The Australian actor is in Morocco for the FIFM, but something else has really weaved his attention.

Marrakech – While visiting Morocco for the star-studded event Marrakech Film Festival 2024 (FIFM), Australian heartthrob Jacob Elordi dived into the city’s hidden gems.

While the glitz and glamour of the festival were undoubtedly a draw in the Red City, it was the artisanal, rug-filled oasis of Soufiane Zarib that really caught his eye. 

After all, those Bottega bags need a soft, stylish, fuzzy landing for when Elordi gets through the door after a day on set, right?

In Marrakech, the actor showed us his wide-ranging aesthetic tastes with a visit to the city’s most in-demand artisan rug dealer – Soufiane Zarib.

Nestled in the medina, the showroom is a trove of bespoke, locally-produced rugs, featuring everything from vintage Moroccan pieces to unique finds from Persia, Turkiye, and the Caucasus. 

Zarib, who runs the store with his cousin Ismail, has been a fixture in the rug world for over two decades.

Growing up in the heart of the Marrakech medina surrounded by the craftsmanship and culture of the rug trade, the Zarib family legacy is woven into every piece. 

The brand is known for contemporary designs, like tie-dye and Cubist-inspired rugs, created by both Berber women from the Atlas Mountains and emerging local artisans.

The Berber women use wool from the native Siroua sheep, dyeing the material with natural colors, and weaving each piece using the centuries-old Berber knot.

The Zarib brothers have transformed their space into more than just a store. It’s a destination; a cultural oasis.

And for those in-the-know, it’s a photo-op waiting to happen – especially if you can capture a bird’s-eye shot on one of their giant carpets. 

Luxury names like Dior andMandarin Oriental, as well as a slew cultural figures like Paloma Elsesser, Harris Dickinson, and even the iconic Kelly Wearstler have all made pilgrimages to this hidden gem.

So when Jacob Elordi walked through the door, you could practically hear the Instagram likes pouring in.

“It was really nice to have Jacob visit our shop,” Ismail told Vogue about the viral moment. 

“As for the response to the photo of his visit, we’ve seen some positive feedback, and there has definitely been a noticeable uptick in engagement.”

Now, did the Australian actor leave with a rug of his own? Not quite…yet. 

“He likes our rug collection and furniture… he’s thinking of contacting [us] when his new house is finished.”

With a collection that speaks to both traditional craftsmanship and modern design, who could blame him?

The Zaribs cater to a diverse clientele, from interior designers and art collectors to those simply seeking unique décor pieces with deep cultural significance.

Ready for a visit? 

What are you waiting for? If you’re planning your own trip to the Marrakchi showroom, it’s located in the industrial district of Sidi Ghanem.

The four-floor space is as much a creative hub as it is a retail destination. 

There’s an airy terrace where local artisans create rugs and artwork, as well as two sunlit floors filled with pieces that tell the story of Morocco’s textile tradition. But it’s not just about the classics.

Whether you’re an interior designer, a collector, or just someone who appreciates a good piece of history beneath your feet, there’s something undeniably magical about the rugs at Soufiane Zarib.

And who knows? Maybe next time Jacob Elordi’s back in town, he’ll be leaving with one of his own.