When thinking of the Spanish isle of Ibiza, a contrasting image may be conjured up depending on who you ask. For Karen Windle, however, it is a destination for high-end, sustainable fashion and therefore the perfect location for her annual Ibiza Fashion Festival. First starting out as a regular holiday destination, Ibiza eventually became a cause for concern for the British stylist, who was increasingly aware of the locals’ issues with landfill, water shortages and the high-level of tourism that has left a devastating impact on the island itself.
In 2015, Windle saw somewhat of a solution in the form of a fashion event that doubled up as an awareness campaign for local environmental issues. This year, having taken place on the evening of July 4, the event continued to serve a niche part of the fashion industry in its upholding of small, sustainable labels, which naturally intertwines with the more bohemian, laidback essence typically associated with Ibiza. It is this aspect that has enabled it to become a mainstay on the island. “[The festival] has grown into its own thing and become very well known on the island,” Windle said in an interview with FashionUnited. “It’s the only completely sustainable fashion event held in Ibiza.”
For this edition, the Ibiza Fashion Festival took over the new event destination 528 Ibiza where, in the backdrop of scenic hills and a sunset, 19 brands showcased their beach and resort wear collections, including footwear, jewellery and accessories, in the formats of both a show and a showroom area where many displayed their products to attendees. The event’s 200 plus guests had the option to purchase either VIP tickets, for which they were served food and drinks in a special section while watching the show, or general admission, allowing them to view the spectacle with a cocktail in hand.
