Exclusive: Farida Khelfa Talks About Playing Muse for Taller Marmo’s High Summer 2023 Collection
Photo: Louie Banks
Algerian-French beauty Farida Khelfa is many things: a model, a filmmaker, and, it goes without saying, a style icon in her own right. And this season, the multi-hyphenate is lending her face to Taller Marmo, the Dubai-based label that has grown to be loved across the globe by fashion enthusiasts.
For the label’s exclusive high summer 2023 line—dedicated to the Middle Eastern woman—a glowing Khelfa beams for the camera dressed in a series of covetable creations, ranging from sorbet greens and creamy whites, to pop pinks and royal blues. “I like the way [designers Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea] use fabrics and colors,” she tells Vogue Arabia in an exclusive chat. “The dresses are very comfortable and can be worn in both, the daytime or evening, in cold or warm weather.” In fact, come summer, you’re likely to see Farida in a host of looks from the upcoming line. “I will wear the whole collection!” she shares, “I really enjoy colors now, especially when the sun is out.”
Photo: Louie Banks
Comprising of a whopping nine capsules, Taller Marmo’s high summer 2023 collection was made to satisfy every need for the season. “This year, the collection is the biggest ever done,” the designers explain, revealing that the nine lines have been made in collaboration with Taller Marmo key retail partners including Net-a-Porter, BrownsFashion, MatchesFashion, MyTheresa, Bloomingdale’s Middle East, Harvey Nichols Dubai, Ounass, Etoile La Boutique and Harrods. How do they differ from one another? “With Net-a-Porter, the focus was on creating different looks for the modern woman from sets in earthy tones, to bright and bold kaftans. With MatchesFashion it was all about femininity and lightness using floral fil-coupe textiles and pastel colors. With BrownsFashion, [the approach] was edgy and modern using pastel-neon colors and experimental textiles. With MyTheresa, we wanted to create something elegant, sexy and sumptuous. With Harrods it was all about mixing iconic and new styles in metallic and citrus hues. With Bloomingdale’s Middle East and Harvey Nichols Dubai we wanted it to be very ladylike, and we started with colors we’ve never used before, like lilac and mint. And finally for Etoile La Boutique, we played with idea of sunrise and sunset, working with gold and sunkissed hues.”
Photo: Louie Banks
The result is a final high summer collection that celebrates all aspects of womanhood, while still coming together to tell a bold story. To make the dream come true, the designers worked with a wide palette, and an equally vast range of fabrics—think shiny metallics versus matte textures, asymmetrical silhouettes versus symmetrical styles, fluid crepe cady versus crisp couture-quality fil coupe and jacquard textiles, and sleek fringes versus vaporous feathers. And given the 360 degree appeal of the line, no one but Farida Khelfa would do for the duo when it came to shooting the clothing. “We wanted to work with her as she is the ultimate muse!” the designers gush when asked about their muse for the season. “Were truly honored of having her starring the new campaign. She embodies the modern diva, able to incarnate a spirit and a look that hinted at rebelliousness while representing high octane glamour. We had so much fun on set and there was a perfect chemistry between her and Louie Banks, the photographer. She is a supermodel so her self-awareness made everything so cool and easy.”
Photo: Louie Banks
As we wait for the collection to hit stores, Vogue Arabia sits down with Farida Khelfa for an exclusive chat about everything, from her experience with Taller Marmo, to her summer style.
Tell us about your experience shooting for Taller Marmo. What was the best part about it?It was a very tight schedule on Sunday, during couture week. We worked all day as [Riccardo and Yago] had to go back to Milan the same day. The shoot was in Paris and went extremely well. I loved working with Louie Banks, the photographer—he’s really fast, I like that!
Photo: Louie Banks
What is your relationship with Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea like? How do they inspire you?We met during the shoot, but it seemed like we knew each other for a long time. I like duets in fashion, they work well in the industry. They seem to care for each other and have a strong idea of the brand should be. They’re very focused.
If you could have left the shoot with one Taller Marmo outfit, which one would it have been?My anis (light green) dress! I love this color, and the fact that it could be a gandoura like the ones we have in Algeria. I used to wear those as soon as I was home when I was younger and lived with my parents.
Photo: Louie Banks
What’s one thing about Middle Easten women’s style that you think is extremely admirable?They love fashion in the right way. They have their own style and stick to it, and are always on top of fashion.
Lastly, what are three style tips you’d like to share with every woman who looks up to you?Dare it! Don’t be shy, even if you have it wrong. It’s the only way to find your own style.Red lips are always a good option.If you’re not comfortable with your outfit, try a tuxedo. That often works.
Photo: Louie Banks
