Adlib fashion: where to get your Ibiza look
Ibiza’s Adlib fashion style is among the icons of summer and one of the island’s creative references that cross international borders. Whether you land with your Ibiza-style outfit in your suitcase or prefer to look for it while strolling through a market or the narrow streets of the city centre, you will definitely be interested to know how this fashion style was born and where you can buy it.
Adlib fashion has become one of the main symbols of Ibiza, to the point that nowadays weddings and parties are held in Ibiza style, that is, with a dress code for guests that requires men and women to wear white. However, this fashion is not only a question of colour, but also of craftsmanship and materials. If you want your photos of the most Instagrammable places in Ibiza accompanied by an outfit to match the island, read on and take note of the best Adlib fashion shops in Ibiza.
What is the origin of Adlib fashion?
It was in 1971 that Yugoslavian princess Smilja Mihailovitch, a polyglot and journalist by training, helped promote what became known as Adlib fashion, a free and casual style inspired by the traditional clothing of Ibizan women and the hippy aesthetic. Its name comes from the Latin expression ad libitum, meaning “at will”, a concept perfectly reflected in the motto that defines Adlib fashion: “Dress as you like, but dress with taste.”
More than half a century later, this style remains one of the island’s creative hallmarks and is recognised on national and international fashion catwalks.
Beyond its aesthetic inspiration in traditional Ibizan clothing, Adlib fashion also sought from the outset to highlight the island’s handcrafted textile tradition. Rustic fabrics featuring details such as embroidery and lace were given a lighter feel, adapting them to the new trends that arrived in Ibiza with the hippy movement.
What is Ibiza’s Adlib fashion like?
Adlib fashion is fundamentally based on comfortable, loose-fitting garments in which natural fabrics, especially linen and cotton, play a starring role, alongside handcrafted details such as crochet, ruffles, embroidery and lace. It celebrates Ibizan design and craftsmanship through clothing, footwear, jewellery and accessories.
Natural materials found on the island, such as pita fibre, hemp, esparto grass and dwarf palm, are used by craftspeople to create garments and accessories including traditional espardenyes, Ibizan baskets known as senallons, and capells de floc, elegant traditional white hats renowned for their intricate and painstaking craftsmanship.
Pasarela Adlib Ibiza: An appointment with the island
Although white is the colour most closely associated with Adlib fashion, other shades have gradually found their way into the collections presented each year at Pasarela Adlib Ibiza, a fashion event that dates back to 1971 and has been closely linked to the figure of Smilja Mihailovitch since its beginnings.
This major event is usually held in May or June, depending on the year, and each edition attracts numerous celebrities who don’t want to miss one of the highlights of Ibiza’s calendar.
Designers and Adlib fashion shops: where to buy
Today, the island is home to a wide range of designers specialising in this style, whose creations can be found in boutiques and shops across Ibiza. Garments and accessories carrying the Adlib Ibiza label belong to brands affiliated with this designation of origin, promoted by the Consell Insular d’Eivissa.
The label currently brings together 14 fashion and accessories brands: Virginia Vald, Ivanna Mestres, K de Kosekose, Ibiza Stones, Piluca Bayarri, Espardenyes Torres, Monika Maxim Ibiza, S72 Hat, Estrivancus, Dolors Miró Ibiza, Ibimoda, Elisa Pomar Ibiza, Vintage Ibiza and Tony Bonet.
There are also other designers who have been important ambassadors for Ibizan fashion and who continue to create outside the official label today, including the successful designer Charo Ruiz.
Adlib fashion designers with their own shop
Piluca Bayarri
One of the most established firms of Adlib Moda Ibiza, with sensual designs made of 100% cotton.
Shop: c/ sa Creu, 30 (Ibiza)
Elisa Pomar
Elisa Pomar’s gold and silver work is inspired by the emblematic piece of traditional Ibizan jewellery: the emprendada.
Shop: Passeig de Vara de Rey, 5 and Carrer Comte de Rosselló, 14 (Ibiza)
Vintage Ibiza
Alberto Serra Ramírez and José Antonio Marí Schroder are the creators of this brand that maintains the essence of the Adlib creations of the 70s and 80s.
Shops: c/ San Jaime, 73 – Santa Eulària, and Plaza de l’Esglèsia, s/n – Sant Carles
Pepa Bonett
This designer maintains one of the fundamental principles of Adlib fashion in her collections: naturalness. Her garments are made in her workshop in Ibiza with 100% natural fabrics.
Shop: c/ de Balears, 6 (Ibiza).
Monika Maxim
With more than 20 years’ experience in Ibiza fashion, Monika Maxim is unique because of her use of cotonet, a top-quality cotton that is decorated with lace, tatting and crochet.
Tienda: C/ Pere Francès, 38 (Ibiza)
Other Ibizan fashion designers you will like
Charo Ruiz
One of the most veteran and representative designers of Ibizan fashion.
Shops: Av. Bartomeu Ramon I Tur nº 3 – Ibiza; and c/Salvador Camacho s/n – Santa Eulària.
Beatrice San Francisco
The designs of this brand were born in Ibiza and produced in Spain, following the criteria of slow fashion and local trade. The main material in her collection is recycled cotton.
Shops: Paseo Vara de Rey, 7 – Ibiza, and Carrer de Vénda de Parada, 8B – Santa Gertrudis.
Multi-brand shops where you can buy Adlib fashion
In the following shops, you can find the creations of brands and designers that do not have a boutique open to the public, such as Tony Bonet, Luisa Tur Adlib, Dolors Miró Senallons, Espardenyes Torres, Estrivancus, Ibimoda, K de Kose Kose and Virginia Vald.
Ad Libitum
C/ Bisbe Cardona, 10 (Ibiza).
Bamba Ibiza
Antoni Palau, 5 (Ibiza).
Pony
C/ de Sa Creu, 1 (Ibiza)
Ibiza Das
c/ Manuel Sorá, 10 (Ibiza)
Origens Pomar
Carrer de sa Xeringa, 2 (Ibiza)
Tips for creating an Ibizan style with personality
During your holiday in Ibiza, you’re bound to come across relaxed, imaginative pieces that bring out your free spirit. But you might also hear that little voice saying, “I love it, but I’d only wear this in Ibiza.” If that happens, there’s only one thing to do: ignore it! Embrace the island’s creativity and create your own outfit to wear wherever summer takes you.
- If you’re looking for Adlib Ibiza fashion, check that it belongs to the official label. You’ll find plenty of Ibizan-inspired clothing in boutiques, shops and markets, but not all of it is part of Adlib Ibiza. If you’re looking for an official creation, make sure it comes from one of the brands currently included under the Adlib Ibiza label.
- Don’t limit yourself to white. Although it’s the colour most closely associated with Adlib fashion, today’s collections also feature other shades, prints, sheer fabrics and different combinations of materials. The key is to choose the pieces that best suit your personality.
- Mix Adlib-inspired pieces with your everyday style. That blouse or skirt will look just as beautiful and fresh away from Ibiza! Pair them with more basic pieces and you can take a little of the island’s spirit with you wherever summer happens to be.
- Pay attention to fabrics and details. Cotton, linen, lace, embroidery, crochet and other handcrafted techniques are all part of the identity of Ibizan fashion. If you buy a delicate or handmade garment, check the washing and care instructions too, so you can keep it looking its best for longer.
- Accessories count too. If you’d rather add just a subtle Ibizan touch to your look, try a piece of jewellery, a handmade bag, a hat or a pair of traditional espardenyes. They’re easy to combine and can stay with you summer after summer.
- If you’re treating yourself to something special, look for local craftsmanship. Jewellery inspired by traditional Ibizan metalwork is a great option. Brands such as Elisa Pomar reinterpret elements of the traditional emprendada to create contemporary pieces rooted in the island’s culture.
- How about a pair of espardenyes as a souvenir? This traditional Ibizan footwear is known for its handcrafted production and characteristic esparto sole. Today, you’ll find everything from classic designs to more modern, colourful styles that are easy to combine with a summer look.
- Explore boutiques and markets. Ibiza’s markets are full of blouses, dresses, skirts, accessories and other Ibizan-inspired pieces for different styles and budgets. The selection and opening times can vary depending on the time of year, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information before you go.
- If you’re looking for a particular brand, check where to find it before setting off. Collections, stockists and availability can vary throughout the season. A quick check before you head out shopping could save you an extra walk under the Ibizan sun.
And remember, the essence of Adlib fashion has always been about freedom. It’s not about copying a look from head to toe, but choosing the clothes and accessories that suit you best and making them your own.
Show off your Ibizan look at Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza
Shopping in Ibiza can be both exhilarating and exhausting. So when you get home from finding your new favourite summer outfit, you can wear it right away without having to leave the hotel! Just head upstairs to our Bèlvue Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy a fabulous sunset and DJ session then dine at Hayaca restaurant, whose creative menu inspired by Latin American cuisine will put a delicious finishing touch to your shopping experience. #whatafeeling
