I love stories of redemption, of meteoric rises.
Hassan Hajjaj told me that growing up his parents were so poor that they couldn't afford to buy him a single toy. He used to comb the Moroccan beach near his home to see what the sea washed up. He made his own toys, with the sea's discards.
As a teenager, a low paid job for Hassan's father brought the whole family to London. They lived nine in a single room without a bathroom.
But Hassan saw in the world something different. He broke free and made his own way, becoming a club manager, a shop owner, a fashion designer, a lauded photographer.
And then Hassan went back to Morocco and bought Riad Yima, his Marrakech courtyard house.
And had everything he never grew up with.
Riad Yima is also a shop, featuring Hassan's own pop modern designs.
poufs...
Upcycled lanterns and furniture...
And, of course, Hassan's iconic photography.
If you're in Marrakech....make sure to drop by for a glass of mint tea...
Riad Yima
52 derb Aarjane Rahba lakdima Medina
Marrakech Morocco
Tél: +212 (0) 524-391-987
E-mail: riadyima@yahoo.co.uk