Giorgio Armani Shares How to Summer in Ibiza the Right Way

Giorgio Armani has a design philosophy that is uniquely laid-back, minimalist, and chic. A prolific fashion designer who has been in the business for decades, the 90-year-old’s influence will continue to be felt for much longer. After all, he has found a middle ground between tradition and modernity that serves to produce timeless clothing and his commitment to his work has not yet wavered even as he continues to design after so many years.

One specific concept seems to shine through again and again in Armani’s collections: water and the sea. In the past, he has draped models in blue and green silk garments that feel more fluid than water itself. Other times he has focused on luminous pearls for a fluid, iridescent haute couture collection that is not only dazzling but also seems to take on a deeper meaning as it hugs the wearer’s body, turning one material into what seems like a thousand with each distinct movement. Because he clearly appreciates the beauty of the sea, it's no surprise that he has developed a close connection with the island of Ibiza, which boasts beautiful water and weather all summer long. 

When Armani is not on his superyacht or putting together his next hit collection, he likes to spend time exploring Ibiza and the Balearic Islands. The designer spoke to L’OFFICIEL about life on the famously extravagant island and what it means to him.

Maya Boyd: You have spent many summer holidays in Ibiza. How did your relationship with the island begin and when?

GIORGIO ARMANI: I started going to Ibiza in my youth, and since I’ve had my boat, I’ve been going to the island and to Formentera every year. I especially love the latter for its shape, it is not very prominent because it has no high mountains, which is an aspect that I find to be very relaxing. And the water is breathtaking.

MB: Do you remember your first visit well?

GA: I do remember my first visit to Ibiza and how I was taken by the natural beauty of the island rather than the party scene. I’m not a great fan of nightlife and therefore not particularly fond of club culture, although I have been to both Pacha and Ushuaïa. I like to listen to the music at Ushuaïa because it is open during the day and not until the late hours.

MB: How have you seen the island change in terms of style?

GA: My impression is that it seems to have become more upmarket over time.

MB: Has the free-spirited nature of Ibiza influenced your own design process in any way over the years?

GA: I wouldn’t say that it has inspired my collections per se, although Spain does have a wide and contemporary appreciation of the creative spirit, and a cultural curiosity. These are things that I find very appealing. There is also a wonderful history of Spanish architecture and design that is fascinating and eclectic, which I find endlessly inspiring. I love Spain, and I believe this is because the Spanish and the Italians seem in many ways very similar. The Spanish are a proud people with deep cultural roots, like the Italians, and are passionate about life and its pleasures in the way we Italians are. Perhaps this has something to do with what we might broadly call a Mediterranean spirit.

MB: Do you have a favourite memory of Ibiza? Perhaps with a friend or at a party?

GA: My time there on my boat creates my favourite memories; and I appreciate the soft sandy beaches and crystal clear water, and being welcomed by the sea.

MB: You are a long-time lover of Formentera. Can you share your feelings about the smaller island? How does it differ from Ibiza?

GA: I love the waters of Formentera most of all, and as for Ibiza, I love the energy the island holds.

MB: Are there any particular places you always like to visit?

GA: I enjoy taking a break from the boat and walking around town upon disembarking at the port because there are several boutiques there that I like to shop in. One I visit often is Vicente Ganesha, which makes these unique sarongs and trousers. In Ibiza I enjoy dining at small restaurants like La Paloma, and every so often I go to the club Lío with a close group of friends to see the cabaret shows. I also go to Es Xarcu, which is a restaurant outside of the town centre, tucked away in a little cove and next to a church. However, I go to Formentera more often and my restaurant of choice on that island is Can Carlos. I also like to have an aperitivo at the small chiringuitos.