dispatch12 Oct 20263 MIN

Arya Bendkhale takes us to the Giorgio Armani x Kith show in Marrakech

The Indian model sends us a dispatch from the Agafay Desert with a whole lot of camels, clouds, and a little red lipstick

Courtesy Arya Bendkhale

Fashion month may be over, but the runway never rests. On Friday, October 9, Giorgio Armani and Kith packed up and headed to the Agafay desert, just outside of Marrakesh in Morocco, to unveil ‘Dreams of the Dune’, the third instalment of their ongoing collaboration. The latest collection brought together the Italian maison’s relaxed tailoring and the New York-based lifestyle brand’s streetwear sensibility, with the desert serving as both inspiration and the runway.

If you’re wondering what a fashion show in the middle of a desert looks like, we got Arya Bendkhale, who knows her way around an Armani runway, to take us behind the scenes. With seven shows and two campaigns for the Italian fashion house under her belt, she’s practically a regular at this point. Originally from Pune and now based in Milan, the Indian model began her modelling career in 2017, when she represented India in the Elite Model Look finals in the Italian fashion capital and is currently represented by Anima Creative Management in India. Below, Bendkhale takes us along for a day of unpredictable weather, introduces us to some very friendly camels, and shares the beauty essentials she wouldn’t walk the runway without:

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Touchdown in Marrakech! I first visited the city two years ago with my partner, and I love it here. It’s a bit like India—you see a lot of similar colours, culture, and design. Shopping here is so much fun too. People seem to love Bollywood movies, so the moment you tell someone you’re Indian they start talking about Shah Rukh Khan. Also, the hammam massages are the best!

Camels spotted on our way to rehearsal at the venue in the Agafay desert. Not your usual commute to work!

It started getting cloudy before the rehearsal, and the forecast for the next day predicted rain. We were hoping to start the show by 5:30 pm so that it would end exactly as the sun set. Fingers crossed!

After rehearsal, a few of us went around to hang out with the camels. Here’s me with Sara, Alex, and Harish the camel. We found it so funny, because Harish is such a common Indian name.

It’s show day! A quick bus selfie on our way to the venue.

Backstage was set up right in the middle of the desert. The whole setting was so relaxing compared to backstage in Milan, which is definitely more chaotic.

Here’s my look for the show! Forty-four looks of the show were menswear and 12 were womenswear. I was second last in the line-up.

It started drizzling during our final rehearsal, and we were all hoping and praying the clouds would part. The hair and makeup inspiration was very minimal and simple. Getting my manicure done pre-show is my favourite thing.

I always carry my own colour corrector and concealer because, a lot of the time, the shades the makeup team will have don’t match my skin tone. I also always carry a power bank with me, along with some mints and candy for a quick sugar rush.

Time to get dressed! The dressers are literal angels for helping us get into our runway looks.

Here’s me in my full look. I am obsessed with my jacket. It’s elegant, sporty, and chic all at once. And these boots might just be the comfiest I’ve ever worn.

One last backstage selfie before hitting the runway! Thankfully, the weather started getting better around 5 pm and we were all set.

The sky was so beautiful when we were on the runway. The music was super fun, and getting to walk in the middle of the desert with the camels in the background was pretty surreal.

Show done! Here’s me fresh off the runway. Personally, this show felt super relaxed and chill. I didn’t feel I was working or on the job.

After-party time! They’d set up tents with seating for the party in the desert. Kith creative director Ronnie Fieg and DJ Carlita took over the console, and there were fire dancers as well.