Photography by Chris Colls
Amanjena, Morocco
‘In Morocco, never be surprised…’ or so the proverb goes. Fitting then, that Amanjena finds home in a dense forest of over 100,000 palms that legend tells was created from seeds cast off by warriors in the 11th century. Just outside the fabled Red City, the aptly named site of Palmeraie appears as if in the middle of nowhere. An unexpected oasis in the lunar desert landscape that surrounds.
Through this wash of towering palms, a Moorish inspired palace emerges - Amanjena - where photographer Chris Colls and his partner and muse, Alexandra Agoston continue their journey across the Aman globe. A place of wonder, they capture its every nuance - its pisé-de-terre walls, decorative arches and ceilings with endless voids – painting a picture of life in a sultan’s palace.
A legend in the world of architecture, Amanjena was designed by the late Ed Tuttle – a long term Aman collaborator who would model the brand’s first property on the African continent on Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour’s now ruined palace, el-Badi. In doing so, the monumental 32 pavilion, seven-maison resort would rise to effortlessly embody the spirit of Arabian aristocracy in a familiar palette of rose, terracotta and turquoise hues.
Yet for all its distinctly Moroccan features, Amanjena has equal parts Aman design DNA. Its pared back décor and communication of luxury in the form of vast expanses, spacious dwellings and reflective pools, perfectly pictured in Colls’ visual diary – a story of architectural wonder.
“Amanjena exhibits a distinctly Moroccan influence. To the eye, it’s a design departure from the hotel's Asian inspired ancestors, yet through the lens, its contemporary lines, grand arches and pleasing symmetry offer a calming resemblance to other Amans.”
“Amanjena’s architecture echoes old Arabia, yet somehow avoids clichés, trading gilded opulence and embellishment for subtleties in texture, reflection and colour.”
“As we journeyed into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and shared a communal lunch in a Berber family home, a remarkable sense of peace ensued. Surprisingly, a feeling of familiarity took hold, despite the contrast in cultures from the lives we lead in New York.”
New York based fashion photographer, Chris Colls, developed his creative expression through his interest in photography, art, and architecture which he continues to pursue with a relentless passion. Chris’ imagery and artistic vision have contributed to internationally renowned fashion publications such as Interview Magazine & Vogue. He works with many established luxury brands, and his celebrity collaborations includes actors, musicians and models from across the globe.
Australian born model and artist, Alexandra Agoston, has graced the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. After being scouted walking down the streets of Paris, Alexandra made her runway debut for Christian Dior by John Galliano. She has since worked alongside some of the industry's most respected creatives, as the muse of Jean Paul Gaultier and Comme des Garçon. Alexandra is an ambassador for Parley, an organization taking action to protect our oceans.
Chris and Alexandra split their time between New York and Paris.