Women behind the lens: ‘The bridal dress is meant to present her as a queen … but to me it always felt like a cage'
Through my series Dry Land, I explore the deep contradictions embedded in Moroccan marriage traditions – how they oscillate between sacred ritual and social imprisonment. This image was taken on the arid outskirts of Marrakech, where the earth is cracked and open, a stark contrast to the heaviness of the dress the woman carries on her body. It shines beautifully but restricts, almost theatrical in its weight.
The woman stands still in a traditional Fassi bridal garment, a piece that is both exquisite and nearly unbearable to wear. It is a dress I grew up seeing and quietly fearing – not just for its grandeur, but for what it symbolised.
It is meant to exalt the bride, to present her as a queen for a day, but to me it always felt like armour – or worse, a cage.
It was the perfect way to showcase the pressure placed on women: to appear perfect, graceful and silent, no matter how heavy the burden. Even her beauty must obey tradition. That's the paradox I wanted to expose: how celebration can camouflage submission.
The fire represents the quiet rage – generational, internalised, contained. In Morocco, marriage is often the turning point in a woman's life, but not always in the way it's romanticised.
Beneath the celebrations and garments lies an expectation to conform, to serve, to stay silent. The flames at her feet symbolise the heat of that pressure – the things that cannot be spoken but are always felt.
The snake, for me, is the woman herself. Western narratives often depict Muslim women as passive, obedient, in need of saving. But I reject that completely. I believe that you only build walls or cages around something that threatens you.
The snake is not weak – it is feared. It holds power and wisdom that unsettles people. In this image, she is not afraid of the snake. She is the snake: dangerous, deliberate, watching everything.
I didn't want to stage this in a clean, controlled environment. I needed dust, wind and unpredictability. The landscape itself felt symbolic: unforgiving, exposed and yet enduring.
The series title, Dry Land, refers to the Darija term Al Bayra, meaning 'barren land' – a phrase cruelly used to describe unmarried women over a certain age, as if their value disappears with time; as if they stop being fertile, not just biologically, but socially and emotionally. This work is my response to that idea.
I don't create these images to be pretty. I create them to spark discomfort, to shift the lens – to reclaim the narrative and to make visible what has long been buried beneath brocade and silence.
Sara Benabdallah is a Moroccan visual artist, photographer and film-maker based in Marrakech
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The Guardian
13 hours ago
- The Guardian
The best wedding guest dresses and outfits: 30 favourites for every dress code and budget
You've sent off the RSVP, booked the hairdresser – and panic has set in. Despite a wardrobe bulging with dresses, you obviously don't have anything to wear. If there's a rigid dress code, you risk not feeling yourself; but if there is a dress code that reads 'Big Lebowski meets Brat meets Blue Planet', then there's a very real possibility that you're going to strike a bum note. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Of course, a big part of what you decide to wear will depend on where the nuptials will take place – church or country home, beach or barn – and the weather. Either way, the crucial thing is to choose a dress that guarantees comfort as well as style, one that will see you through from ceremony to best man's speech and propping up the dancefloor for many hours after. So if you fear that your otherwise well-dressed self might pick out a dud this wedding season – one that will be worn once and then relegated to the depths of your cupboard – worry not. We've searched online and off to find you the best wedding guest dresses, with options that will not only work for a variety of settings but also can be worn many times over. Painted Kozo dress £185 at Emiko Studios This oversized linen dress might not be one that you'd normally have down as 'wedding guest' attire, but it's sure to be comfortable and forgiving long into a day of festivities. Plus, did I mention it has pockets? Statement jewellery and shoes are all that's needed to take it from everyday to wedding-worthy. Bias-cut maxidress £44 at John Lewis Another perfect example of a dress that's what you make of it. It's simple, but structurally it's sound – elegantly cut on the bias in a chocolate brown that will look smart with this season's butter-yellow trend. It's also a bargain, although cheap comes at a price: it's made of polyester. Slip dress £155 at Folk Clothing This is the perfect example of a very lovely dress that would happen to work brilliantly as a wedding guest dress. The viscose cotton mix ensures it hangs beautifully, while the tulip print looks like it came straight from a Paul Gauguin artwork. Cinch in the waist with a belt and add some jewels for weddings; or wear with a T-shirt or shirt and flats for daytime chic. Silk dress £179 at Arket Made from silk with washing instructions that will be music to your ears – 'do not dry clean' – this dress looks subtle, but the delicate reverse ombre adds just enough interest to make it a real winner. Paired with a blazer or a denim jacket, it can happily be adapted for work and play. Yardeen brick striped cowl neck dress £65 at the Mercantile It might be the bold print that first grabs the attention – although I'd argue that if leopard print is a neutral, then why not zebra print, too? – but it's the subtle, pretty cowl neck that keeps it. Ichi is a Danish company that's available through a few UK stockists, and this dress has Scandi design DNA written all over it. Robin dress £249 at Sika Designs A proper showstopper. Designed in London and handmade in Ghana from breathable batik cotton, the ruffles bring drama, and the asymmetric hem will inject some energy into any shapes you plan to throw to any Whitney Houston classic. Granted, it might not be the easiest dress to wear to the office afterwards, but the cotton lends itself to being dressed down with trainers on a summer day. A-line linen-blend maxidress £115 at Cos£115 at H&M Sometimes the best option is the simplest. This elegant dress, made from lyocell and linen with a cotton lining, might not look the most interesting, but its clean lines and fluid movement will certainly give you an air of confidence – which can be half the battle when dressing for an occasion. Add bold bangles or sculptural earrings for a bit of zeal. Seamed dress in stretch linen £165 at Everlane Another simple style, this time from ethically and sustainably minded company Everlane, which is sure to look spectacular with the right accoutrements. Made with stretch linen, the construction is smart and will be flattering on various body shapes. Paired with a bag in a contrasting colour – bright pink, say – it will certainly pack a punch. Pineapple stripe dress £185 at Pink City Prints If you're feeling wedding cocktails, then this piña colada-evoking number will certainly get you in the mood. Made from organic cotton block-printed by hand in India, the smock design will offer some forgiveness as that fourth course arrives. The fluted sleeves will spell relief for anyone who isn't joyous about their upper arms, too. Again, I will never not laud a frock with pockets – for when the tiny bag you arrived with starts to feel like a burden, but you still want your lip balm to hand. Delphina watercolour floral dress £245 at Kitri If finding matching items is a headache you can do without, then this floral print dress is statement enough. Its asymmetric styling, frilled neckline and a just-above-the-knee side split mean you needn't worry about having to style it up – let the dress do all the talking. It will be your wedding guest go-to for years to come. Milan midi £98 at Free People Sex and the City fans might see a striking resemblance to the DKNY SS/99 dress that Carrie wore to Miranda's interior designer's wedding in series 2, episode 7. For everyone else, this vintage-inspired midi with full skirt will flatter countless shapes and keep you comfy through that second piece of wedding cake. Wear with sunglasses in a contrasting colour for a daytime do – I like the idea of grass-green with the pink. Green bow back midi dress £150 at Nobody's Child£150 at Asos Fair warning: this dress from the London-based womenswear brand Nobody's Child could, in a certain light, look a little bridesmaidy. But with its unusual sage colour, flattering bodice and sweetheart neckline, we think it's interesting enough to take the risk. While repeat wear would be easy, it's also available to rent via the Nobody's Child link above. Sandrine midi dress £195 at Rixo A great bet for a wedding that you know will run into the wee hours, the leopard print also means you'll be able to wear this dress to multiple dos. Beware, however, that Rixo is a classic wedding guest outfit go-to, so you run the risk of literally meeting your match – this does also mean that the rental market is rich with pickings, though. Commot gold smocked dress £105 at Kemi Telford Stretchy, soft and shiny, this dress ticks a lot of boxes. The work of a London-based fashion brand that draws inspiration from its founder's Nigerian heritage, it's a dress that demands a good time. A few words to the wise – go easy with the accessories; it sparkles plenty on its own. Alicia smock midi dress £169 at Baukjen£169 at John Lewis Made from organic cotton poplin, you wouldn't go far wrong turning up to anything but the smartest of nuptials in this. Polka dots might be enjoying particular plaudits right now, but this dress won't feel past it even after the fashion pundits have moved on to something else. Mini dress £153 at Farfetch£195 at Ganni Traditionally seen as more funereal than fun, black is a controversial choice for a celebration of love. But hear me out. The short length of this cotton poplin dress, from sustainably minded Scandi brand Ganni, helps to make it less wake and more wedding, as does the ruffle hem and tie closure around the back. Team it with a few pops of bright colour – fuchsia or vibrant orange, perhaps – and I think you'll be well on your way to a great wedding-guest look. Silk organza layered dress £350 at Rise & Fall The most expensive dress on the list, this number from Rise & Fall deserves a spot here, not least because it will work hard in your wardrobe for years to come. Made entirely from silk – including the organza silk overlay and sand-washed silk satin slip – in this red colour, it's a special dress for special occasions. Zelma crinkle sleeveless dress £195 at Vivere£195 at John Lewis If an interesting silhouette is what you're after, with its sternum-adjacent cut-out and asymmetric hem, this dress delivers. We especially like the pre-crinkled finish, which means that any creases that come after a few hours of sitting won't totally derail the look. It's a style the likes of Greta Gerwig know well. V-neck frill detail midaxi dress £45 at Marks & Spencer Offering the kind of drop-waist that's popping up (or down) a lot at the moment, this is floral brought right up to date. Its relaxed feel and flattering frill neckline will serve you well, from wedding dancefloors to casual dinners and summer lounging. Suki linen dress £145 at Beyond Nine Not all weddings require you to dress super-smart. If you're heading to a more relaxed event this wedding season, then this dress from the maternity-and-beyond brand Beyond Nine could be a good pick. It will make a statement with its bold stripes in coral pink and mustard, but in a more laid-back manner. Made in the UK from Oeko-Tex linen, the shirred back is a nice aesthetic and practical touch. The Fruit Picker sleeveless dress £208 at Les Animaux This dress won't work for all weddings. For more formal ones, it's out – but for a more casual summer wedding, it will be just the thing, and something you can then wear on repeat for many summers to come. Made from organic cotton drill in the UK, it's hand-finished at the brand's Margate studio. At first sight, it's definitely more workwear than wedding, but a splash of silver jewellery will help up its ante. Maze print dress £155 at Toast With a print that will befuddle bleary eyes late at night, this dress from slow-fashion champion Toast is a winner. I'm sounding another klaxon for the inclusion of pockets and also nodding to the pleasing corozo buttons – the kind of finishing touch for which Toast is well known. (It's worth noting that Vinted is a bonanza of secondhand Toast, for a fraction of the price and fit for a big day. See here and here.) Draped tie detail dress £255 at Jigsaw£255 at Next When it comes to sophistication, this dress wins hands down. For the cut, the drape, and most of all, the combination of oxblood and Jigsaw's own Hockney Blue. It feels like the kind of hue play that would make French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul, a 19th-century colour theorist and inventor of a complementary colour wheel, gleeful. Bea cami and Charlotte midi skirt Cami £65 at Damson Madder£65 at Urban OutfittersSkirt £75 at Damson Madder£80 at Anthropologie With repeat wear in mind, separates are a great shout. Made largely of organic cotton, this cami and skirt from London-based brand Damson Madder are a particularly good option for weddings and beyond. Keep accessories to a minimum and let the colour and bows do the talking. Alexa top and Elise midi skirt Top £150 at Harvey Nichols£169 at RevolveSkirt £250 at Harvey Nichols£262 at Revolve The price of this skirt and top combination might set you back a pretty penny, but one or the other could work multiple ways alongside existing items in many wardrobes. Together is perhaps where the magic lies for a wedding outfit, though. Made of flax linen, this set is floral, but it feels fresh rather than bogged down in any weeds. Multicolour print dress £127.50 at Junior Edition This dress, crafted from organic cotton, is the work of a Spanish brand that's finding fans outside Spain, as well as outside its initial customer base in this case (Bobo Choses started out as childrenswear). Made from organic cotton, the print feels 80s. Although more subtle Memphis style than boom boom. Fluid short dress £240 at Selfridges£247 at Farfetch The genius of this dress is that you can wear it with anything and it will feel special. I have worn a similar one, also from Scandi-brand Stine Goya, for weddings over slip-skirts as well as over jeans for bar nights out and birthday dos. Made of polyester, albeit some of it recycled, it's one to buy with thought and treasure for life. Birds of Paradise maxidress and belt £225 at Me+Em Busy and graphic but still somehow simple, this dress is the work of the brand favoured by Victoria Starmer and Angela Rayner. Make of that what you will. The ruching will be a friend on a long day, and the necktie could double as a fun prop for dancing. Ivy mini dress £145 at Aligne Just the right side of something Tinkerbell would wear, this dress is made from a jacquard material that will magically hold its shape. The structured silhouette is the draw here, but then so too is the Mountain Dew green. Puff sleeves and pockets make it a party staple. Priam draped dress £45 at Ninety Percent This maxidress is made from MicroModal – a viscose fabric made from renewable wood sources – by a brand that puts thought into sustainability. While the brown might not feel super summery, the ruched detailing and draping effect of the lightweight fabric certainly is. Use it as a simple backdrop for bold accessories. Ellie Violet Bramley is a writer who has been delving into style and what it means for nearly a decade – mostly for the Guardian's fashion desk
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Georgia Toffolo puts on a leggy display in a chic blue mini dress as she shares snaps from romantic Marrakech getaway with husband James Watt
Georgia Toffolo took to Instagram on Thursday to share a slew of stunning snaps from her romantic Marrakech getaway with husband James Watt. In one snap, the TV personality, 30, looked incredible in a chic blue mini dress that showcased her long, toned legs. She added height with a pair of gold strappy heels and carried a mini blue handbag that perfectly matched her ensemble. Meanwhile, her husband James, 43, who is the former CEO of BrewDog, cut a smart-casual figure in a white linen shirt and cream tailored trousers as he posed alongside Georgia. In another eye-catching snap, Georgia slipped into a skimpy red bikini as she lounged on a sunbed next to her shirtless husband. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The blonde beauty playfully stuck out her tongue for the camera while posing with a plate of food. During their four-day stay, the couple also dressed to the nines for an evening out. In one glamorous photo, Georgia showed off her washboard abs in a stylish black co-ord set, featuring a crop top and a figure-hugging skirt. Meanwhile, James opted for a smart dark blue shirt and beige trousers, smiling broadly for the camera. In another image, Georgia wore a chic white linen co-ord that offered a glimpse of her toned midriff. She completed the look with a brown suede bag, trendy black sunglasses, and a headscarf as she explored the city. For her next outfit of the day, Georgia chose a white pleated mini dress with a delicately embroidered floral hem. Later, she looked effortlessly stylish in a white frilly top paired with blue denim jeans, posing up a storm at the resort. In another image, Georgia wore a chic white linen co-ord that offered a glimpse of her toned midriff Sharing the highlights and challenges of her trip, Georgia captioned the post: 'My honest thoughts on Marrakech… 'It blows my mind that you can hop on a plane and just over 3 hours later land somewhere this magical. No jet lag (an actual dream), just the most amazing culture and people. 'What I LOVED… ♥️ The vibe: It feels like stepping into another world. From the terracotta walls to the scent of spices in the air, pure sensory bliss. We stayed in the most heavenly riad with breathtaking interiors. 'The food: Moroccan cuisine is next level. Tagines, couscous, and sweet mint tea. I basically ate my way through the trip. 'The interiors: Everywhere you look is a dream. Tadelakt walls, handwoven rugs, patterned tiles, lanterns, even the door handles are pretty. 'The souks: Slightly chaotic but so much fun. Ceramics, rugs, cheeky fake designer belts… it's all there. Prepare to haggle and get lost (in every sense lol). 'Hammams: A Moroccan spa is not to be missed! Slightly intense (you'll be scrubbed within an inch of your life) but your skin will thank you. 'The people: Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Not to be dramatic, but everyone says 'with pleasure, Madame' and it's my new fave phrase. WITH PLEASURE XX 'The weather: Perfect in early or late summer. Avoid July/August, it gets HOT. 'No time difference to London: For someone who really suffers with jet lag, a game changer. 'Not-so-amazing (but real) bits (upside down smiley face) 'Riads are beautiful but quite dark inside. We'd 100% stay in one again, but worth noting if you love bright spaces. 'The chaos: The Medina is full on. I went to the souk after a massage… not my best idea (laughing emoji) 'The hidden steps: They're everywhere. I tripped constantly. James found it hilarious. '"Helpful" strangers: Some offer directions then ask for money, not a huge deal just something to be aware of. 'Dress code: More western than I expected, but you'll feel more comfortable covered (shoulders/knees) in the Medina. 'Traffic: Crossing the road is a sport. Hold your breath and go. 'Would we come back? 100% YES. Four days felt like a proper reset. Already planning round two, probably October. She concluded: 'Save this for your next sunshine escape. Send to the group chat, you'll need a souk buddy x' The pair got engaged last October after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight-carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth £200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday The vacation snaps come after Georgia revealed earlier this year that she and James eloped in North East Scotland. The pair got engaged last October after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight-carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth £200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday. And after the BrewDog founder previously insisted that the pair would be tying the knot this year, it appears that the couple were true to their word - though guests only had 48 hours' notice to attend. Taking to Instagram, Georgia shared loved-up snaps of the newlyweds posing on a fishing boat moments after saying 'I Do', captioning her shock post: 'James and I got married today.' '1st March will forever be the best day of my life - the day I became your wife. We eloped! 'Guests: whoever could get here with 48 hours notice!
Reuters
a day ago
- Reuters
Ghana endorses Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara
RABAT, June 5 (Reuters) - Ghana said on Thursday it considers a Moroccan autonomy plan as the sole basis to settle the Western Sahara dispute within the framework of the UN, aligning itself with a growing number of Western, African and Arab countries that back Rabat's position on the long-frozen conflict. Ghana "considers the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco as the only realistic and sustainable basis to a mutually agreed solution to the issue," said a joint statement issued after talks between Ghana's foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita in Rabat.
