Lanterns, slipper-shoes, kaftans—choicest Moroccan finds in Manila

Rustan’s presents authentic Morocco in August festival

Rustan’s brings the heart of Morocco to the Philippines at the 5th Level of Rustan’s Makati. This August, Rustan’s brings the sights, sounds, tastes and feel of this exotic city through its monthlong festival, “Le Coeur du Maroc” (The Heart of Morocco), in partnership with HSBC, Fairmont Makati and the Moroccan National Tourism Office, represented by Mr. Khalid Fathi.

Shoppers will find a wide range of authentic Moroccan home items, fashion pieces, beauty products, and delectable Moroccan cuisine.

For discerning shoppers, Rustan’s has scoured Morocco for the greatest finds, from intricately decorated tajines and ceramic plates, to handmade rugs, baskets and bags.

Straight from Marrakesh’s Jemaa el-Fna Square are Moroccan tea glasses hand-painted by Casablanca’s skilled artisans, as well as lanterns, lamps and silverware hand-hammered by master metalworkers. Halls are decorated with one-of-a-kind scented candles.

Often referred to as “liquid gold,” argan oil is produced from kernels of the argan tree endemic to Morocco.

Rustan’s also presents a variety of serums and soaps infused with argan oil, as well as 100 percent pure oil, known to be rich in nutrients beneficial for the skin and hair.

There will be ladies’ accessories and fashion pieces with intricate hand embroidery and beading.

The Babouche are the fashionable flat, slipper-like shoes with exaggerated pointed toes, also available at Rustan’s.

There is also a wonderful array of scarves, kaftans and Djellaba that showcases traditional and modern styles and patterns.

There is also stunning fashion jewelry like tassel earrings and beaded necklaces.

Famed Moroccan designer Fatim-Zahra Ettalbi will visit in August to showcase her collection in a by-invitation-only event to introduce her brand Zain to a special group of Rustan’s VIP shoppers.

On Aug. 1-8, Moroccan musicians will perform, while talented artisans will do free henna painting (free with a minimum P3,000 purchase of Moroccan merchandise).

There is an Arabic calligraphy demo workshop Aug. 1-10, for a minimum P5,000 purchase.

For the first week of the Festival, foodies can sample the Moroccan dishes by one of Morocco’s most famous chefs, chef Moha Fedal, resident judge on “Master Chef Morocco,” at Rustan’s Casablanca Café. The celebrity chef will do special cooking demos.

Red kaftan with maroon and white embroidery

Hand-carved Moroccan arch mirror

Silver-plated teapot and sugar bowl and Cristo tea glasses

Red decorated bowl, yellow and purple floral handstitched placemat, and Moroccan market basket with orange handstitched design

Moroccan market basket with black and yellow handstitched design

Moroccan market basket with aqua hand-stitched design

Safi blue and white condiment dish and purple handwoven placemat

Yellow and purple floral hand-stitched placemat

Multicolored napkin rings with finial decoration and blue pashmina shawl with embroidery

Orange tajine and red and black pashmina shawl with embroidery