Cendrillon

Slipping into a pair of exquisitely crafted babouches, wouldn’t you agree that Cendrillon, right here on Avenue Abdelali Benchekroun, seems like a world away from the stark landscapes and harsh realities depicted in the Moroccan tale of Smeda Rmeda? Cendrillon, with its elegant display of shoes, is a testament to the enduring appeal of footwear, a symbol of transformation and escape, much like the glass slipper in the Western version of Cinderella. While the shop itself doesn’t hold centuries of history like the ancient walls of Fes el Bali, it stands as a modern echo of the timeless desire for beauty and aspiration. The tale of Smeda Rmeda, a darker, more brutal version of the Cinderella story, is deeply rooted in Moroccan folklore. It’s a narrative of vengeance and strength, a far cry from the passive princess often depicted in Western fairytales. Smeda Rmeda takes control of her destiny, even resorting to extreme measures to escape her cruel stepmother. Interestingly, the illustrator Noa Snir, when retelling this grim fairytale, drew visual inspiration from the landscapes of Morocco, incorporating the burnt orange of the desert and the deep teal of the sky into her artwork. These same colors can be found woven into the intricate patterns of the slippers and shoes displayed at Cendrillon. Even though the story of Smeda Rmeda is set within the cultural context of Morocco, no direct connections to the ancient city of Fes are explicitly made in the tale. However, the story’s setting within Morocco serves as a backdrop for understanding the cultural nuances and strong female protagonist that differentiates it from the Western Cinderella. Cendrillon, therefore, exists in a space between these two narratives: a purveyor of modern footwear against the backdrop of an ancient city and a brutal fairytale. Take a moment, as you browse the delicate leatherwork and embroidered designs, to imagine Smeda Rmeda herself, defiant and resourceful, navigating the vibrant souks of Fes. Perhaps, she too, would have appreciated a beautiful pair of shoes from Cendrillon, a small comfort in a world filled with hardship. As you leave Cendrillon, remember the echoes of Smeda Rmeda, the Moroccan Cinderella. Her story reminds us that even in the oldest of cities, and the darkest of fairytales, hope and transformation, like a perfect pair of shoes, can be found.