Bianca Brandolini surrounded by the Moroccan landscape
behind the image of Bianca Brandolini d'Adda (Paris, 1987), her resounding physique, her brilliant smile and her style hides a special soul. A natural, kind and open woman who surprises you with an "I love you" when she sees you, an "I love you" that comes from her heart and is real. She wants. She is generous, dedicated and trusting. a genius
It's not the first time I've been lucky enough to meet B –as her friends call her–, nor the second or third. Some time ago, in Paris, they gave us four in the morning talking about the divine and the human and, on this occasion, the one that occupies these pages, It was in Marrakech, in her private paradise inside the La Mamounia hotel, where we laughed until we cried.
Don Sacramento said, one of the minor characters in Three Top Hats (1952), the play by Miguel Mihura, that hotels are sin. “There are only the great European swindlers and international vamps. Decent people are at home and receive visitors in the blue cabinet, where there are gilt furniture and old family portraits.
But it turns out that Mihura and don Sacramento were wrong, because they didn't know Bianca Brandolini, nor La Mamounia either, "and the spirit needs to expand, what the hell!".
Bianca wears broderie anglaise dress with Alexander McQueen leather belt and Cartier bracelet
From B we could settle for highlighting his aristocratic origin – She is the daughter of the counts of Valmareno, Tiberto Ruy and Georgina, he, of Italian origin; she's Brazilian–, but the truth is that talking about her roots is as old-fashioned as saying that a star is always late for photo shoots.
Beyond genetics, the truth is that her blood is in equal parts Italian, French and Brazilian, hence her passion for travel, art and fashion.
“I love getting lost and discovering new places, I am always looking for new travel plans. A few months ago I was in Peru, I love to disappear in countries I don't know! ”, she confesses.
Her mother was Valentino's muse and she worked for Óscar de la Renta when she was the creative director of Pierre Balmain, while her sister, Coco Brandolini, has been a consultant for luxury firms such as Nina Ricci, Óscar de la Renta and Bottega Veneta.
It is not surprising, then, that her family relationships have helped her meet international designers such as Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Giambattista Valli. The thing about becoming a muse and friend has already been her own merit, thanks to her personality and her good work.
B with Christian Dior nude dress and Cartier bracelets
Condé Nast Traveler. We gave you to choose several cities that connect with your traveling spirit to do this photo session. Why Marrakesh?
Bianca Brandolini. I admit that where I feel most comfortable is on a beach where there is a good vibe, which shows my Brazilian facet, but Brazil is too far from Paris and Marrakesh it is a near paradise. In three hours I go from minus three degrees in winter to being able to sunbathe in a bikini at twenty-five.
CNT. Your favorite trip?
BB. The festival Burning Man , definitely.
CNT. Maybe it's because you consider yourself a woman with delusional dreams and esthete theatrics.
BB. I highly value the sense of humor in people and in life, which is why I constantly try to surround myself with laughter and good energy. I try to look at the positive side of the world, and the truth is that truly magical things happen in Burning Man.
CNT. Speaking of theatricality, of magic, why did you decide to study acting?
BB. dreamed of being an actress , so I took the plunge and signed up for an audition at a school. I never thought they would call me, but I went through rounds and, in the end, they accepted me.
CNT. What did your parents think?
BB. He was well aware that they were not going to take it well. And so it was, though in the end they supported me.
CNT. You chose the hard way, then, but in return you became a free soul.
BB. I guess it's because my strong personality comes from the Italian side, while the French touch is evident in my passion for fashion.
CNT. Your most important value...
BB. If we talk about values per se, I will always say that respect. Be respectful of others and yourself. Always be honest with what you want to do and who you are.
CNT. What has been the most difficult emotion to interpret in fiction?
BB. Crying. I worked with my own memories and problems to bring tears to my eyes. This works for you one, two and up to nine times. But at the tenth you realize how complicated it is to act.
CNT. It will have to do with the fact that the regret does not go with you. What quality characterizes you?
BB. If we talk about qualities, I would say that the humor , because without humor life would be tremendously boring, don't you think?
Bianca poses in a Valentino pleated dress, Valentino Garabani maroon leather belt and Cartier bracelets
CNT. That's why you always smile, even if you give a tougher image in the photos.
BB. What you see is what is available! I highly value the sense of humor in people and in life , which is why I try to surround myself with laughter and energy, as I was saying.
CNT. What does Marrakech transmit to you?
BB. This city leaves no one indifferent. Must be lived, walk it with time and fall in love with its colors.
CNT. Your favorite corner?
BB. The truth?
CNT. Of course.
BB. The Mamounia! It's a paradise. I would stay here forever, without leaving the four walls of the room. The smell of the hotel is special, and also the human treatment. I feel at home.
CNT. And out?
BB. My great-uncle's house which has one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. Walking through them is like walking through Eden.
CNT. So, do you also have family ties to this city?
BB. yes, but from my grandmother's family. I've been here a few times, although it was never the center of family reunions. Also, I have many friends who visit Marrakech.
CNT. What do you like most about traveling?
BB. Learn, surprise me, understand, experiment, enjoy and inspire me.
CNT. Someone who seems to you a paradigm of good taste?
BB. Sheikha Mozah of Qatar.
CNT. And someone closer?
BB. My grandmother, my father's mother, who is Italian. She inspires me how she moves, how she dresses...she's amazing, because she does everything so naturally.
CNT. How has the rest of the female figures in your family influenced you?
BB. My mother and the woman who took care of me when I was little, who is like a mother too, They have taught me to be strong. They all are in themselves. Also quite feminist.
CNT. In what vital moment are you now?
BB. In a non stop There are times when it seems that nothing moves, but this year is full of projects and trips.
Carpets in the Medina of Marrakech
JOURNEY NOTEBOOK
WHERE TO SLEEP
Dar Kawa _(Kaat Benahid 18, Derb Ouali, Medina) _
Between the spice market and the Ben Youssef madrasa, in this 17th century riad time passes slowly, paying attention to important things. Property of the designer and stylist Valerie Barkowski , her serene style permeates the entire house. Don't miss her clothing boutique for her home (142, Arset Aouzel).
the fenn _(Derb Moullay Abdullah, Ben Hussain, Bab El Ksour, Medina) _
El Fenn means “art”, and thus, completely surrounded by art, you live in this luxurious riad, a meeting place for designers, intellectuals and fashion people. From the roof, decorated like a haima, you can see the city, the Koutoubia and the Atlas Mountains in all their splendor.
Fellah Hotel _(Route de Marrakesh, El Jadida) _
To change the image of Moorish filigree and Berber carpets that you have of Marrakech, nothing better than spending some time in the pool of this young, creative and eco-friendly hotel. His ambitious cultural project is completed with the Dar al Ma'mûn foundation and artists' residence.
Jnane Tamsna _(Douar Abiad Palm Grove) _
This delightful little hotel with 24 rooms is the result of the passions of its owners: that of the landscaper Gary Martin for the gardens and that of Meryanne Loum-Martin for the interior design and fine dining. 24 rooms spread over five houses, each with its own swimming pool, surrounded by a nine-hectare orchard.
The Mamounia _(Avenue Bab Jdid) _
Protagonist of the history of Marrakech, film set –Hitchcock filmed The Man Who Knew Too Much here–, muse of artists, La Mamounia is much more than a hotel. It was the first luxury accommodation in the city and, although today it has competition, having breakfast by its pool, strolling through its gardens and having a drink in its bars is still a great plan.
Royal Mansour _(Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti) _
Everything in this hotel is a work of art: the tiles, the doors, the bedside tables, the fountains, the spa, the service... A kind of medina within the Medina in which the rooms are riads.
Agafay desert, 30 km from Marrakech
TO EAT
Alphasia _(55, Blvd. Zerktouni Guéliz) _
For a good feast, make a reservation at this restaurant run by women. Their specialty is lamb, but they also have vegetarian dishes. The pigeon pill is a sin. Good Moroccan wine list. They have another place outside the city, in Aguedal, only for dinner and by reservation.
Coffee Clock _(224, Derb Chtouka, Kasbah) _
Camel burgers, salads, mint tea and, in addition, concerts, traditional storytelling (as in the square but with simultaneous translation), Arabic writing classes, oud... And many interesting people.
Chez Lamine _(18–26, Souk Ablouh Medina) _
You're going to get sick of eating lamb, but none is as good as the one prepared **en tangía (stew)** in this long-standing restaurant, the favorite of former King Hassan II. Two steps from Jemaa el Fna square, don't expect elegance in the table service, which hides part of the grace; so you can lick your fingers.
Plus 61 _(96, rue Mohammed el Beqa Guéliz) _
Relaxed, simple and generous, this trendy new restaurant offers something different and far from folklore: Australian recipes with the best local ingredients. Everything, from the bread to the crockery, is made by hand.
Say hello!
WHERE TO BUY
33 Rue Majorelle _(33, rue Yves Saint Laurent) _
The perfect plan for a hot morning is to spend it between the Majorelle Gardens, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and this impeccable two-story concept store, just opposite, with proposals from local artists and emerging designers. Jewelry, furniture, clothes, gifts... The Moroccan version of the long-awaited Colette Paris.
Akbar's Delights _(45, place Bab Fteuh, Medina) _
A cabinet of curiosities in a tiny little shop in the square of spices: fashion, decoration, luxury crafts, vintage treasures and a lot of savoir-faire.
Alnour _(19, Derb Moulay El Ghali ,Quartier Laksour) _
Exquisite hand-embroidered sheets and towels, natural fabric clothing and refined tableware made by talented women with disabilities. The profits are used to pay for the training of the artisans.
chibi chic _(Multiple directions) _
Vanessa di Mino and Nadia Noël have updated the traditional moroccan pottery: tagines, teapots, glasses, bowls with bright colors and contemporary designs. In addition, kilims, lamps, candles and perfumes.
the fenn _(Derb Moullay Abdullah, Ben Hussain, Bab El Ksour, Medina) _
If you only have time to go to one store, let it be this one, part of the riad of the same name. here they concentrate the most appetizing local brands, all selected by the impeccable taste of Willem Smit, director of El Fenn.
LRNCE _(59, Sidi Ghanem) _
It is worth venturing to Sidi Ghanem, the industrial area where artists and craftsmen have settled for years, to visit the study of the young Belgian Laurence Leenaert. Ceramic pieces, original cushions, beautiful sandals... a lifestyle carefully turned into art.
Lala _(35, El Mansour Eddahbi boulevard, Guéliz) _
The most desired bags are those of Laetitia Trouillet , owner of this store where you will also find other handmade leather accessories, scarves and clothing.
Maison ARTC _(96, Mohamed El Bequal, Residence Kelly, Guéliz) _
At first glance, designer Artsi Ifrah's offerings may seem only fit for the haute couture catwalk, but taken out of context, his embroidered jackets and his original shirts will make you shine on any occasion.
Max & Jan _(45, place Bab Fteuh, Medina) _
The essence of streetwear in the Medina is this modern concept store that, although many have just discovered it, is now ten years old. Distributed over three floors, it sells clothes –also for children–, accessories, decoration... and it has an exhibition room and a small restaurant with a terrace.
Miloud El-Jouli _(48, Souk Charatine Talâa, Medina) _
to buy lamps, Do not hesitate: here you will find the largest and most spectacular collection in the city.
Chill out in the Agafay desert
mustapha blaoui _(144, Arset Aouzal, Bab Doukkala, Medina) _
An institution in Marrakech and without a sign on its historic door. Inside you will discover an authentic Ali Baba cave. Berber rugs, lamps, hand-painted ceramics, antiques...
Moor _(42, Rue de la Liberté, Guéliz) _
Brothers Yann and Isabelle Dobry , also owners of the charismatic Akbar Delights, start from traditional ideas conceived with Western taste and entrust the sewing to a cooperative of seamstresses from an Atlas village. Jackets, blouses, cushions... For you and for your home.
noria ayron _(Le Jardin, 32, Souk el jeld Abdelaziz Medina) _
With a couple of patterns and a myriad of printed silk fabrics and the finest cotton, Franco-Algerian designer Nyora Nemiche crafts the most beautiful and flattering dresses, kaftans and abayas in town. To go to a party or to be at home. Erykah Badu and Kate Moss are among her fans.
Popham Design _(Route d'Ourika, km 7) _
Californians Caitlin and Samuel Dowe-Sandes have redefined the tradition of the tiles that are made by hand, one by one, with unique designs. To find the best maâlems (craftsmen), they organize competitions every year.
soufiane zarib _(By appointment: tel. +212 661 285 690) _
If you are looking for rugs, this is your city. And this, your store. In a Saadian riad, the Soufiane brothers, the third generation in charge of the business, will rummage through its collection of more than six thousand Berber and Tuareg rugs, new and old, to find yours. If you can't find it, they'll make it for you. They have several showrooms, one of them at 16 Riad El Arous, very close to the Dar El Bacha palace.
The Moroccans _(Rue Yves Saint Laurent) _
Exquisite and effective firm of organic and fair trade cosmetics. Hennas, rose water, jasmine, clove, amber, salts and, of course, argan oil. Its cold pressed argan will leave your skin, nails and hair as you have always dreamed of.
Riad Yima _(52, derb Aarjane Rahba Lakdima Medina) _
Tea room, art gallery and shop, this riad hidden in the souk concentrates the pop universe of the artist Hassan Hajjaj, the so-called Moroccan Warhol. Everything is for sale, from benches made from recycled Fanta boxes to lamps made from sardine cans to collages from old advertisements. One of the most original addresses in the Medina.
topolina _(134, Dar El Bacha and in the shopping arcade at the entrance of La Mamounia) _
Isabelle Topolina's style, trained as a haute couture pattern maker, is unmistakable. Unusual combinations, different colors and tribal prints in moccasins, dresses, coats... her son, Pierre-Henry, has a store dedicated to men at number 114 on the same street.
Façade of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the work of Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty of Studio KO
AT NIGHT
Arabic Coffee _(184, rue el Mouassine, Medina) _
Fun and appetizing at any time of the day or night, the terrace of this restaurant is ideal for cocktails in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Palais dar Soukkar _(Route de l'Ourika, km 3.5) _
The most exotic and fun nights take place in this 15th century palace built on the ruins of a sugar factory on the outskirts of the city. Restaurant and shows of the thousand and one nights.
SO Night Lounge _(Hotel Sofitel, Rue Haroun Errachid) _
Tourists, Moroccans and expats mingle in the Sofitel hotel's always lively nightclub. At certain hours of the morning this is a classic that never fails when the plan is extended.
ART AND CULTURE
Majorelle Garden _(Rue Yves Saint Laurent) _
No matter how many times you have been, one could return again and again to this famous garden of exotic plants where, first the painter (Jean Majorelle) and later Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé They created their private refuge. Be sure to enter the small but very interesting Berber Museum and sit down for a drink in the cute cafe.
Le 18 _(18, Derb el Ferrane, Riad Laarouss) _
to mingle with the most alternative culture of Marrakech , head to this riad transformed into a creative space by the photographer Laila Hida . Exhibitions, talks, workshops, concerts, meetings...
Montresso Art Foundation* _(Visits by appointment) _
Half an hour from the city, in the middle of a desert of goats, this foundation, art gallery and artists' residence is one of the most curious addresses in Marrakech. So much so that it's secret. A place of exchange, dialogue and experimentation, Montresso functions as a creative laboratory that helps artists to develop their projects.
Majorelle Gardens
YSL Museum _(Rue Yves Saint Laurent) _
Next to the Majorelle Gardens, in a spectacular building designed by Studio KO, is dedicated to the work of the legendary couturier. In addition to the permanent exhibition, until June we can see Christo Femmes 1962-1968, the first exhibition of the famous artist in the country, which will be followed by another on the fascinating world of Berber carpets and a retrospective of Jacques Azéma, another lover of Marrakech .
Al Maaden Museum of Contemporary African Art, MACAAL _(Al Maaden, Sidi Youssef Ben Ali) _
Last year this museum was finally opened, next to the Zeitz Mocaa in Cape Town, the only one dedicated to the promotion of contemporary African art and to the creative wealth of the continent.
DO NOT MISS
Marrakech International Film Festival, FIFM _(First week of December) _
Annual event that transforms the great square of Jemaa el Fna into a huge open-air cinema.
OasisFestival _(September 13-15) _
Never, not even in your wildest dreams, could you imagine that Morocco celebrates an electronic music festival (and much more) like this. It's the perfect size for making friends with ease and an amazing line-up.
IN GOOD HANDS
Plan-it-Morocco
They will help you organize your trip around the city taking you to places outside the tourist circuit.
*This article and the attached gallery were published in the number 128 of the Condé Nast Traveler Magazine (May) . Subscribe to the print edition (11 printed issues and a digital version for €24.75, by calling 902 53 55 57 or ** from our website ** ) and enjoy free access to the digital version of Condé Nast Traveler for iPad. The May issue of Condé Nast Traveler is available in ** its digital version to enjoy it on your preferred device.**
House of the painter Jean Majorelle, which became the property of Yves Saint Lauren and Pierre Bergé in the 1980s