by a Belgian woman who was charmed by the idea of channeling the bustling energy of Morocco’s cities into ceramics and other art. LRNCE is famous for taking an unusual mix of traditional Moroccan elements and creating

If you happen to visit Morocco and are looking for something exquisite to take back home, be it a natural wool rug or a floral-scented candle, visiting at least one of these stores is a must!

Photos courtesy of: @micolballerin, @theloveassembly, @chabichicmorocco, @salemhello_, @soufianeaissouni, @cotebougiemarrakech, @lrnce