Episode 60 Jasper Conran on Design and Morocco

Jasper Conran is one of the most celebrated and renowned British designers of our time. To name just a few career highlights…he designed the wedding dress for Lady Sarah Elizabeth Chatto, the granddaughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, clothing for Princess Diana; he created numerous sets and costumes for ballets and operas, and has designed everything from home decor to accessories and luggage. Later in his career, he turned his attention to Morocco – the subject of this episode – where he designed two historic hotels: first, L’Hotel Marrakech and, most recently, Villa Mabrouka in Tangier which just opened in June this year. In this episode, Jasper shares his storied and serendipitous career path with Melisssa; from realizing his childhood dream, receiving an unexpected Olivier Award in theater, to now finding himself immersed in the world of hospitality. 

Through poetic passion, Jasper explores how Tangier and Marrakech fuse ancient and modern culture, and how the most “marvelous thing about Marrakech is that most of the secrets are behind closed doors.” He gives a glimpse of his journey in creating the historic 19th century riad L’Hotel Marrakech in the heart of Medina, and what inspired him to later renovate the former home of Yves Saint Laurent into the award-winning Villa Mabrouka. He shares his favorite spots in Tangier including Italian writer and botanist Umberto Pasti’s garden, the places he still wants to travel, and the countries that have impacted him most (for instance, Kashmir on a houseboat with flower sellers in the rain). 

Plus, Melissa shares her latest discoveries from a recent trip she took to Florence, as well as tips for traveling with pets over the holiday season. 

For more information on our 2024 Insider Journey heading to magical Tangier, explore here.For more information on our 2024 Insider Journey heading to magical Tangier, explore here.

Tune in live: November 9, 2023 at 12 p.m. ET

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