Yves Saint Laurent was born in Oran, Algeria, in 1936. When he rediscovered North Africa thirty years later, he rediscovered the region’s particular light and the color it revealed. Morocco became an endless source of inspiration for him and he would come to Marrakech twice a year—in December and June—to design his collections, which were subsequently dominated by color.
Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé first arrived in Marrakech in February 1966. Yves and Pierre were in a romantic relationship from 1958 until they broke up in 1976 but they remained close for the rest of Yves’ life.
Yves and Pierre inhabited a Marrakech that was glamorous and festive. The rich and famous were flocking to Marrakech to buy homes where they would spend the cold European winters. As a result a strong social circle was built with Yves and Pierre at the center.
Early on, Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent took an interest in Berber art. The Amazigh, or Berbers, are one of the oldest populations in Maghreb. We will be visiting a Berber village later in the trip.
The spirit of Yves St. Laurent lives on today in Marrakech through his investment in the Jardin Majorelle. This is a famous garden and villa in the center of Marrakech and one of the most popular sites to see here.
We bought our tickets in advance (they are dated and timed so choose wisely!). This really is a can’t miss stop in Marrakech.
