Opening Ceremonies (Ibiza Style)

Posted by Julia Neel

In just over a week, the curtain will go up on the show that is ‘Summer in Ibiza’. The opening parties in the island’s clubs are the metaphorical starting gun on the high jinks and high spirits that the Med’s most hedonistic destination is famous for. They set the style bar for the rest of the season. So what to pack to get you from breakfast (at lunchtime), to the beach and then the bar?

Personally, I’m not interested in the clichéd, glow stick-thrusting antics of the masses who grind together on the sweaty dancefloors of Ibiza’s super clubs (caveat: I make an exception for David Guetta’s F**k Me I’m Famous night – busting a groove to upbeat dance tracks from Rihanna, Beyoncé et al is too hard to refuse). But that’s not to say that I’m anti-glamour. No. Intimate private parties in villas or on board yachts are more my speed. More room to show off a well-curated look, no?

Ibiza is where the boho luxe look was born. Liz Taylor and Ursula Andress both had holiday pads here; Kate Moss is a regular; Naomi Campbell’s been; Elle Macpherson, Linda Evangelista and Jade Jagger all bought villas in the North. With those icons in mind, this season’s global nomad look is a modern riff on hippie chic and one that’s ideal for the island’s laidback ways.

Think Hudson’s or Isabel Marant’s tie-dyed denims, worn with sporty racer-back tanks or scarf prints from Pucci or Cavalli for afternoon flea market shopping and long, lazy lunches. Otherwise, team a pair of the season’s big, billowy trousers from Etro or Chloe with ultra-high wedges or block heels (go straight to Jonathan Saunders for these) for a 70s flourish at sunset drinks at Blue Marlin. Throw on a cropped, midriff-revealing top for added sex appeal.

Christopher Kane’s crystal-encrusted denim cut-offs or Mulberry’s acid yellow running shorts show off golden pins with coltish insouciance. And Kane’s jewelled plastic sandals will be welcomed on deck where spindly heels will be totally NFI. Wear a crochet top worn over your bikini top for a grungy accent.

A swimsuit from one of the new guard of swimwear designers will make sure you stand out on the beach. Try Aussie brand We Are Handsome for high-impact photographic prints – owls? Toucans Wolves? Bob Marley? – Rihanna’s a fan. So am I. Upgrade your kaftan to a kimono (Athena Procopiou’s are the best) for the chicest way to cover up. Or try an oversized man’s shirt for tomboyish charm.

Finishing touches come via stacks of bangles – Chanel’s seaside creations or Balmain’s gilded wrists are meant for opulent island life. And, while cat’s eye shades are big news this summer, save them for polished city breaks: a pair of Burberry’s raffia-edged frames are on the right side of crafty and Marc by Marc Jacobs’ mirrored sunnies are handy for stealth people-watching. Up top? Pachacuti Panama hats look dignified even if, God forbid, you don’t.

Click to shop our Ibiza Style Scrapbook.