I first met Asmaa Benkirane on the rooftop of the Betsy Hotel on South Beach. I remember it well: it was a ruthlessly hot day. I was there to shoot a Miami spa month story for Deco Drive and I was trying not to sweat bullets through my new, bright green Moroccan style sundress. Wishful thinking…
Within 30 seconds of stepping onto the ocean front, open-air spa veranda, sweat started beading onto my upper lip and traces of moisture trickled down my back. I’m not gonna lie; I was pretty miserable, but I adored the spirit of the people pitching and presenting the story, so I was in it; sweaty neck, back, dress and all.
By the way, sometimes not even that uber-thick, pancake-like television make-up can withstand the South Florida heat. So, you just melt and try to make the best of it. Just as I started dabbing the dampness from my face with the back of my hand, Asmaa walked out of the hotel and into the blistering heat like a cool summer breeze.
She was light, airy and incredibly good-natured. She complimented me on my dress immediately, which would win any woman over, but when she told me she owned a store that specialized in couture kaftans, it caught my attention. Coincidentally, I had just purchased the pretty aforementioned green dress a few weeks prior at Anthropology. I loved its delicate detailing, flowing fit and the way it reminded me of something a woman in Morocco would wear.
The shoot went really well, thanks to Public Relations guru, Michelle Payer and Spa Manager, Marizza Contreras. Before I knew it, we weren’t just having fun, we were (dramatic pause here) finished. EARLY. For the record, I never finish stories early. It was like “A Christmas Miracle” in July. So, the girls and I (Michelle, Marizza and Asmaa, who was one of the models in the story,) went for a lite bite and an adult beverage.
In the dashing (and air conditioned) Art Deco lobby of the hotel, we laughed and cried as we all took turns sharing stories about men, marriage problems, medical struggles and, when Asmaa took the floor, Morocco; her beloved North African home. She was born and raised in the beautiful seaside city of Casablanca. It’s one of the biggest and most important cities on the “Mother Continent.”
Morocco itself is said to be an intoxicating mix of “Middle Eastern magic, Berber Tradition and European flair.”It also reflects the cultures of countries that have ruled it throughout history (like Spain and France.) People there are sophisticated, worldly and are known to command many different languages: Arab, French and Spanish to name a few and yes, Asmaa speaks them, too.
Her stories about her boyfriend, family and country intrigued me; her warmth, charm and beauty endeared her to everyone in the room. Although a seasoned traveler, I’d never gone to Casablanca, but had always wanted to and like a lot of people, I’d always loved the Academy Award-winning movie, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Later that night when I was home in bed, I thought a lot about Africa, Asmaa and writing a beautiful blog about her. Then I slowly drifted off into my own “Moroccan Dreams.”
A few weeks later, I finally made my way to Le Beau Maroc, Asmaa’s beautiful little boutique, snuggled into the heart of Surfside. It smelled of delicious candles, interesting oils and rich fabrics. The store boasted three simple long racks filled with the most dazzling display of handmade, one-of-a-kind, couture kaftans.
I was speechless. I’d never seen anything like them. The colors, textures, detailing and materials of the kaftans were exquisite, to say the least. Asmaa and I collaborated with ease on how to best style the blog. We decided on two separate looks: one would be strong and beautiful; the other, a true celebration of “Moroccan Dreams.”
The red and black kaftan (pictured in the blog) is fierce, feminine and fabulous. The fabric is by Jakob Schlaepfer, a 104-year-old textile company known for its sophisticated, fantasy fabrics. The kaftan, decorated with red roses and long green stems, has a subtle, glittering sheen to it that’s created by delicate, hand-glued (one at a time) Swarovski crystals, which are speckled throughout its amazing material. Asmaa paired the dress with a silver, cubic zirconia, red jade earring.
The blue, green and gold dress (pictured in the blog) is what’s known as a printed silk fabric kaftan. Its décolleté area sweeps into the shape of a flower and is accentuated with handmade beading. This kaftan was my favorite; it’s sexy, modern, sophisticated, regal and in a word, rare. I paired the look with my favorite gladiator sandals from Koko and Palenki. Asmaa added the most amazing turquoise earrings, trimmed with 18-karat gold, mother of pearl and fresh water pearls.
Even though I’d never been to Morocco, after Asmaa styled me, I felt like a woman of the world with hints of Casablanca and that’s exactly what she is…
Shireen Sandoval: What does the name of your store (Le Beau Maroc) mean?
Asmaa Benkirane: The beautiful Morocco in French.
SS: Le Beau Maroc is a very unusual boutique. Where did the concept come from?
AB: I’m really proud and in love with my Moroccan culture and love to share it with people. The idea started when I was working at the St. Regis Bal Harbour and customers would ask me about my Moroccan culture. They’d ask me to bring them Argan oil from home; that, combined with the inspirational kaftans from designers like Oscar de la Renta and the intricate jewelry designed in my country…those things were truly the catalyst.
SS: I’ve never been to Morocco. What’s it like and what are the women wearing as far as trends and styles?
AB: Morocco is beautiful, exotic, special, mysterious, rich in culture and full of colors. Moroccan women dress the same way as any other Occidental country. They follow a lot of fashion trends, but keep the kaftan in their everyday life; whether it’s to go to the beach, receive people and of course, the couture Moroccan kaftans are for weddings and big events.
SS: How much work goes into a couture Kaftan?
AB: It really depends on the type of kaftan and what kind of handcrafted detailing and beading is involved in making it. It usually takes anywhere from two-and-a-half weeks to four months.
SS: What is the best way for a Miami/South Florida woman to wear a kaftan?
AB: Just by being themselves and natural. There really is no secret, they’re just so easy to wear and so comfortable.
SS: What type of woman do you see wearing your stylings?
AB: Any type of woman that wants to look different and sophisticated at the same time and would appreciate a different look.
SS: How many kaftans do you own? And which is your favorite and why?
AB: No idea (lol)…I guess about 25. The most special is the one I got when I was about 9-years-old to attend my cousin’s wedding. It was a red and gold brocade kaftan. I was so happy wearing it. I felt like an adult and a princess.
SS: When I modeled your kaftans for the blog, you gave me some pointers on how to hold the extra material. Can you explain those tips to fashionistas?
AB: They can hold it like any couture gown, but the Moroccan way is to delicately gather the extra fabric from the kaftan’s knee area; using just one hand, the extra material should be held to one side at just around the mid-thigh area.
SS: Le Beau Maroc also carries Moroccan oils and candles. What makes these products different and unique?
AB: I’m sharing the secret that has kept the Moroccan women young for centuries. The “Marokissime” skin line is made with 100% Argan oil and rare Prickly Pear oils. In fact, it takes one ton of valuable Prickly Pear seeds to make one gallon of the rare and sought-after oil. Argan and Prickly Pear oils, because of their natural, nourishing elements, bring life back to everything they touch. The candles are absolutely stunning with typical Moroccan scents such as Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Cinnamon and Ginger with Verbena. Each one is presented in beautiful packaging with a stunning gold leather box. It’s the perfect gift for anyone.
SS: How would you describe the jewelry you pair with your kaftans?
AB: They are all one of a kind (bracelets, cuffs, earrings, necklaces and back necklaces) made with precious stones like agates, topazes, jade emeralds and fresh water pearls. Some of them are made with 18K gold. All of them have a Moroccan touch and are easy to wear with kaftans or any other outfit.
SS: If you could hop on a private jet and fly around the world, but you could only wear one kaftan from your store, which one would it be and why?
AB: I love the blue one you wore at the photo shoot. I love the fabric and the colors. The good thing about that kaftan is that depending on how you accessorize it, it’s appropriate to run errands, go to the beach or to go out in. Isn’t it amazing to have three outfits in one?
It sure is and it’s amazing that “Le Beau Maroc” is still a sweet little fashion secret in Miami. It’s truly a hidden gem, much like Asmaa’s Casablanca. I can’t wait to visit there someday, but until I do, I have options now, other than that pretty green sundress and that’s why “Moroccan Dreams” will always be one of my favorite things.
Styled by Asmaa Benkirane
www.lebeaumaroc.com
Twitter: @LeBeauMaroc
IG: @LeBeauMaroc
FB: Le Beau Maroc
Twitter @ShireenSandoval
IG @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com
photography by tod p/t4twophotography
Twitter @todp_t4twophoto
IG @Tod_p
info@t4twophotography.com
Hair & Make-up by Odette Hernandez
Twitter @Odettehernandz
IG Odett_Herndz
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com