Fez — French beauty house “Guerlain” is spotlighting Moroccan heritage in a new limited-edition release of its iconic “Terracotta” powder, unveiling “Terracotta Golden Dunes” with packaging inspired by the Sahara and motifs developed in collaboration with Morocco’s “Aït Manos” zellige workshops.
First launched in 1984, “Terracotta” has long leaned on an origin story tied to the dunes of the Moroccan desert; it is built around the idea of capturing sun-warmed shades in a single compact.
In this new edition, Guerlain revisits that myth through an updated pressed pattern that evokes sunlight sculpting sand ripples, while keeping the product positioned as a signature bronzing and healthy-glow staple in the brand’s lineup.
Zellige motifs shaped into collectible cases
The most visible Moroccan reference comes through three new refillable cases designed around zellige-inspired patterns created with “Aït Manos,” a Moroccan maker known internationally for producing traditional zellige coverings for architecture and design projects.
Guerlain presents the trio as collectible designs, each paired with a marbled print that echoes the tones of semi-precious stones. The cases are themed around Moroccan desert geographies: “Blue Dakhla,” framed as a lapis-lazuli blue with red geometry and accents of sky blue and white; “Red Zagora,” built around garnet red contrasted with two yellows in a stylized sun motif; and “Green Agafay,” where jade-like greens form a star arrangement with layered gradients.
A formula anchored in Moroccan ingredients
Beyond design, Guerlain says the powder’s formula is composed of 96% naturally derived ingredients, calculated according to the ISO 16128 standard. It is infused with Moroccan flower honey, which the brand highlights for its hydrating properties and for supporting comfort throughout the day.
The product is also framed as part of the maison’s broader sustainability messaging through its refillable format, positioning the limited-edition case as an object meant to last beyond a single use.
A Moroccan heritage narrative in global beauty
For Morocco, such collaborations often function as more than seasonal aesthetics. By centering zellige, which is an art form tied to long-standing artisanal traditions, “Terracotta Golden Dunes” places Moroccan craft into the visual language of global luxury, translating architectural heritage into an everyday object that travels far beyond the Kingdom.
As major brands continue to look to Morocco for inspiration, the challenge and opportunity remain to ensure that references to heritage reflect living know-how. This includes genuinely showcasing how craftsmanship, like zellige itself, carries history while still adapting to the present.
