One of the most exciting parts of changing my life and becoming a shoe designer is the way it has opened up the world to me. Designing shoes has taken me to places I may never have visited otherwise, and with each trip, I gain inspiration, knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for different cultures. My recent visit to Casablanca, Morocco, was no exception—a city that isn’t exactly known for tourism, but one that surprised me in the best ways.
Casablanca is vast, industrial, and undeniably alive. It may not have the same romantic allure as Marrakech or Fes, but what it lacks in traditional tourist appeal, it makes up for with its energy, culture, and incredibly welcoming people.
A Stay at Le Casablanca
This trip brought me to a hotel I hadn’t stayed at before—Le Casablanca—and it was everything I could have hoped for in a North African escape. The interior was a stunning blend of French and Moroccan influences, with intricate tile work that immediately caught my eye (inspiration can strike anywhere, and beautiful patterns always have my attention!).
Outside, the pool area felt both chic and exotic, surrounded by fountains and towering Birds of Paradise plants reaching over 20 feet tall. One of my favorite spots was Le Terrasse Jasmin, the hotel's outdoor restaurant overlooking the pool, where I could sit back, enjoy the ambiance, and take in the moment.
Rethinking Rick’s Café
If you come to Casablanca expecting it to feel like the classic Humphrey Bogart film, you might be disappointed. The reality is, that version of Casablanca never existed—it was all a Hollywood set. But after the movie’s release, so many visitors came looking for Rick’s Café that eventually, someone decided to bring it to life.
I’ll admit, I always assumed it was just a tourist trap, so I never made plans to visit. But when my business manager suggested it, I figured—why not? And I’m so glad I did.
Set in a beautifully restored old building, Rick’s Café felt like stepping back in time. The intricate tile work, the candlelit ambiance, the soft glow of vintage lamps—it was stunning. The real surprise, though, was the food, which was absolutely incredible. As we ate, a live band played jazz in the background, adding to the magic of the evening. For a moment, it truly felt like Casablanca in the 1940s. Tourist spot or not, it was worth the visit.
A Journey Worth Taking
Every trip I take for my work reminds me why I love what I do. Designing shoes isn’t just about fashion—it’s about storytelling, craftsmanship, and understanding the world from different perspectives. Casablanca may not have been on my radar before, but it gave me memories, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the unexpected.
And that, to me, is the best part of the journey
