Introducing Sue Wong’s Palazzo Marrakesh

by Nicole Goesseringer Muj

When the iconic fashion designer Sue Wong bought a huge, bland but decidedly boring McMansion totally devoid of personality and character in Los Feliz, California last year, she took up the challenge of giving it glamour, character, style and grandeur. She was inspired by her previous decor of the Jimi Hendrix room at her Hollywood historical mansion The Cedars, which embodies nostalgic opulence in the exotic Moroccan manner of the 1920s.

Inspired and emboldened by the Moroccan fantasy that she had created at The Cedars, she embarked on designing an entire 10,300 square-foot Moroccan palazzo. Last summer, she trekked through four Moroccan cities - Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez, Agadir - to comb for precious treasures in scorching temperatures. It was an unforgettable trek of a lifetime that yielded the most astonishing unique pieces of furniture art.

Upon her return, she sat side-by-side with her graphic artist friend Dave Pascal who translated all of her creative ideas into digital format. She proceeded to design every single piece of ceiling, doors, furniture, mosaic tiles, and architectural elements, such as carved archways and columns that defined spaces, implementing the tradition of Moroccan handicraft of many centuries. The finished house is magnificent – an all-handcrafted custom house – every ceiling , every doorway, every piece of furniture all beautifully handmade! Wong recently threw one of her exclusive soirées, unveiling Palazzo Marrakesh to her closest friends…

A wonderful magical vortex was created by the presence of over 350 vibrant souls who gathered at my newly created work of art, Palazzo Marrakesh, to celebrate its completion on February 24th! It was high level energy which emanated from talented and accomplished artists who came from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, music, dance, journalism to form a fortissimo of creative frequency and a spark which ignited the entire pulsating atmosphere.

In attendance were celebrated Intel warriors, Sacha Stone and Scott McKay, actor Kelsey Grammer and his stunning daughter Greer, designer Donald J. Pliner and his glamorous wife, Lisa Faith BarbernellPliner, Abbot Yeanfan of the Shaolin Temple, international peace maker, the Reverend Patrick McCollum, BRITWEEK Chairman, Nigel Daly with his beautiful wife, Louise Salter, Caroline Lagerfelt, actor/ rock musician, Ronn Moss, producer Larry Kasanoff, E! founder Larry Namer, actor Vincent De Paul, musician Leon Hendrix, the brother of Rock immortal Jimi Hendrix, Scott Page (Pink Floyd), Chris Pitman (Guns ‘N Roses), violinist Scarlet Rivera, and many others.

The party was an elegant affair, with delicious passed hors d’oeuvres and desserts, while wine and spirits flowed, including Armagnac by Cardinal du Four. Everyone was blown away by the beauty of the house, which I created, as well as the amazing party itself.

The music was equally stellar, starting with a set by Ronn Moss, Steve Cooke, Scott Page, Scarlet Rivera, Derek Day, Chris Grainger, and Jenny Mosely. The set was followed by Bex Marshal singing rock/blues and channeling Janis Joplin. Djordje Stijepovic gave an awesome stand up bass performance and last but not least, Leon Hendrix, brother of Jimi, gave nothing less than an electrifying performance with vocalist M’CHELL. There also was a surprise guest appearance by American psychedelic soul band, The Chamber Brothers. What an unforgettable, magical evening!

Sponsors included Spencer Daly’s SLYD wines, Christophe Namer’s Cardinal du Four Armagnac, food by Thach Namer of Elyse Restaurant, San Jose, and candles by Milena Popovic/Milena Los Angeles.