#marrakech

The 1920’s: Jazz lingers around every street corner. Flappers are redefining fashion. And Art Deco is reaching it’s peak in popularity. Jacques Majorelle, son of a celebrated furniture designer, was accustom to these times. He was a French painter, the ultimate romantic. When Majorelle started having heart problems in his early 20’s, he decided to find refuge in the unknown. Marrakech, Morocco.

Morocco is vastly different from Majorelle’s homeland of France. He replaced rolling, green hills with palm trees sprinkled on a red backdrop. The cool, crisp mornings are replaced with slow, sun drenched days. Years flew by and in 1923 he bought a palm grove just outside the city center. Nowadays, Majorelle is not know for his pantings, but instead, his greatest work: the garden. A special color of blue, used extensively around the garden, now bears his name - Majorelle Blue.

In 1980, two decades after Majorelle’s death, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent purchased the garden. He visited the gardens for many years saying it gave him the “unlimited source of inspiration”. He kept the with the traditional Majorelle Blue and hired a dedicated staff to help the garden flourish.

Right: Portrait of a young Jacques Majorelle // Left: Saint Laurent designing in his office at Majorelle Garden

Scattered among the cactus are tranquil, turquoise ponds. Lotus flowers fragrant the air with sweetness. Small, winding paths lead to secret alcoves. While other paths lead you to the bold, bright blue building that stands firmly in the center of the garden.

With one step inside the garden, the bustling city behind you becomes silent. Fair warning, you might never want to leave this place. The garden where so many artists spent their lives escaping to. The oasis where serenity is prevalent. Welcome to the masterpiece that is the Jardin Majorelle.

Chamal (North Morocco)