Latest news with #Italian-designed
Scoop
23-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scoop
Comparing Auckland's Best Hair Salons: Your Ultimate Guide
Press Release: Fabric Digital Choosing the best hair salon in Auckland can make all the difference when it comes to transforming your look and achieving the hair of your dreams. With numerous hairdressers across Auckland claiming to offer exceptional services, pinpointing the right fit can feel overwhelming. To simplify your search, we've narrowed down five standout salons in Auckland, each known for their unique expertise, dedicated clientele, and industry-leading techniques. Whether you're after a dramatic colour transformation, precision cuts, or a relaxing luxury experience, this list will help you find your ideal salon match. 1. Glamour Hair Boutique – Rosedale, Auckland Renowned for award-winning hair colouring and exceptional styling, Glamour Hair Boutique in Rosedale is considered by many as the best hair salon Auckland residents trust for expert care. The salon offers a luxurious environment combined with top-tier expertise from a highly trained team, making every appointment special. Key Services and Features: Over 400 five-star customer reviews Hair extension specialists (Purestrands human hair extensions) Expert blonde colouring and precision cutting Award-winning, internationally trained stylists Italian-designed wash basins and premium salon amenities Barista-quality coffee and fine china tea service Customised haircare using leading brands Address: 33G Triton Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632 Phone: 09 478 3943 2. Hare & Hunter – Remuera, Auckland Situated in stylish Remuera, Hare & Hunter has established itself as one of Auckland's premier salons for natural-looking, lived-in hair colour and contemporary styling. Owned by respected colour educator Nicole Reyns, the salon blends luxurious comfort with expert technique, making it a favourite among Auckland locals seeking effortlessly beautiful hair. Key Services and Features: Specialised in 'lived-in' colour techniques (balayage, highlights, rich tones) Led by renowned balayage specialist Nicole Reyns Luxuriously fitted-out salon for relaxation and comfort Personalised consultations and customised styling Expert team dedicated to enhancing natural beauty Address: 1G/415 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050 Phone: 09 281 0662 Email: salon@ Hours: Mon 9am–5pm, Tue–Thu 9:30am–8pm, Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 8am–4pm 3. M11 Studio – Newmarket, Auckland Located in vibrant Newmarket, M11 Studio stands out with a luxurious yet inviting salon space designed by Hare Interiors. Known for its contemporary aesthetic and expert stylists, M11 Studio provides top-quality services with precision and style. Key Services and Features: Contemporary luxury salon environment Tailored cuts, creative styling, and advanced colour techniques Focus on precision and personalised hair care Experienced stylists offering up-to-date trends and classic styles Welcoming atmosphere blending high-end design with comfort Address: 11 McColl Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023 Phone: 09 320 1579 Email: info@ Hours: Tue & Thu 10am–8pm, Wed & Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 9am–5pm 4. Anco Studio – Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Central Anco Studio is known as Auckland's destination for sophisticated colour work, precision styling, and luxurious salon experiences. Directed by Adrian Deng, named Auckland's Best Colourist for Blondes, the salon combines artistic talent with state-of-the-art techniques to achieve flawless results. Key Services and Features: Renowned for expertise in blonde colouring and lifting dark bases Official ambassadors for Olaplex and Lakmē haircare products Unique full-body massage basins offering customisable relaxation Highly skilled, regularly trained stylist team Focused on personalised hair transformations and styling Address: 1A/120 Customs Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 Phone: 027 225 7002 Email: info@ Hours: Tue & Thu 10am–8pm, Wed, Fri–Sun 10am–6pm 5. D&M Hair Design – Ponsonby, Auckland D&M Hair Design in Ponsonby is celebrated as one of Auckland's most awarded hair salons, consistently recognised for creativity and innovation. Winning New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year multiple times, the team offers industry-leading techniques and a strong commitment to sustainability. Key Services and Features: Multiple-time NZ Hairdresser of the Year (2016–2023) Creative, trendsetting hair styling and colour techniques Renowned for extensive in-house training programmes Environmentally conscious salon partnering with Davines Sustainable Beauty Energetic and inspiring salon atmosphere with a dedicated, passionate team Address: 1C Redmond Street, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 Phone: 09 376 3666 Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–8pm How to Choose the Best Auckland Hair Salon for You While each of these Auckland hair salons is acclaimed, finding the perfect match depends on your personal style preferences, hair goals, and desired experience: For luxury, exceptional colour work especially blonde, and expert extensions, choose Glamour Hair Boutique. If you love natural, lived-in styles and balayage, visit Hare & Hunter. For contemporary styling with a chic environment, select M11 Studio. If blonde colouring, technical expertise, and relaxing luxury appeal to you, try Anco Studio. For award-winning creativity, trendsetting styles, and sustainable hair care, head to D&M Hair Design. Elevating Your Hair Salon Experience in Auckland Selecting the best hair salon involves more than simply choosing a hairdresser close to home. It's about finding skilled professionals who listen to your needs, use industry-leading techniques, and deliver exceptional results consistently. The salons listed above represent the finest Auckland has to offer, each celebrated for specific strengths and unique features. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion, craving a fresh new look, or simply want the reassurance that comes with knowing your hair is in expert hands, these five Auckland hair salons are trusted favourites that genuinely live up to their reputations. With this guide, you're now equipped to confidently select your next hairdresser, ensuring your salon experience leaves you looking and feeling your absolute best.
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
See inside the Clare home with private access to the River Shannon on the market for €1.6m
Moys House in the Clarisford area, just off the R496 Killaloe Bypass, is located on approximately 2.35 acres of landscaped gardens and is just a short walk from Killaloe town. Brought to the market by Sherry FitzGerald Talbot, the seven-bedroom residence extends to approximately 594 sqm and also includes a private gym. Three bedrooms are located downstairs, with the remainder on the upper level. The master bedroom features a beam ceiling, an Italian-designed en-suite with walk-in shower, and a dressing room that leads via spiral staircase to a unique tower snug. The elegant country home combines 'generous' proportions with bespoke finishes and private access via a large jetty to the River Shannon. The interior of the house is finished with French and pitch pine flooring, vaulted beam ceilings, and Indian slate. A gravel footpath weaves through the gardens and woodlands of the house, with the outdoor spaces complemented by decked terraces, a well-maintained vegetable garden and a mix of shrubbery. The house itself opens with a split-level entrance that leads to a drawing room and dining room, both with solid pitch pine floor. A kitchen and adjoining snug area form the 'heart of the home' on the ground level. The area is finished with oak-effect flooring and looks across the tennis court, landscaped grounds, and river beyond. A Mediterranean-style courtyard is accessible via the kitchen and features terracotta tiles and ample space for dining al fresco. Located off the master bedroom via a spiral staircase, the eye-catching tower snug retreat features eight windows to view the surrounding countryside, with the listing stating that the snug could be suitably used as a private painting studio or observatory. The lower-ground level includes a spacious gym with several machines and weights as well as a swim in place pool. These facilities, combined with the tennis court, make the house an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts. The property itself is well located with easy access to Limerick city (17km) and Shannon Airport (44km). Another major draw is the house's easy access to other major towns and cities, including Nenagh (25km), Ennis (40km) and Galway city (60km).
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India's luxury boom: via retail playgrounds and WhatsApp chats
In March, Asian Paints had a swish opening for Nilaya Anthology, its gallery-style decor store in the heart of space-starved Mumbai. Hailed as the most ambitious interior design showroom in the country, and spread across 100,000 it is the size of almost two football fields. At the launch, guests sipped Veuve Clicquot Champagne while admiring wares from Milan's haute design gallery Nilufer, Vikram Goyal's museum-worthy brass creations, and whole rooms devoted to bespoke Italian-designed kitchens, bathrooms, home spas and furniture from Europe and the Far East. In a city where fancy store openings happen on an almost weekly basis, it was, by far, the grandest, buzziest opening party. 'This is easily India's most luxury-focused retail concept,' says Greg Foster, artistic director at Jaipur Rugs and former editor of Architectural Digest India. 'To have designs from Nilufar, one of the world's most important galleries, alongside fabrics from some of the most prestigious European textile houses, fabulous carpets from Jaipur Rugs, certified Indian antiquities from Natesan's [and more], all under one roof, would be a fabulous concept anywhere in the world, let alone in Worli.' Foster recalls how the debut collection of art works shown by Sabyasachi's Art Foundation — a series of female forms by artist Atish Mukherjee, in a contemporary take on the Bengal School of Art — were sold out on opening day. The prices ranged from ₹13.5 lakh to ₹52 lakh, and 'people were fighting to buy them', he shares. India is experiencing a retail boom, and luxury consumers are increasingly spoilt for choice as a proliferation of high-end, museum-esque stores are opening across the country. Western high-end brands too are launching targeted collections for the Indian customer. Four years ago, Bulgari, the Italian luxury fashion house that retails, among other things, classic jewellery with price tags that can easily go over ₹1 crore, debuted its version of the mangalsutra. The brand, which priced the piece at a fraction of their in-house designs, at around ₹13 lakh, hired actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas as its brand ambassador. In 2022, Louis Vuitton, the French luxury fashion house, which generated €20 billion in revenue globally, produced a capsule Rani Pink collection of shoes just for India for the festive season. And last year, long-time Indophile and fancy shoe designer Christian Louboutin, whose designs walk down red carpets at Cannes and the MET Gala, showcased a Diwali edit with velvet and brocade sandals and stilettos embroidered with zari. Many buyers who once limited their purchases to when they travelled abroad are no longer waiting to do so, instead preferring to shop in India. A day before luxury content creator Pooja Advani was leaving for her summer holidays to the U.S., she got a WhatsApp alert from a salesperson at Le Mill in Mumbai. The chic multi-brand luxury concept store was letting her know that the latest Alaïa collection had arrived. Advani, known for her trendy style in the city's social circles, had wanted a pair of the celebrated Parisian brand's sandals, prices for which start at an average of $900 (approx. ₹77,000). She did a quick online price comparison between India and the U.S., and immediately bought it. 'I got the tip in advance, they had my size, the price compared, and I didn't have to leave my home. It's these small conveniences that make it easier to shop for luxury in India,' she says. Advani is just one of many clients that the Le Mill sales team has been steering towards the most au courant fashion as soon as it lands in the store — through a mix of WhatsApp messages and calls. Hitesh Rathod, creative director of Le Mill, says: 'Many key pieces are sold even before they get uploaded on our website because our VVIP clients know exactly what they want,' he says. Luxury retail is not just about exclusivity anymore, it is also about accessibility. Especially in India. 'Earlier, I would buy luxury bags, clothes or gifts when travelling abroad. But during and after COVID, numerous new stores and better offerings have made me buy more in India. It is convenient — you don't have to get on a flight, you don't need to worry about Customs when returning home. Plus you can build relationships with the sales staff, and have personally curated concierge services. Abroad, you are just a tourist, unless you are a regular at a particular store. With better curation, almost everything being available here, and excellent pre-and post-sale service, I find it easier to shop in India now.'Shilpa BhagatEntrepreneur and former Mrs. India Why luxury retail is thriving in India Over the past decade, a new affluent class has emerged, as the start-up culture and rise in stock market performance led to greater wealth generation amongst the top 2% of the population, many of them younger entrepreneurs. This class is more brand conscious and globally exposed. And after COVID-19, there appears to be a psychological shift amongst the rich to enjoy their lives and live in the present. This means that while there are still big numbers online (the e-retail market has surged to approximately $60 billion in gross merchandise value, according to global management firm Bain & Company), there is renewed interest in offline. 'We are definitely seeing a strong resurgence in offline retail, particularly in the premium and luxury lifestyle segment,' says Abhishek Agarwal, founder of Purple Style Labs, which owns Pernia's Pop Up, the multi-brand fashion store, which recently took over the lease of the iconic 53,000 Ismail Building in Mumbai's Fort neighbourhood. Its counterpart in Chennai, on upscale Khader Nawaz Khan Road, is equally popular among wedding shoppers who browse their aisles and iPads, the latter making it easier for shop assistants to source from stores anywhere in the country. 'There is a noticeable rise in omni-channel behaviour, where people are browsing collections online but coming to our stores for a deeper experience. While the pandemic significantly accelerated digital adoption, physical retail has come back with greater experiential demand,' he adds. Pernia's Pop Up is planning more large format stores in Mumbai, Delhi and New York. Rise of the single brand store The proliferation of big and new players across India is strengthening this, be it malls such as Palladium and Emporio or the Ambani's Jio World Drive — which opened in 2021 with a roster of luxury brands making their debut in the country — or single-brand stores. The Collective, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail's multi-brand offering, for instance, is growing in scale, and recently opened three new stores, bringing its total number to 40 across India. Adding to the mix is a slew of international brands entering our shores. Swiss watch imports grew nearly 30% in the first three months of 2025. Brands such as Breitling opened new boutiques in Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Gurugram, while Frank Mueller has plans to expand in Mumbai. 'Today's luxury retail is about immersion, not just inventory. Store formats — whether standalone or mall-based — are being designed to create a high-touch, narrative-driven experience,' says Pranav Saboo, MD & CEO, Ethos Limited. 'At Ethos, we've adopted a hybrid model. Our mono-brand boutiques are housed in luxury malls to capture footfall, while our large-format experiential spaces like City of Time in Gurugram, allow for deeper engagement. Interestingly, we're seeing hefty-ticket purchases even in mall stores, provided the brand story and experience align with consumer expectations.' 'The Indian consumer is no longer a peripheral player; they're central to global brand strategies today. Brands are crafting timepieces specifically for this market, embedding both cultural nuance and exclusivity. Take the Jacob & Co. India Edition, for instance — a bold piece that features intricate plaques depicting India Gate, Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on the dial. Other brands have also followed suit, such as Raymond Weil's Ganges Edition and Frederique Constant's India-exclusive model.'Pranav SabooEthos Limited Beauty isn't far behind Long gone are the days when prestige beauty products — part of celebrities' skincare routines, from actor Jennifer Lopez (a La Mer fan) to musician Taylor Swift (Chanel and Charlotte Tilbury) — were covetously purchased by Indians while on holiday. Today, Reliance-owned Tira Beauty, which debuted in 2023 to focus on high-end beauty, has opened 17 stores across India, while Nykaa announced plans for 350 stores by the end of the year. At the launch of the sprawling Tira store at Palladium two months ago, women across age groups were testing YSL lipsticks, Estée Lauder and La Mer skincare, Prada perfumes and K-beauty offerings while sipping on cocktails and Champagne. 'Having a big store like this in the heart of Mumbai to browse in and test products, with good sales staff is helpful. Plus, it's fun to do it with friends,' says Anushree Sardesai, 24, a content creator and senior stylist at Hello! magazine. 'I'm a big fan of French brand Caudalie's beauty elixir and used to wait for someone to visit France to get it. Now, the brands that I like to buy are at my doorstep and I don't have to deal with import hassles and duty.' Beauty is growing at a 10% rate year over year, according to a 2024 McKinsey report, projected to hit $38 billion in the next three years. With a much younger population attuned to the latest global beauty trends and the growth of social media apps such as Instagram, looking good has never been as important. The much-awaited entry of Paris-based upmarket department store chain, Galeries Lafayette — where well-heeled travellers often make plans to spend a day browsing high fashion and beauty — reported to open in Mumbai's historic Horniman Circle area later this year, will further test luxury retail's buoyancy. India's new Bata, the Birk Aspirational luxury is experiencing a boom, too. Last year in Chennai, fashion influencer Pavitra Sagar was part of a Birkenstock promotion at Express Avenue mall. With everything at the German sandal brand's store at 50% off for four hours, she noticed college students buying four and five pairs of 'Birks' each, which usually retail at ₹10,000. 'I was shocked to know how many people wanted to buy them,' she recalls. But, according to consumer behaviour consultancy Datum Intelligence, after the brand launched in India in 2019, the iconic double-strapped sandals, a European staple so far, has become one of the fastest-growing footwear brands in the country — with many in the media even calling it the 'Bata for India's elite'. 'By the end of three hours, everything was sold out. There were no shoes at the store,' says Sagar. Don't overlook small towns Meanwhile, the growth in luxury retail spending is no longer generated from the big cities alone — not surprising in a country with an online penetration of 52%, according to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantor. Tata Cliq Luxury reported 55% of its online sales came from non-metro cities such as Mysuru and Panchkula last year. In fact, at the release of a new luxury report, 'Thinking Beyond The Cart: Elevating Luxury E-Commerce' at a Mumbai gathering in January, its CEO Gopal Asthana told guests that the working population in smaller towns is 'earning well and actively seeking out luxury experiences and goods'. Rathod of Le Mill shares that he 'recently sold a Chloe Kerala 25 shoulder bag [which retails upwards of ₹1.6 lakh] to someone living in Rourkela on WhatsApp, while last week, it was an Alaïa top [that starts around ₹70,000] to a client in Chandigarh'. According to him, the store regularly gets orders from Raipur, Rishikesh and Ludhiana either via Instagram or WhatsApp, which are then serviced via video calls and store tours. From beauty to home decor Interestingly, luxury retail is also growing across categories — in metros and elsewhere. While jewellery and fashion have always been important segments, now home décor and beauty are growing, too. 'It becomes natural for the Indian customer to want to shop in India where they have more options, attention to detail, and the ability to customise,' says Pavitra Rajaram, who curates the luxury offerings at Nilaya Anthology. 'A lot of our customers want to take a piece home and try it. And you can't do that if the sofa is sitting in Italy.' Foster, of Jaipur Rugs, echoes this. He notes that people are prioritising spending on their homes like never before. 'Creating a beautiful home is more important today than a luxury car purchase or leisure travel. At Jaipur Rugs, for example, we're seeing an appetite for new collections by Gurjeet Singh, Tatiana de Nicolay and Richard Hutten — pieces sell before they are anywhere near the showroom.' Home interiors is projected to grow to $71 billion by 2033, according to research firm IMARC, driven by the 140 million consumer base that has discretionary spending power. 'If you think of tier 2 and 3 cities, this is the best time to be in this business because I don't see things slowing down for home and interiors,' says Astha Khetan, co-founder of Udaipur-based furniture gallery House of Things. The in-store experience In January, House of Rose, which sells brands such as Bulgari, Chopard, and Frank Muller, apart from its own jewellery, opened its new outpost in the historically significant Ballard Estate in South Mumbai. The luxurious store elevates the retail experience — from the nine large museum-style arched windows showcasing bespoke three-dimensional art installations created by contemporary Indian artists, inspired by the luxury brands sold at the store, to a bespoke bar and dining space for clients. Customers can enjoy curated four course meals and special cocktails, wander into richly decorated private rooms to understand gemstones and view unique jewellery that retails anywhere from a few lakhs to upwards of a crore. 'The future lies in curated, immersive spaces,' explains Karan Vaidya, vice president of marketing and retail at House of Rose. 'Our clientele is not just shopping for jewellery or watches — they're seeking a memory, a story, a celebration.' The brand plans to open two or three more experiential stores across India by next year. Khetan of The House of Things says that her pivot to a physical gallery in Udaipur, where the company is based, was a natural progression and an 'experiment' before venturing into Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad or Hyderabad, where their primary client base resides. She says the new store has already sold out its entire inventory twice since it opened mid-March. Wait, don't rejoice Despite all the growth, Ravi Thakran, chairman of investment firm Turmeric Capital and formerly head of LVMH-owned L Capital in Asia believes the enthusiasm for rapidly expanding luxury retail ought to be tempered. At the BoF VOICES conference last November in the U.K., seen as the Davos-equivalent for the fashion world, I noticed conference attendees discussing China's slowdown and global economic headwinds. One recurring theme in many private conversations was the bright spot posed by India, where people talked about how luxury brands that had a strong narrative and were committed to the market would do well. Thakran, however, speaking at VOICES, was of the opinion that 'India is now growing faster than China. But when it comes to the luxury market — talk of any brand, be it Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Louis Vuitton, Cartier — India is less than 1% of sales. The country's stupendous growth is right in front of us, but the bulk of that growth is led by a very young population with a very low per capita income'. He adds that, 'If you are an aspirational player, go to India today. In luxury, you still have to work [at gaining the market you need in the long term].' His point: though Indians are spending on brands, it is for a smaller retail value price; consumers are still in growth mode. But western brands are increasingly coming to the country because of the potential for the value of the basket size (number of items a customer purchases in a single transaction) to grow. Designers such as Payal Singhal agree. 'Yes, the richest 2% in India is booming, given the enormous wealth creation that's never happened before. But if you look at mid-luxury, which is where we come in, the market is struggling,' she says candidly. 'There is inflation, people are losing jobs.' A widely reported story of economic data shared by Saurabh Mukherjea, founder of Marcellus Investment Managers, indicated that middle class income only increased at 0.4% over the past decade, while inflation had eroded purchasing power by 50%. Those making more than ₹1 crore a year, meanwhile, are growing. Singhal, who used to have stores in New York and New Jersey, and celebrated her eponymous brand's 25th anniversary last year, has seen the ups and downs of the retail business. 'Brands like ours are either pivoting to higher segments to tap into that luxury 2% market, or lower, for mass appeal. Obviously, I decided to go higher, but I still wonder, what piece of the pie is everyone getting and how much will that 2% keep buying?' The writer is a Mumbai-based journalist and author.
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
New Canyon smartwatch has 25 sports modes, is fully waterproof and, lasts up to 8 days between charges
CANYON has launched a new watch called the Smartwatch Otto SW-86. It's Italian-designed and features a unique, octagon-shaped bezel that's made from aluminium and is very lightweight, only 44mm in size, and is fully waterproof too. 2 The Canyon Smartwatch Otto SW-86 is available with different coloured straps Credit: Canyon 2 It comes with a USB charging cable and user guide Credit: Canyon It does all the regular things a watch does like tell the date and time, but it's also a smartwatch so packed with loads of modern features. The Smartwatch Otto SW-86 can receive notifications on calls and messages, you just need to sync it with your smartphone. And once linked to your phone, you can control your music playback and camera via the watch's touchscreen and view the weather forecast. You can also receive push notifications from social media apps, and get calls and SMS messages right on the 360x360 resolution screen. Read more in Tech And if you don't like the watch face that it comes with you can choose from six different pre-installed ones, just hold down the watch face then swipe to choose a different design. Alternatively, you can use the Watch-Face Gallery on the Canyon Life App to choose from 380 different options. And as it's also a sports watch it comes with 25 sports modes. It can monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, sleep, count steps, and will remind you when it's time to hydrate and have a drink. Most read in the Irish Sun Plus, it has a built-in pedometer, burnt calories, and distance tracker and can monitor your sleep, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. But that's not all as the Smartwatch Otto SW-86 has a reminder for physical activity, and as mentioned earlier, it is completely waterproof thanks to its IP68 water rating, so suitable for swimming, wearing in wet weather or while rinsing and bathing. Canyon Smartwatch Otto SW-86 Key Facts: Case Material: Aluminium and Plastic Time Display: Digital Removeable strap: Yes Strap: White Silicone Strap Band Size: 260mm x 20mm Display Size: 1.30" Display Technology: LTPS Display Touchscreen: Yes Display Resolution: 360x360 Operating System: Android 8.0 and later (smartphones with BT 4.0+ and Google Play services support, Android GO has no notifications support) iOS 14.0 and later Warranty: 24 months Battery Capacity: 280 mAh Internal Memory Size: 192 KB And you don't have to charge it daily because the Smartwatch Otto SW-86 has a brilliant battery life, lasting up to 8 days in active mode. It costs €89.99 to buy in store from Tesco, but use your Clubcard for a special offer of just €49.99, saving you €40.
Morocco World
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
The Forgotten Military Legacy Behind Bab El Makina in Fez
Rabat – Bab El Makina is just a striking stone structure to most passersby. But beneath the weathered arch lies a story that's been largely overlooked: a bold chapter in Morocco's military modernization under Sultan Hassan I, and a powerful reminder that the North African country once dared to stand shoulder to shoulder with Europe's great powers. To understand Bab El Makina, you have to look beyond the façade. Built in 1886, this Italian-designed structure was no mere gate, it was the entry point to a military factory and academy. The word 'Makina,' borrowed from the Italian 'macchina,' wasn't a poetic flourish; it marked the site of Morocco's first major attempt at industrializing its defense system. Sultan Hassan I ordered its construction with a clear purpose: to drag a declining military machine into the modern era, one rifle at a time. By the late 19th century, Morocco's military had lost its former glory. The victorious days of the Almoravids, Almohads, and Merinids were ancient history. Even the triumph of the 1578 Battle of the Three Kings, where Morocco stood tall against the Portuguese, had become a distant memory. More recent history was less kind: the humiliating defeat against France in the Battle of Isly (1844) and another blow from Spain during the Tetouan War (1859–60). These weren't just military losses, they were existential alarms. Hassan I inherited a Morocco still smarting from these defeats. His predecessors had tried to modernize but were often undermined by foreign meddling, religious conservatives, and sheer logistical nightmares. His father and grandfather had opened the door to European military instructors, imported outdated rifles, and tried (with mixed results) to assemble a standing army. The Moroccan navy had already been dismantled in 1817. The country's technological edge was slipping, and fast. Determined not to follow in the footsteps of Egypt or Tunisia, both of which had succumbed to European financial control, Hassan I moved decisively. He invited Italian engineers and officers to Morocco, and in 1885, struck a deal to create an arms factory in Fez. The location? A large tract of land west of the royal palace, close to the flowing waters of Oued Fes, which would power the machinery. Under the supervision of Colonel Giorgio Broccoli and three Italian engineers, construction began. The result was a sprawling military complex equipped with metal forges, carpentry workshops, and imported tools, some from Venice itself. Production began around 1889, but the factory wasn't fully operational until 1891. The facility could produce up to five rifles a day, modest by European standards, but revolutionary for a country like Morocco. But not everyone was cheering. This project faced internal sabotage from elites who profited off arms imports. Traders, smugglers, and brokers who had long held Morocco hostage to foreign supply chains didn't want to see a self-sufficient army. They rallied conservative clerics to denounce the factory as a dangerous innovation, even heretical. Students returning from Europe with new ideas about science and military reform were painted as threats to tradition. Despite the resistance, Hassan I pushed forward. He sent military students to Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, and even Spain to study modern tactics. He brought in foreign officers to train Moroccan troops, dressed them in European-style uniforms, and experimented with standardized drills. The goal wasn't just to dress like a modern army, but to act and fight like one. What set Hassan I apart was not just ambition, but foresight. He knew Morocco couldn't remain a sovereign state if it didn't adapt. At the 1880 Madrid Conference, he managed to win international recognition for Morocco's independence, a diplomatic victory that rested heavily on the credibility of his modernization program. Still, the dream was short-lived. By 1912, when the French Protectorate was imposed, the factory was shut down, and the Moroccan army dissolved. The building was repurposed for rug production. Today, almost nothing remains of the original military infrastructure, except for Bab El Makina itself. It stands there quietly, often overlooked by tourists snapping photos or attending music festivals in the nearby square. But for those who know its past, Bab El Makina is more than a gate. It's a monument to a moment when Morocco tried boldly, imperfectly, and under immense pressure to chart its own future. A century and a half later, it still whispers the story of a nation that once looked East and West and chose to build. Tags: Bab El MakinaFezThe history of military
