MEET ME IN MARRAKESH
In her new book, Inside Marrakesh: Enchanting Homes and Gardens, Meryanne Loum-martin makes a moving case for the fabled city and its allure
Ahead of her new book, Inside Marrakesh, style icon Meryanne Loum-martin takes us into the world of character and craftsmanship that is
Moroccan design
When former Parisian lawyer-turned-taste-maker Meryanne Loum-martin first arrived in Morocco in 1985, she immediately knew she had met one of the two loves of her life: Marrakesh (her husband being the other). Meryanne elaborated on how, as an african city, Marrakesh shaped her aesthetic, as well as her life.
What was your motivation for writing this book?
I wanted it to be a tribute to the essence of Marrakesh. I also wanted it to be an expression of gratitude from us – the foreigners who live here and love it – for being an infinite source of inspiration. The city’s vibrance is rooted in a pervasive cosmopolitanism that forges ancient tradition with perpetual curiosity. at the same time, the Marrakesh sensibility also encourages individuality and cultivates the space for that individuality to flourish. given the city’s ancient roots, Marrakesh also permeates a refined grace. and it is in this manner that the city openly embraces anyone with cosmopolitan sophistication.
That is also what I wanted to express in the book. out of all the people whose properties and gardens I profile in the book, I happen to be the most culturally diverse one in terms of my origins. regardless of their ethnicity, all the foreigners living here share a single attribute: they have each created their own space that reflects their own, personal connection to the Marrakesh style.
How would you describe your connection to that style?
I immediately felt a sense of belonging when I first came to Marrakesh because the city allowed me to be my multiple selves. as a multi-ethnic woman who has lived in various places around the world, I am essentially a cosmopolitan bohemian. I have always had an unconventional outlook on life and my innate, cultural diversity continues to enrich me.
The Marrakesh style is so broad, rich and refined that it allows an individual design identity the range to carve out a unique space for itself, while still maintaining a distinct sense of the location. I do not know of any other places where there is such diversity of styles all originating from that one place itself – and then harmoniously culminate in such an eclectic individualism.
In terms of global design, where do you think Africa is positioning itself ?
I think africa is rapidly establishing – if not already established – itself as a leader in creativity. The reason for this is because of the continent’s long history of having to adapt to extreme poverty and socio-political volatility. although this is a big challenge on a continental scale, the people who live this reality daily have had to become more innovative to ensure their survival. When people are in need, they are more creative, and I am always struck by the level of work this need-based creativity produces in all fields – whether it be painting, textiles, design, fashion, or architecture. n
Inside Marrakesh: Enchanting Homes and Gardens (rizzoli) R1 364, loot.co.za