Wow! First, what an incredible experience to be a part of the first edition of Essaouira Fashion Week, I was brought on to help setup a new landing page and some marketing assets, but what an honour to do so. As my career started in fashion design launching my final collection at L’oreal Fashion Week in Toronto in 2006 as one of the Top 3 of 42 fashion design students, this weekend seem to be full circle moment in life. Also, as it has been some time since my last fashion show, probably since a Trade show in Dallas over 7 years ago and maybe 12 or more years since I photographed a show. It was really refreshing to attend a fashion show again, choosing an outfit, the exciting energy, the last minute chaos (there is always a little glitch or two to keep you on your toes in a runway show). Events, but fashion shows in particular are always a little stressful but such a fun relief and even a bit melancholic once it is over. They always happen so fast! Essaouira Fashion Week was such a blast. The energy, the people, and we were extremely lucky to have a beautiful day without wind as the Fashion Show was located at Skala in the old Medina next to the ocean.
Locals, Moroccan Influencers & Esteemed Guests
While Essaouira Fashion Week had some hiccups, the quick decision to bring it to life, entrepreneur & influencer himself Othman Chic, worked tirelessly to put things together in order to make it happen. With major media like Moroccan World News & MWN Lifestyle as a media collaborator, Elle Maroc featuring a post among other media publications like L’economiste featuring the 1st Edition Show. As the first edition was an invitation only event, some attendees included André Azoulay, Advisor to his majesty King Mohammed VI honouring his presence as well as social media influencer Ajakkaf Rime known as moroccan.mirage and the famous DJ Van. Local business owners and creatives were also among the guests, Dj Oliver Blake was there for the show’s music.
Forum Euro-Méditerranéen des Jeunes Leaders
Among the attendees was also the leaders attending the Forum for the Jeunes Leaders held at Dar Souiri on November 8th. The leaders were attending in collaboration with The French Embassy of Morocco & Institut Francais to help promote and discuss the opportunities for the Youth of Essaouira.
ANOURI ORIGINAL
ANOURI, which means “back to the source” in Amazigh was
conceived from the spark of that very first burlap jacket I made during a
solo trip, transforming my vision into a brand committed to weaving the
tapestry of fashion with history, innovation, and ethics. With each
ANOURI piece, I express craftsmanship, passion, and an unyielding
dedication to sustainability.– Inspired by the rebellious
Shop the collection
Follow on instagram: @anourioriginal
RUNWAY LOOKS
Anouri Original may have stole the show with the two showstopper pieces including a two person outfit that required some coordination that the models demonstrated wonderfully.
LOUISE MARCAUD
Louise Marcaud is a brand that is concerned about its environmental impact and is looking for product sourcing and production solutions in a short circuit in Paris to reduce CO2 emanation. Just like my father’s cabinetmaking workshop, the manufacturing workshop is next to the creative workshop.
Shop the collection
Follow on instagram: @louisemarcaud
RUNWAY LOOKS
Louise Marcaud featured pieces on the runway in Essaouira, were uniquely different while a subtly that could be worn off the runway.
TIMENDOTES | MAISON MAYAD | KALHATH FOUNDATION
Essaouira Fashion Week: Maison MAYAD, the Timendotes association, and international creative dialogue in the spotlight
For the first edition of Essaouira Fashion Week, Timendotes and Maison MAYAD celebrate the intersection of haute couture, exceptional craftsmanship, and cultural resonance.
The group pieces unveiled are drawn from the project and traveling exhibition “The Map Is Not the Territory,” initially photographed in the Brussels metro. Conceived by Erratum Fashion and Timendotes, this collaborative project brings together the visions of Erratum Fashion, Cem Cinar, and Renaissance Project alongside Timendotes.
Learn more about “The Map is Not the Territory”
Follow on Instagram: @maisonmayad @timendotes @kalhathfoundation @erratum.fashion @cemcinar_paris @renaissanceprojectparis
RUNWAY LOOKS
Curated collection featured at Essaouira Fashion Week
Follow Essaouira Fashion Week for more…
Essaouira Fashion Week marks the beginning of a dialogue and a collective movement designed to grow this initiative and help shape the future of fashion in Essaouira, Morocco and across Africa.
Much more than a fashion event, it is an initiative to connect cultures, showcase talent and create the opportunities of tomorrow.
For more information on event details, official partners & event updates:
Follow @essaouirafashionweek on Instagram.
Visit their website for news and next event details and artist applications. www.essaouirafashionweek.ma
2026 OFFICIAL PARTNERS
Essaouira Fashion Week Organizers & Associations
No large event goes without a team & network of organizers, partners and collaborators to make it happen. Essaouira Fashion Week is no exception. Brought to life by Othman Chic & Association Mogador Ville de la Mode, with a vision to build a platform and bridge for Africa & Europe, for the next generation of designers and those interested to start a career in the fashion industry.
Othman Chic
Entrepreneur & visionary Othman Chic has large ambitions and passion for supporting opportunities to the Youth of Morocco. Along side his restaurant, concept bar and creative space Megaloft in the old Medina of Essaouira, which offers live music and popular Moroccan & global DJs. Visit megaloftessaouira.com for more info about Megaloft. Othman Chic also works to share, promote & inspire creatives on his own platform of Instagram @othmanchic.
Association Mogador Ville de la Mode
The Mogador, City of Fashion Association is the organising body behind the first edition of Essaouira Fashion Week. This unprecedented cultural event celebrates contemporary fashion design in the heart of Essaouira, the city of the trade winds.
With the support of chairman André Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this initiative is part of the city’s long-standing commitment to promoting its cultural heritage and creative identity.
Ambassade de France au Maroc
The Embassy of France in Morocco, located in the capital city of Rabat, serves as the principal diplomatic mission representing the French Republic to the Kingdom of Morocco. The embassy manages strategic bilateral relations, promotes economic and trade partnerships, and oversees an extensive cultural and educational network. They have collaborated on this event, overseeing publication while supporting the artists and production of this event.
Forum Euro-Méditerranéen des Jeunes Leaders
The Euro-Mediterranean Forum of Young Leaders is an annual event organised by the French Embassy in Morocco and the Institut Français du Maroc, with the support of local partners, including the Essaouira-Mogador Association. Over 20 Leaders will be invited to participate in Essaouira Fashion Week. Visit Institut Français article for more details of the forum.
Institut Français
The Institut Français du Maroc is France’s largest cultural network abroad. Operating under the auspices of the French Embassy in Morocco, it serves as a leading platform for cultural exchange, artistic promotion and language learning, strengthening the ties between France and Morocco. Visit their website for more information: if-maroc.org
Media Coverage of Essaouira Fashion Week
ELLE Maroc (French)
Dana Press (Arabic)
Assabah (Arabic)
L’economiste (French)
VH Magazine (French)
Essaouira Fashion Week & Marketing SSG
It was a pleasure to help get Essaouira Fashion Week ready in time with some banners, press kit as well as the invitations. Working Othman was a fun moment to use our creativity and experience to get something of quality out on a tight timeframe. Looking forward to the future of Essaouira Fashion Week as it develops.
Need marketing help for your event or business? Visit marketingssg.com for more details.
Wishing all the collaborators, artists and organizers so much success with this ongoing development for fashion in Essaouira, Morocco & Africa.
Follow us SSG Travel & Lifestyle on instagram for more: @sustainablesurfergirl
