Special Sections: Interview with Morocco’s leading Tastemakers. Trendsetters in their fields of Art, Design & Cuisine. Fans of all things Quintessentially Moroccan. Hear What they Have to Say!
Morocco Travel Blog with Tastemaker Martin Raffone
Martin Raffone is an interior designer and home design storeowner based in New York and Marrakech. From the earliest age I can remember spending countless hours arranging and rearranging the furniture in my childhood bedroom. It was clear that a passion for creating experience was part of my make-up and that I was headed for a career in design.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What are some design, cuisine or artistic trends you foresee for 2016?
Martin Raffone:
The world is getting more and more connected. Global influence is everywhere, from home design, furniture, food, fashion and art.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What is your personal favorite place to be?
Martin Raffone:
I have three. The first is in the Ville Nouvelle of Gueliz where my shop is located. I find amazing inspiration for my modern designs there and in the Medina of Marrakech where I can see first hand the ancient crafts and artisans. The second is Saint Barths for its chic and authentic feeling and the third, New York City for its energy, art and culture.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What is the secret equation for the perfect Morocco weekend?
Martin Raffone:
A little high and a little low…. a chic Riad in Essaouira, a casual walk through the medina and flea market, a nice spa afternoon and a great fresh fish dinner at one of the cool restaurants with friends.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What was the last picture you took on your phone?
Martin Raffone:
The Secret Garden in the Marrakech medina. It’s a wonderful serene outdoor space, beautifully planted and designed.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What is on your personal bucket list to do or see in 2016?
Martin Raffone:
Lisbon, Seville, Rome…
Morocco Travel Blog:
What is your favorite lunch spot in Morocco?
Martin Raffone:
I love to have lunch at Ocean Vagabond on the beach in Essaouira. After the long desert drive from Marrakech to the coast, it’s the perfect way to relax and get your seaside vibe on.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What is your greatest achievement?
Martin Raffone:
Becoming a global citizen is pretty big in my book. Learning to live in with different cultures and move between countries with ease…let alone buying and renovating a home in a very foreign country, like Morocco and then opening a business there.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What is the last book you read?
Martin Raffone:
“Napoleon, A Life,” by Michael Roberts. He was a truly fascinating and smart man.
Morocco Travel Blog:
Name a Moroccan tradition you will never try?
Martin Raffone:
Participating in the Moroccan holiday, Eid-el-Kabir. The slaughtering of a sheep is definitely something I would have a very hard time doing.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What is the name of your favorite Moroccan artist, writer or designer?
Martin Raffone:
I love the young photographer, Hicham Gardaf. His work is a beautiful love letter to Morocco and its people, but feels so fresh and modern.
Morocco Travel Blog:
What is your greatest indulgence?
Martin Raffone:
I love to travel. It inspires me, my work and how I live my life. Change and growth are everything in my book and travel is an amazing generator.
Morocco Travel Blog:
Is there anything I should know?
Martin Raffone:
MaisonLAB is set to expand soon to include a furniture showroom and design atelier to compliment the existing home decor and furnishings that we offer. Our interior design service is going to be a major focus to compliment our offerings. Look for bigger and better in the fall 2016 and 2017.
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