While the TIME group was in Morocco for an excursion, we spent a few days exploring Marrakech. We toured for many hours a day in order to hit the many popular sights of the city, which was exhausting but very rewarding! One of the sights we saw in Marrakech was the magnificent Jardin Majorelles.
I was extremely excited to tour the garden, and it did not disappoint. Walking into the garden was like walking into paradise – it was truly a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, and time seemed to stop as we wandered around all of the beautiful flora and cacti. It was one of my favorite parts of Marrakech, and it gave me the boost I needed to make it through the rest of the excursion.
So I bet you’re thinking, that’s great, but how does it relate to fashion? The main reason why I was so excited to see the Jardin Majorelles is that it was purchased and revamped by none other than Yves Saint Laurent (together with his former partner Pierre Bergé) in 1980. Here’s what you need to know about Yves Saint Laurent and the Jardin Majorelles!
Fun facts:
- Regarded as one of the greatest names in fashion, Yves Saint Laurent was born in 1936 in French Algeria.
- By his early teen years, Saint Laurent was designing dresses for his mother and sisters and, at the age of 18, moved to Paris and enrolled in the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Couture.
- After his designs gained notice, Saint Laurent worked under Christian Dior and became the head designer for Dior after Christian Dior’s death.
- After being fired from Dior, Saint Laurent started his own namesake fashion house and popularized the beatnik look, safari jackets, tight pants, thigh-high boots and most famously, the tuxedo suit for women.
- In addition to designing haute couture, Saint Laurent was the first French designer to come out with a full prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) line.
- The Jardin Majorelles, designed by expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, was purchased and restored by Saint Laurent in 1980.
- The garden, which covers a sprawling 12 acres, houses many plants, trees, cacti and over 15 species of birds. The garden is also home to the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.
- When Saint Laurent died in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the Jardin Majorelles. There is now a memorial there in his honor.
Outfit Inspiration
Dress Pants €67 – pret-a-beaute.com, Blazer $70 – mango.com, Blouse 60 AUD – forevernew.co, Earrings $169 – my-wardrobe.com, Pumps €230 – jades24.com
Take a page from both the Jardin Majorelles and Yves Saint Laurent for the perfect office outfit that’s classy yet fun. Pair a classic pant suit, reminiscent of the ones Saint Laurent popularized, with a floral-printed blouse that echoes the lush flora of the garden. Add pops of green with earrings and pumps to complete the outfit. This versatile look would be perfect for interviews, internships or the office!
Even if you can’t experience the Jardin Majorelles for yourself, you can bring the garden to you! Be inspired and stay fashionable, St. Olaf!
*Outfit Board from Polyvore/ pictures taken by me