LONDON - 'Stories from Morocco', an immersive day and night celebrating Moroccan haute couture Caftan fashion, Babouch fine dining, Souk media lounge and Marrakech after-party will come to the De Vere Connaught Rooms, on the 16th September 2017, for London Fashion Week.

The catwalk will showcase ten contemporary Moroccan designers who have re-imagined the traditional Caftan, creating stunning visions drenched in opulence, exquisite embroidery and artistic flair. Curated by British-Moroccan Jalila Elmastouki, the models are to be styled by Calvin Opaleye who has worked with the likes of the Kardashians, Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty and Amber Rose to name a few.

One of the designers to watch out for is Romeo aka Romeo Haute Couture. He studied under renowned designer Elie Saab in New York and his Caftans are all about decadent fabrics that hug the female form. Romeo’s work has attracted the attention of Lady Gaga’s team. Another is the prominent Moroccan Meriem Belkhayat, whose glamorous, crystal adorned outfits caught the eye and attention of Susan Sarandon, when she dressed her for the Marrakech Film Festival.

The full designer line-up includes: Romeo Haute Couture, Meriem Belkhayat, Leila Hadioui, Meryem Bousikkouk, Samira Mhaidi, Bouchra Ksikess, Nadia Boutaleb, Houda Lheloui, Caftan Fatma and Rhizlan Elfeddi.

Sponsoring the show will also be luxury British accessories designer Aruna Seth with her signature footwear. Seth's clientele include Pippa Middleton, Kate Hudson and Princess Beatrice amongst others. Her shoes are stocked exclusively at Harrods.

As dusk falls and the fashion segment ends, established chef Khalid Dahbi will whip up a feast of the finest modern Moroccan cuisine. Served to guests in an adjoining banquet room, it will be designed in the style of a Moorish riad. Dahbi will be showcasing his recent culinary project, Babouch, with a four-course menu appealing to the refined palette as he explores the richness and diversity of Moroccan food.

Dahbi’s career spans over 20 years of excellent culinary experience, including at international Michelin-starred establishments. He has worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, the Bibendum, the Rhubarb Food Design at Saatchi Gallery; Jamie Oliver’s and the Old Vic Brasserie where he gained a positive reputation amongst Hollywood stars such as Kevin Spacey, Sir Ian McClellan, prominent politicians and many more.

For press throughout the day, there will be an allocated Souk Media Lounge to escape the fashion bustle with complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi, a henna tattoo artist, and a photo booth where they can take holiday-worthy shots of themselves in contemporary Caftans with the stunning backdrops of Morocco that they can share on social media and with friends.

To close the day in style, there will be a Marrakech after-party on the rooftop of the De Vere Connaught Rooms with music until midnight.


'Stories from Morocco' is a two-day project co-founded by Jalila Elmastouki, Khalid Dahbi and Jamal Boujrad. These three passionate British-Moroccans form a formidable combination of skills, talent and potential. Jamal has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Elmastouki has been promoting Moroccan fashion internationally for many years, whilst Dahbi leads on the gastronomy front.

The press industry day is on 16th September 2017 and the following day 17th September 2017 will be a ticketed event, open to the general public to enjoy all that the Stories from Morocco has to offer.

The De Vere Connaught Rooms is an iconic venue in Covent Garden that is a Grade II listed building with a history dating back to 1775. It has long been an important events venue and was once home to the original Freemasons’ Tavern before becoming a hotel in 1909. Its grand Georgian architecture and art-deco interiors are drenched with ornate ceilings, beautiful wood-panelling and dramatic chandeliers.