Marrakech has long attracted the creative set. Among those inspired by the rich colours of the city and ancient crafts of the Moroccan and Berber communities were Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Balmain and Serge Lutens. Walking around, it’s easy to see how it ignites creativity. From the snaking labyrinths of the terracotta-tinged clay medina to the ornate palaces in marble and zellige tiles, everything is hand cut and plastered.
Former run-down buildings have been made into new riads by age-old techniques. It was this respect for the past and dedication to craftmanship that first drew Belgian artist Laurence Leenaert to Marrakech in 2015. After finding success with her striking ceramics and textile label and studio, LRNCE, the artist together with her husband Ayoub Boualam, decided to build the five-bedroom riad, Rosemary.
