How To Dress Like Moroccan Singer Manal Benchlikha | #StyleFiles
From dramatic red carpet ensembles to relaxed streetwear, the popstar is a certified fashionista in her own right and she’s got the looks to prove it
If you want to learn how to dress for any occasion, just take a page out of Manal Benchlikha’s, more popularly known as Manal, fashion book. One moment she’s strutting down red carpets with glamorous, boss-lady-like ease and the next she’s rocking sneakers and a pair of sweatpants like no other. The singer-songwriter looks just as stunning in everyday attire as she does in a designer gown.
Born in the city of Casablanca, Morocco, the 29-year-old grew up in Marrakesh and went on to study Business and Finance. She transitioned into music, pushed by a desire to be an artist, when she was discovered by Hamza Ali Khali, Moroccan producer and DJ Van’s partner.
Her debut single, ‘Denia’, bagged her the ‘Best Female Artist in Northern Africa’ award at the Africa Music Awards in 2015. Her next track ‘Koulchi Ban’ caught the attention of Sony Music Middle East and she eventually signed with the label, becoming one of the first Moroccan musical creatives to sign with a major Arab label.
Bazaar Arabia shares all of the star’s best looks, straight from her Instagram feed.
Metallic Moment
Manal wore this glossy-metallic outfit for the music video of her latest collaboration, ‘Light Up The Sky’, with fellow popstars Nora Fatehi, Balqees and Rahma Riad for the FIFA World Cup 2022. She paired the metallic blazer-dress by Qatar-based label Harlienz with thigh-high boots with an aluminium finish by Moroccan shoemakers RÊVE D’UN JOUR and slick hair for an edgy look.
Ruling The Red Carpet
The star wore a gorgeous black dress by Italian label Pinko for an appearance at the 79th Venice Film Festival earlier this year. The couture creation featured dramatic ruffle sleeves and a deep v-neckline, which she accessorised with diamonds jewellery.
Classy In Lace
The Moroccan beauty was every bit the epitome of bold elegance in a lacey black top by lingerie brand Etam, which she paired with black silk trousers and leopard-print heels. She finished the look with colourful statement earrings and pulled her hair back into a sleek bun.
Colourful Chic
The singer sure knows how to pull off a vibrant colour palette, wearing a floral printed co-ord set with big flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, yellow and blue. She kept the bright theme going with chunky green earrings and a powerful red lip.
Honouring Tradition
Manal flaunted a bit of her Moroccan roots with this bright green, ethnic jalabiya featuring big bell sleeves and embellished with golden embroidery. The singer kept her makeup fresh with a brown lip and wore her hair in a sleek, pin-straight bob. She accessorised with tiny hoop earrings.
Streetwear Style
The songstress loves a funky pop of colour and showed us all how to do colourful streetwear right, pairing a purple hoodie by homegrown Moroccan label Bari and Soch with white cargo pants and a glittery pair of Converse with neon yellow laces.
The Pantsuit
Manal looked every bit a boss lady in this bright green oversized pantsuit, except she wore a pair of shorts instead of a trouser for a fun twist. Keeping with the theme of bold colours, she completed the look with a pair of killer knee-high leather boots
Ready For Winter
Manal indulged in a bit of streetwear but this time, she made it winter-ready, with a deep golden fur jacket and sweatpants set, which she wore with a plain white shirt underneath. The highlight of the look are definitely the bright Jordan’s, standing out in pink, purple and orange.
Ravishing Red
Manal does not shy away from wearing local designers and homegrown labels from Morocco and this time, she donned this red co-ord set by Boreas, a Moroccan slow-fashion brand that sells organic, ethically made pieces by Moroccan craftsmen. She completed the look with layered gold jewellery.
All-Black Everything
The singer looked beautiful in an off-the-shoulder all-black outfit, complete with black shoes and a black bag with pearl embellishments. She wore her hair in a pin-straight bob and accessorised with silver statement earrings
Lead Image Courtesy/@manalbenchlikha on Instagram