Can I tell you...about my Fall 2022 Campaign shoot in Marrakech.
Rafe Totengco emulating Yves Saint Laurent on the rooftop of L’Ma Lodge.
“Marrakech introduced me to color . . . although I was used to the light and the colors of North Africa, it was only later, when I discovered Morocco, that I understood my colors were those of zellige mosaics, zouacs, djellabas and caftans. For whatever daring things I have done since then, I am indebted to the country, to the violence of its harmonies, the insolence of its mixtures, the intensity of its inventions.” - Yves Saint Laurent
Lila top handle bag in quilted lilac leather.
Saint Laurent couldn’t have said it better. I remember seeing photos of him in Marrakech lounging in a djellaba on layers of Berber rugs and poufs, presumably sipping mint tea or perhaps something stronger. Those images stirred my wanderlust and imagination. Ever since then, I have dreamt of seeing what he fell in love with, finding inspiration and shooting a campaign in Marrakech.
This year my dream became a reality. A family trip that had been postponed several years because of the pandemic finally came through. My sister, Tesa ( Travels with Tesa ) planned an action packed itinerary that would begin in the heart of the Medina in Fez, glamping in the Sahara desert, driving through the Atlas mountains and culminating in the fabled city of Marrakech.
Fernanda frame clutch in latte.
Entering the historic Riad Kniza was like being transported back in time. It was the perfect location; a beautifully restored 18th century building with picturesque vignettes from the rooftop to the inner courtyards filled with quintessential Moroccan details. The owner, Mohamed Bouskri, granted me access to the whole Riad for my shoot.
In the courtyard with Mohamed Bouskri.
SUE woven hobo in camel.
These images are exactly what I had envisioned and I couldn’t be more pleased at how they turned out. Modern, alluring, feminine and chic are the attributes I like to associate with the Rafe brand. There are many more that I will share all throughout the season but here is a preview of what’s coming.
Jullian small tote crossbody in Gold iridescent.
Jullian small crossbody tote in cognac.
Shukran jazilan lak ( Thank you very much! ) to my dream team : photographer Mehdi Sabik, fashion model Sara Morbi and make-up artist Jeff Ernoult.
Check out the rest of the images on the website and perhaps you’ll consider adding one of these styles to your Fall looks.
