Something magical just unfolded in Marrakech. And, it wasn’t just the desert sun casting its golden glow across the Atlas Mountains. Instead, it was the scene-stealing Alemais Resort 2026 runway show, which lit up the Culinary Art Museum with a fashion-meets-beauty spectacle powered by some of Australia’s finest. We’re talking hair royalty, high fashion and a heavy dose of heat (in every sense of the word).
Alemais, the luxe Aussie label known for its dreamy prints and conscious craftsmanship, took their latest Resort collection to Morocco. And, with a North African runway as a background to its debut it was as bold and beautiful as the brand itself.
Perfecting the locks that accompanied the lewks was Creative Director of Wella Professionals and ghd Creative Artist Renya Xydis. The mission of the master of manes? To create looks that honoured the spirit of the city and complemented the richly textured Alemais designs. “This partnership is all about creative synergy,” said Renya. “And, Wella’s innovation allowed us to embrace each model’s unique texture and enhance it in a way that felt true to the spirit of Marrakech.”
The results were proof that Renya well and truly understood the assignment. And, with the memory of AFW etched in her mind, she worked with her team to create a series that centres around a sun-kissed, salt-air-meets-souk vibe that was equal parts effortless and elevated. Our personal faves included the polished waves that gave slept in chic, and curls that celebrated their bounce, and texture. Very, “I woke up like this. But make it high fashion.”
Supported by a hero lineup up Wella products, each style told its own story. Think: Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue to support strand revival, Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum for that lush, hydrated finish that thicker and textured hair types live for, and the EIMI Styling range, which gave Renya and her team the freedom to build volume, layer texture, and let the hair move. Like a desert breeze at dusk.
And, supporting the products, was a selection of tech devices playing a similarly starring role, too. These included the ghd helios hairdryer, chronos max styler and thin wand that helped shape, define and finesse every backstage to catwalk look.
Naturally, no fashion moment is complete without make-up to match. And, Renya didn’t soar in solo. Sydney-based MUA Isabella Schimid brought her face game with barely-there beauty looks rooted in skin care-first minimalism. The vibe was glowy, dewy, sun-drenched skin that shimmered in the Moroccan light.
But, what made this show so special – beyond the obvious star power and style – was its intention. Alemais founder Lesleigh Jermanus put it best: “Like everything we do, we followed our heart and took the opportunity to present our Resort 2026 Collection here in Marrakesh, Morocco. Travel and collaboration are the beating heart of Alemais.” This spirit was brought to life in a unique collaboration with local artist Laurence Leenaert of LRNCE, celebrating “the perfectly imperfect” through a lens of craft and creativity.
In many ways, the hair was a mirror of the collection. It was refined yet raw and organic yet elevated, with roots that ran deep – both literally and figuratively. Together, Alemais, Wella, ghd and Renya Xydis gave us (and front row viewers such as Olympia of Greece, granddaughter of the former King and Queen of Greece) a show that equal parts feeling and fashion. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to rock some curls and caftans and and book a flight to Casablanca …
