Our (Longer) Story

Welcome to Anthology Textiles, where Moroccan textiles come alive with stories, colors, and the timeless beauty of a rich cultural heritage. We are Denise and Shelby, friends who met at university and discovered a shared passion for travel and adventure.

In the fall of 2023, ready for a proper vacation after completing grad school, obtaining a couple professional certifications, new homes and new jobs we thought Morocco would be the perfect place to celebrate, relax and explore. Neither of us had ever been to Morocco and we were excited to explore a new country.

We planned a two-week Moroccan road trip that would begin in the coastal city of Tangier and end in Casablanca with several stops along the way.   

Our road trip quickly turned into a shopping experience just as much as a cultural, culinary and adventurous one. With each new city, we explored the local souks, unable to resist purchasing at least one new textile at each stop. 

We were immediately enamored with the vibrant colors, varied landscape and rich culture. Leaving Tangier, we explored the enchanting “Blue City” of Chefchaouen and  immersed ourselves in the history and craftsmanship of Fes. On our own, in a little beat-up Toyota with missing hubcaps (there was a spare tire in the trunk!) and more than a few dings, we ventured into the desert for a 20-hour drive including a few days in a luxury desert camp where the stargazing was unimaginably beautiful.

We marveled at the copper-gold dunes of the Sahara, journeyed across the awe-inspiring desert landscape and wound our way through the Atlas Mountains along the switch-back roads. From the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate (film locations galore!) to the serene, magical, and stunning overnight stay in Agdz to the bustling medinas of Marrakech, we laughed, made friends, tested our mettle (that desert drive!), and dove headlong into the culture of this magical place.

Every step of our journey was filled with wonder and inspiration. We stayed in breathtaking riads, shared meals of delicious tagines, and made lasting connections with the warm and hospitable people of Morocco. Our experiences in the medinas, the starlit nights in the Sahara, and the rich tapestry of Moroccan history and culture deeply moved us.

While exploring the historic medinas, we found each shop keeper proudly showcased their supply of rugs and textiles, praising the skill and lifelong dedication to the craft of the women working behind the scenes in the Atlas Mountains. A single rug can take one woman weeks or months to weave. Struck by the lack of women in the souks, we were curious to meet the weavers and see the process from start to finish…and the seed was planted for what would become Anthology Textiles.

As our journey ended, in the cosmopolitan city of Casablanca (the movie was not shot on location if you didn’t know), our adventure left us with more questions and an unquenchable wish to return. We knew we wanted to focus on the amazingly talented women weaving these beautiful rugs by hand. We wanted to showcase these women and their skills, their stories and the ancient tradition of rug weaving all while paying the artisans a fair wage and curating a selection of our favorite pieces for like minded shoppers.

Inspired by the beauty and craftsmanship we encountered, we decided to bring a piece of Morocco back with us. Anthology Textiles is a celebration of the artisans and their exquisite craftsmanship, each piece a testament to the skill and tradition passed down through generations. 

We invite you to explore our curated collection of Moroccan textiles and discover the stories woven into every thread. Whether you are looking for a unique addition to your home or a meaningful gift, we are here to share the magic of Morocco with you.