Amina Benzekri, a name that may ring with recognition for some, or spark curiosity for others, depending on how deeply one is aware of the world of Moroccan fashion.
Born and raised in Meknes, Amina grew up with a father who owned one of the most well-known fabric houses in Morocco and a mother who was a fashion designer. By age 12, she knew the names of more than a hundred types of fabrics. In adolescence, she learned to sew a caftan.
The Benzekri family nurtured their life around fashion and creativity. Amina knew early on that she wanted to carry on this legacy.
In the late 80s, one of Amina’s creations featured on the first cover of Morocco's first fashion magazine. She then became one of the most desirable Moroccan fashion designers worldwide.
In the late 90s, she was invited to Paris to unveil her latest collection at one of Europe's most prestigious events, with the presence royalty and personalities from the fashion industry such as Yves Saint Laurent.
Amina Benzekri is also one of the main reasons behind Jean Paul Gaultier introducing his collection for the first time in Morocco during the annual CAFTAN Fashion Show, organized by FEMMES DU MAROC.
All her growth through these years was supervised by her mother, Radia Benzekri, who was such a strong pillar of Moroccan Fashion. At a time when all Moroccan Fashion designers focused solely on traditional clothing, Radia created caftans alongside innovative garments, allowing her creative mind to explore new cuts and daring designs. She also wanted the international pubic to understand that Moroccan fashion is not limited to traditional clothing.
Xavier Guerrand Hermes has celebrated this wonderful woman by offering her an Hermes medal upon her 60-year career milestone.
Having lived and breathed fashion her entire life, Amina seemed inseparable from the spotlight. Yet, for a decade, she stepped away from public view, leaving a generation to wonder about the woman behind the artistry. Between 2008 and 2018, she chose to unveil her collections only at private gatherings, keeping her creative world exclusive and hidden from the media’s gaze.
In 2020, Amina Benzekri shook hands with Hind Joudar, and a new public appearance was revealed.
Since then, Amina Benzekri has made a triumphant return to the public eye, gracing Fashion Weeks in Morocco and, in 2024, returning to Paris to reintroduce MAISON BENZEKRI to the European stage.
Amina has also revealed that she has been a vintage caftan collector for years, and that she only exhibits a part of her collection during prestigious events.
Today, under Amina Benzekri’s guidance, Maison Benzekri stands as a beacon of Moroccan fashion, celebrated for its artistry and rich heritage.
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