Designing the Future: Hicham Lahlou Celebrates 30 Years of Creativity

Since 1995, Hicham Lahlou has established himself as a pioneering figure in international design, an ambassador of Moroccan creativity whose work has helped redefine the global perception of African and Arab design. Over three decades, his creations have formed a constellation of ideas and symbols, connecting heritage and modernity in a continuous dialogue.

In 2025, Wallpaper magazine honored Lahlou’s influence with a feature article and interview, highlighting his vision and his role in shaping contemporary design. The exhibition’s graphic symbol, inspired by the clover leaf and reimagined as a luminous star, reflects this balance between cultural heritage and future-forward creativity. That same year, he was invited to serve as a jury member for the SaloneSatellite Awards 2025, founded by Marva Griffin as part of the Salone del Mobile in Milan, the world’s largest design event. This prestigious award, dedicated to emerging designers, was presided over by Paola Antonelli from the MoMA Museum in New York.

Constellations: Back to the Future is both a retrospective and a transmission of legacy. Produced by the Institut Français du Maroc as part of the 2025–2026 Cultural Season, the event marked the presence of Mr. Christophe Lecourtier, Ambassador of France to Morocco, who paid tribute to Hicham Lahlou during his speech, as well as the presence of the Ambassador of Australia to Morocco and the Ambassador of Morocco to the Republic of Congo, alongside the artists and guests.

Alongside his most emblematic works, Hicham Lahlou invites three Moroccan artists and designers, Selma Lazrak, Amine Asselman, and Hasnae Lahlou, representing the vitality of the new generation.

Morocco as a Creative Matrix

Curated by Sanaa El Younsi, the exhibition positions Morocco as a fertile ground for artistic and design expression. Hicham Lahlou’s work embodies the encounter between ancestral craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics. His creations transcend their functional purpose to become symbols of meaning, memory, and emotion.

By merging traditional materials, artisanal knowledge, and modern concepts, Lahlou presents design as a universal language. His approach builds bridges between local and global cultures, between history and innovation. His influence lies not only in his work but also in his dedication to mentoring and inspiring future creators

Highlights of the Exhibition

Among the main works presented is Constellation, a collaboration with Cheick Diallo, produced by DAUM for the Chalhoub Group in the Middle East. This piece will be shown for the first time in Morocco during the exhibition.

Other works on display include:

Symbiosis immersive installation, co-created by Fati Fikri and Hicham Lahlou
Meteor experimental creations and installation by Hicham Lahlou
Afrika Zina installation of totem sculptures
Najm 1 and Najm 2 by Selma Lazrak
Babiche painting by Hasnae Lahlou
Oryx by Hicham Lahlou, edited by DAUM
Constellation co-created by Hicham Lahlou and Cheick Diallo, edited by DAUM exclusively for the Chalhoub Group

Together, these works create a visual dialogue between generations and cultures, uniting geometry, identity, and imagination.

Spotlight on the New Generation

Remaining faithful to his vision of sharing and collaboration, Hicham Lahlou gives space to three Moroccan artists:

Selma Lazrak, architect and designer based in Munich, known for combining sustainable design with Moroccan craftsmanship. Named Designer of the Year at the 2023 Africa Design Awards and listed among Forbes Afrique’s Top 50 Women 2025, she brings a refined and meaningful approach to design.
Amine Asselman, artist and PhD in contemporary art, explores the intersection of science and art through geometric abstraction and Moroccan zellige patterns.
Hasnae Lahlou, Franco-Moroccan painter, uses color as an emotional language, expressing memory and life through vibrant and instinctive compositions.

Design as a Universal Language

Through Constellations: Back to the Future, Hicham Lahlou reaffirms design as a universal dialogue between cultures, materials, and emotions. His journey, deeply rooted in Morocco yet open to the world, continues to inspire a new generation of creators shaping the future of design.

The vernissage gathered an impressive audience of Moroccan, French, and international personalities, including the Ambassador of Australia. The exhibition was inaugurated by the French Ambassador, Mr. Christophe Lecourtier, who delivered a heartfelt speech paying tribute to Hicham Lahlou and his remarkable contribution to design, much to the delight of the attendees.

Titled “Hicham Lahlou Celebrates 30 Years of Design with ‘Constellations – Back to the Future’ and a Special Collaboration with Botanika Marrakech”, the event also marked the unveiling of a limited-edition home fragrance, “I Love Africa,” created in collaboration with Botanika Marrakech. The scent embodies the essence of creativity, passion, and cultural fusion, offering an olfactory experience that perfectly complements the artistic journey of Constellations – Back to the Future.

Exhibition Details

Title: Constellations: Back to the Future by Hicham Lahlou
Dates: October 31 to December 31, 2025
Location: Galerie Delacroix, 86 Rue de la Liberté, Tangier
Opening: Friday, October 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Curator: Sanaa El Younsi
Artists: Hicham Lahlou, Selma Lazrak, Amine Asselman, Hasnae Lahlou