Valérie Barkowski
It was a fine spring afternoon, when Valérie wrote to me. By the time I was done ooh aahing through her brilliantly creative projects, it was evening. In this post, I can showcase but a glimpse of this talented wearer of many hats – just a couple of the many projects that she has conceptualized and run successfully over the last decade or so.
Valérie, when not living out of her suitcase, is based in Marrakesh. Her work consists of art direction, concepts, consulting, design and sourcing in the fields of home textiles, hotels, retail, interiors and fashion. Besides this, Valérie is an art lover, and has worked as an art dealer in Moscow. She also started a lifestyle brand Mia Zia to fund the foundation she used to run for artists retreat in Marrakesh.
Dar Kawa: A 17th century ryad, Valerie renovated recently
In the ryad, Valérie used furnishing from Bandit Queen, a luxury home linen brand, she conceptualized and developed from scratch, working with Sunita Namjoshi (of Yamini fame) in Mumbai.
Her latest venture – SoKistan, the land of socks!
Psst: If you ever wanted to see an embroidered ambassador(!), please, click right here. Yes, one more quirky project!
And, here’s what Valérie says about her love affair with India:
“I started to work in Jaïpur 9 years ago since I wanted to explore techniques and Indian traditions – work that was not available in Morocco. That is how I started to work on block printing, rugs, hand made paper, recycling. In India there are so many handcraft traditions, that I fear my life will be too short to explore all of them….
Beside the working aspect, what I really appreciate in India are it’s people. I love their spirit, their mind, their lifestyle. I like the feeling of being in this emerging country and even if I know I will not be able to explore all the paths, I want to be there! I love the idea that I still have so much to see and to learn.”
16 Comments
patio deck
Really a fantastic work and I love all those eye candy designs. The overall effect of black and white gives a nice and magically perceptive view of the rooms. Thanks!
patio deck
Caroline
The very first photo has me IN LOVE.
Melissah
I just discovered your lovely blog on bloglovin. I'm just new into blogging this year & have just finished off my own blog on fashion & interior design.
http://scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com/
I had a lot of fun putting it together maybe you would like to check it out if you have a spare minute.
x
Melissah
Prime Travel India
The overall effect of black and white give a sombre and magically perceptive view of the rooms.
Kala
Love them all – each one creates a special mood:)
wowaccountforsale
Very talented isn't she? I'm loving all those eye candy designs. Bold black colors is just my style and I'm thinking of Indian styles would suit my spring reno the best.
GemnI Designs
Beautiful and amazing!
katia
OMG there is amazingness!
I love the details-the lace, the roses
Paula Ruiz Barrilero
I have just see your blog for first time! And I just want to say you that I like it soo much! Congratulations! You have a new follower 🙂
homestilo
This is all so gorgeous…makes me wish I could just pack a bag and head out! (and the hand embroidered car is very clever!)
ramya reddy
I LOVE the monotones fused with bursts of bold colors and accents. And traditional elements fused with the modern ones. Very chic.
Anonymous
What fabulous work! I love how you always find gems Bhavna! And Dar Kawa has me dreaming of Marrakesh again..
Sophia
[Long time silent admirer]
Lau de Casalil
Oh Yes Ilove all what she touch!! great and inspiring!! thanks for sharing!
Shilpa Bhatnagar
LOVE her work!
Rachana Saurabh
Nice pics..!!
Love uniqueness of each bed..!
GB
Lovely! and how fun is the shubh ratri bedding! Totally lusting after it!