This season, we bring to you the eclectic spirit of Moroccan art and design.
Titled Kenza, which roughly translates to ‘hidden treasure’ in Arabic, the collection is a modern reinterpretation of a hidden cultural gem that lies in the heart of Marrakech – Palais de la Zahia. La Zahia was home to the ’60s fashion icon Talitha Getty, a Dutch model and actor, who spent her days in Marrakech with her husband Paul Getty in the luxury of this nineteenth century villa.
La Zahia, a key aspect of Getty’s self-indulgent lifestyle, is a seamless extension of her personal style – equal parts exquisite and alluring. Every recess and corner of the villa indulges your senses. Be it the sculpted arches and bannisters, the magnificent doorways engraved with intricate foliage, the resplendent colours and curvilinear art, or the terrace with a scenic view of Marrakech and an outline of Mount Atlas in the distance.
Interestingly, this is the same terrace where Talitha and her husband Paul posed leisurely for photographer Patrick Lichfield in the year 1969. This Vogue photograph has since then become iconic.
A continuation of AMPM’s SS‘20 Africa-inspired line, this season Creative Director Priyanka Modi traverses further north of the continent and draws aesthetic influences from Talitha Getty’s vibrant Moroccan style and tasteful décor. Think handcrafted zellij tiles, geometric berber carpets, elaborate wood marquetry and arabesque patterns on hand-painted ceramics. Filtering these infinitely detailed craft forms through AMPM‘s artistic prism, this collection creates a visual balance of timeless virtuosity and modern finesse.
Depicted through breezy tunics, chic jackets, relaxed dhoti pants and signature printed scarves, these silhouettes are presented in a rich composition of effervescent hues like lime green, deep Prussian-blue and pure ivory, to name a few. Distinct, symmetrical motifs, which reimagine authentic Moroccan patterns, are further complemented with indigenous techniques such as dori work, single-thread embroidery and artisanal appliqué.
“Artistry, especially from interiors and spaces, has been a recurring source of inspiration for me. This season, I was drawn towards Talitha Getty’s vibrant Moroccan style and tasteful décor. The entire design process was deeply satisfying because it gave me a chance to connect with my creative core, while staying true to what AMPM stands for.” – Priyanka Modi, Creative Director, AMPM.
Explore the collection here.
Photographer: Pranoy Sarkar; Model: Sheryl Annie Bennett; Hair and makeup: Sultan Khan
