Travel

Stephanie has her own concept store in Haarlem, ID image styling. She never goes to fairs but draws inspiration from blogs, magazines, or Pinterest. On the window of her shop, it says: Even those who inspire us, need a place to be inspired. ‘It doesn't matter who, because Karl Lagerfeld also needs his inspiration.’ Stephanie explains. And that's just how it is.

You live in Haarlem, nice and close to the beach. Which beach tent can we find you at?

‘Rapa Nui in Bloemendaal is my favorite. That's because they also have a small surf school. I love surfing and there's a really nice, relaxed vibe. Ubuntu beach in Zandvoort I also find very cool.

But those waves in the Netherlands aren't really that high, are they?

‘I also sometimes go to Morocco with friends, where you can surf fantastically. Taghazout is a very small village where people come specifically to surf. We book an apartment there and the surfboards. During the day we ride the waves and in the evening we stroll along the boulevard past all the nice eateries.‘

Can you recommend a good hotel in Morocco?

‘Morocco is really a very nice country to travel to. I did that for a while and mostly stayed in Riads. Small hotels with such beautiful courtyards. Riad Malaïka I thought was amazing. Each room is decorated differently, but always very atmospheric and cozy. There are also cute little birds in a cage there.’

And where can you eat well in Morocco?

‘L’auberge, in the surfers’ village of Taghazout, is very nice for eating Moroccan dishes, but you can also have a hamburger there. And at Has point, I always drink delicious fresh juices. For breakfast, there are yogurts or sweet rolls on the menu, depending on what is served in the riad.'

And where should you go in Marrakech?

‘Absolutely to Garden Yves Saint Laurent, a beautiful large garden where it's nice to have lunch. At Un Dejeuner a Marrakech, you can enjoy delicious desserts on a great rooftop terrace. There aren't many locals and it's quite a bit touristy, but it's really worth it. On the large square in Marrakech, there are all kinds of little restaurants. No one has a menu, you just say what you feel like or you take what the pot offers. All very sincere and nice.’

Back to the Netherlands for a moment, how do you relax?

‘When it's dark, I look at the moon and stars. It has to be a clear night, of course, and I prefer to lie on my own rooftop terrace. I also find drinking coffee with my friends very calming. Or cooking together. By the way, I can also spend hours on Pinterest. I really get into that. Or a book in the bath. Very nice.’

And if you have a date? Where do you go?

‘I like to start with coffee. You can always leave if it doesn't work out, and if you really like him, you can always go back in the evening. Mogador in Haarlem is a nice place to meet, and next to it is a very hip Moroccan caterer where you can have a drink. Imagine, if you like him, I would go to Haarlem to Ora. A pizzeria. Get the pizza Charlot, with arugula, raw ham, and cheese.’ Sounds delicious Stephanie, but have you read my piece ‘What you eat on a date’ ? Oh, he just has to take you as you are.

And lastly. What is the newest gadget in your store now?

The linen spray from Sabon, it really feels like you're lying in a hotel bed. Or also nice to spray in your wardrobe. I'm also very proud of the diamond light. Very cool.