In Ibiza, where flowing white linens, organic fabrics, and bohemian influences define the wardrobe, fashion transcends mere clothing — it is a vivid expression of the island’s unique lifestyle and cultural identity. Here, style moves effortlessly between simplicity and sophistication. It remains unpretentious yet unmistakably elegant, shaped equally by the desire for comfort beneath the Mediterranean sun and by a profound respect for tradition, all while embracing a subtle, ongoing evolution toward modern, contemporary design.
This harmonious fusion of heritage and innovation finds its truest form in Adlib Ibiza. Emerging in the early 1970s, Adlib has outlasted transient fashion fads to become a timeless cultural icon, seamlessly interweaving expert craftsmanship, the island’s vibrant legacy, and the forward-looking vision of its creators. Together, these elements encapsulate the soul and character of Ibiza’s distinctive aesthetic.
Adlib, derived from the Latin phrase Ad Libitum — meaning “at one’s pleasure”— was founded in 1970 by Ibicenco hotelier and businessman Pepe Colomar. But it was Smilja Mihailovitch who truly propelled the movement forward, infusing it with her distinctive vision and orchestrating a glamorous fusion of fashion shows, international models, celebrities, and unforgettable parties.
Smilja transformed Ibiza’s simple white linens and cottons into elegant, flowing garments, elevating delicate embroidery and lightweight fabrics into a style that flirted with haute couture without losing its authentic roots. What began as an homage to traditional Ibicencan attire has since blossomed into a vibrant cultural movement, rooted in natural fibres, expert craftsmanship, and a close-knit community of designers dedicated to preserving and evolving the island’s sartorial heritage.
From flowing dresses to handwoven espadrilles and delicate jewellery, Adlib steadfastly rejects mass production, championing Ibiza’s core values of sustainability, simplicity, and soul. Over the decades, a diverse range of talents has continuously shaped the evolving Adlib identity, each leaving a distinctive mark that honours and reinvents the tradition’s enduring spirit.
Among Adlib Ibiza’s leading contemporary designers is Virginia Vald, whose bridal and evening collections bring refined sophistication to the movement. Blending tradition with modern glamour, her work captures Ibiza’s signature elegance and appeals to both the island’s international visitors.
Elisa Pomar, a fourth-generation jeweller, continues her family’s legacy of craftsmanship dating back to her great-grandfather, known as “the king’s jeweller” for King Alfonso XIII. Since launching her brand in 2008, she has evolved the distinctive Ibizan “emprendada” style, merging traditional motifs with contemporary design inspired by the island’s culture and natural beauty.
Espardenyes Torres, founded in 2016, preserves the island’s espadrille-making tradition. Each pair is meticulously handmade using natural materials like pita fibre and jute soles, sometimes requiring six hours of skilled labour. Celebrated within Adlib Ibiza, the brand gained international attention when Queen Letizia of Spain was seen wearing their handcrafted shoes.
Piluca Bayarri pushes Adlib’s boundaries with bold textures, vibrant colours, inventive prints, and sleek cuts, ensuring the style stays fresh and relevant for new generations. Alongside these talents, Charo Ruiz had also been a key figure, since 1989, drawing from Ibiza’s traditional costumes and bohemian spirit. Her breezy silhouettes, intricate lace, and crochet details embody the effortless style and enduring essence of Adlib fashion.
Adlib’s influence has steadily grown over the decades, from its rebellious origins to becoming a globally recognised symbol of sustainable fashion. Far from traditional runway spectacles, the earliest Adlib shows were impromptu street parades. Hippy women and local creatives transformed Ibiza’s town squares into open-air catwalks — clad in sheer fabrics, flowing layers, and occasionally just undergarments. These unsanctioned displays, often held in the heart of Ibiza Town or along the cobbled paths of Dalt Vila, were as defiant as they were liberating — a bold expression of feminine freedom that captured the raw, rebellious spirit of the island’s countercultural movement.
Today, that spirit lives on in the Pasarela Adlib, the movement’s flagship annual runway show. Staged against some of Ibiza’s most breathtaking backdrops, it draws fashion enthusiasts from around the globe and stands as a powerful platform for showcasing the island’s creative evolution.
The 2025 edition marked a significant milestone — 54 years of Adlib — celebrating its rich heritage with collections from standout designers including Dolors Miró Ibiza, Elisa Pomar Ibiza, Espardenyes Torres, Estrivancus, Ibimoda, Ibiza Stones, Ivanna Mestres, Monika Maxim Ibiza, S72 HAT, Tony Bonet, Vintage Ibiza, and Virginia Vald. Honouring its illustrious past while embracing the present, the event projected Ibiza’s unique style boldly into the future.
The week also saw the launch of Adlib Ibiza 50+, one commemorative book written by prominent journalist and author, Juan Suárez (2025). In his summary, “Adlib fashion has been a reference point in Ibiza’s history and tourism since 1970, when it began under the influence of the hippie movement, continuing to the present day. It is a unique fashion phenomenon in the world — no other local brand can claim 54 years of success, creating its own Ad Libitum style and way of being: “Dress as you like, but with taste.” Despite the passage of time and changes in fashion, technology, and the avant-garde, Adlib has preserved its essence. Adlib is the white of Ibiza, the colour of the Mediterranean, and the black of the elegance of the traditional payesa costumes. All of this is captured in the book ADLIB IBIZA 50+.”
This landmark tribute beautifully captures the movement’s journey from its origins in the 1970s to its vibrant present. Through rare archives, personal interviews with founders, designers, and artisans, and intimate stories, the book reveals how Adlib has successfully navigated changing trends and social shifts, remaining a true emblem of Ibiza.
Adlib is more than fashion — it is a cultural narrative woven into the island’s very fabric. It reflects Ibiza’s history of openness and creativity, its reverence for nature, and the community’s steadfast pride in its heritage. For both locals and visitors, wearing Adlib is to wear a piece of Ibiza’s story — a timeless garment that embodies lightness, freedom, and elegance.
In an age dominated by fast fashion and fleeting trends, Adlib Ibiza stands as a rare and precious jewel — a cultivated lifestyle choice for those who value authenticity, artistry, and a genuine connection to place.
Brought to you by the Consell d’Eivissa www.ibiza.travel | www.adlibibiza.es
Adlib Ibiza 50+ by Juan Suarez available in a new edition from winter 2025
