Imaan Hammam Channeled Royalty for the Fashion Trust Arabia Awards

Last night’s Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) Awards at El Badi Palace in Marrakech were far more meaningful to model Imaan Hammam than a typical industry event. “I’ve been excited about attending this year’s FTA Awards since the location was revealed,” she tells Vogue. “I knew I wanted to have a special involvement since Morocco is my home.” That she did, delivering the event’s opening remarks.

Though Hammam was born and raised in Amsterdam, her mother is from Morocco, and Hammam has frequented the country throughout her life. “My earliest memory of Marrakech is of my mom, my grandma, and I walking through the souks and getting lost,” she says. “It’s still one of my favorite things to do when I’m back.” She also makes it a point to enjoy her favorite local meal, tanjia with lemon preserve. (“It’s cooked in clay pot put underground,” she shares.)

This trip, she added a heavy does of fashion and beauty to her itinerary. “The first thing that came to mind was to wear an original caftan,” Hammam says of planning her FTA look. “I reached out to my friend Badr and started brainstorming. We wanted to do a tribute to the royal family, specifically referencing Lalla Meryem. Her looks have been so inspirational to me, showcasing a mix of tradition and modernity.” Hammam turned to Selma Benomar for a custom black caftan highlighting Moroccan artistry and design. Hairstylist Hos Hounkpatin, meanwhile, gave Hammam a ’90s supermodel-esque bob with a modern twist, with makeup artist Nadia Tayeh applying dark eyeliner and gold accents on her skin. The look, Hammam says, is one she’s always wanted to pull together for an event—she was just waiting for the right moment. “Being home in Morocco for the FTA was the most fitting time.”

Ahead, Hammam shows Vogue how she spent the day in Marrakech—from meeting FTA Awards nominees and sitting in the glam chair to taking the stage at the ceremony.