Creating Unforgettable Experiences

An Interview with Marianna Idirin

Marianna Idirin is a creative director and experience designer whose work is rooted in creating spaces that feel personal, intentional, and alive. From weddings to interior projects, her designs bring together lighting, textures, scents, and sounds to create something truly memorable. A deep connection to Morocco has been a defining influence on her style, informing her approach to design and shaping her projects in unexpected ways.

We sat down with Marianna to learn more about her design aesthetic, her love for Morocco, and how she incorporates its essence into her work running Marianna Idirin company.

Falling in Love with Morocco

For Marianna, Morocco has always held a special allure. Long before she visited, its colors, textures, and culture were already influencing her creative sensibilities.

“I always wanted to visit Morocco because I’ve always been deeply drawn to its colors, textures, and culture. Whenever I choose a travel destination, I’m more inclined toward places that feel alive. I’m not as interested in modern cities—I love experiencing history, culture, a bit of chaos, and adventure,” she says.

When she finally traveled to Morocco, it didn’t disappoint.

“From the moment I arrived, the energy of the people, the music, the rhythms, and the bustling Medina with its vendors completely awakened my senses. Morocco makes my entire body feel alive, ready to absorb and experience everything it has to offer.”

For Marianna, Morocco is more than a destination—it’s a source of inspiration. “I adore the contrasts there—walking through simple, dusty, chaotic streets filled with unified bursts of color, art, and people, then suddenly discovering magical places with every step. Every corner feels like an adventure, like being a child in a world brimming with color and countless treasures waiting to be uncovered.”

Exploring the Medina in Marrakech

As a designer, Marianna finds endless inspiration in Morocco’s bustling marketplaces, particularly the Medina in Marrakech.

“In Marrakech, the Medina is undoubtedly where it all happens. It’s amazing because it’s vibrant day and night—it never stops,” she explains. “It’s a 360-degree experience. You can go in the morning for a coffee, visit blacksmiths, woodworkers, tiny shops, or antique stalls. It’s utterly inspiring. There’s no place that compares to it.”

She continues, “There are areas on the outskirts, but they don’t have the same richness. The Medina is every designer’s dream. You can work with leather, mix it with textiles, or create applications for lamps—there’s an endless variety. And you experience it all alongside people who have been practicing these crafts for generations. It’s incredibly fascinating.”

Incorporating Morocco into Her Work

Marianna’s connection to Morocco goes beyond admiration; it’s a recurring influence in her projects.

“First, I have to say that I believe Morocco was somehow always connected to me, even before I experienced it. Without knowing it, my aesthetic tendencies were already aligned with its culture. And when I finally visited, it felt as though I’d been there in a past life, as if I was rediscovering its elements, smells, and textures.”

This influence is most evident in CLANDESTINNA, her bar that aims to capture the essence of Morocco.

“As soon as you walk in, you’re transported to another universe. That’s something Morocco does so well—hidden doors lead to magical places filled with colors, textures, and scents. CLANDESTINNA captures that essence. Everything, from the lamps and colors to the textured walls, represents Morocco’s influence.”

Redefining Luxury

For Marianna, luxury isn’t about extravagance but about thoughtful details and experiences that feel authentic.

“To me, luxury is natural—textures, authenticity coming to life, and things that transport you to the past. Luxury is being in spaces that are not only incredibly comfortable but also full of detail, like stepping into a story.”

She continues, “A space should tell a tale, offering a complete experience. For me, luxury is about connecting with nature while enjoying thoughtful comforts and little moments of delight throughout your day—whether it’s at home, in a hotel, or at a restaurant.”

Designing Beyond Aesthetics

Marianna’s work is defined by her ability to create more than beautiful spaces; she crafts environments that evoke emotion and leave lasting impressions. Whether she’s designing a wedding, an interior, or a space like CLANDESTINNA, her focus remains on creating experiences that feel authentic and inspired.

For Marianna, design is about bringing together details—big and small—that reflect her clients and the stories they want to tell. It’s a skill she’s honed through her passion for culture, history, and the creative possibilities that Morocco continues to offer.