The year of the pop-up

Summer 2012. We came, we saw we popped. There were hints towards the rise of the pop-up last year, but no Ibiza resident, worker or holidaymaker or even psychic (not even Miss W Ibiza!) could have predicted its popularity come this año. If you’ve been living under a rock or in a village/town/country with no newspapers, television or media whatsoever, let me enlighten you on this pehnomenon. Pop-up: A boutique, bar or installation setting up anywhere other than its natural habitat for a brief period, namely Ibiza. I mean really, who can blame these entrepreneurs, looking to write off two weeks in the sun for business purposes. I know I would… if I didn’t already live here of course!

*The Groucho Club. Currently inhabiting the gorgeous surrounds of hotel Sa Talaia for a fortnight of fun, frolics and debauchery. The opening party was a charity affair, kicking off with Groove Armada and Neneh Cherry performing for the Teenage Cancer Trust (total aside – a party at which I met none other than Mario Testino. Kate Moss was there too, but no manner of stalking led me to meet her, dammit) with the who’s who of London AND Ibiza in attendance. The party continues every night until September first, and the good news is, unlike its UK headquarters, you don’t need to be (or know) a member to gain entrance. Good times.

*IbizaFlair. White Ibiza’s favourite fashionistas are not solely reserved for private villa sales and fashion shows, No sireee. You can get a slice of the action – and when I say action I’m talking brands like Michiko Koshino, Jade Jagger, BexRox, Vicente Ganesha. The Rose, Buba London and many more – at Km5 (only jewellery) tonight, Blue Marlin on August 29 and the aforementioned Groucho Club for the next two weeks. A pop-up within a pop-up. Yep. You heard it here first folks.

*Syd & Rex. Ibiza’s very own menswear label joins the pop-up ranks this summer in the form of a super cool mini-store within the boutique at El Chiringuito de Es Cavallet. Perfect for guys who’ve come to the restaurant for lunch then fancy a swim) or someone who’s spilled sangria down their t-shirt t lunch!).

*Natasha Collis. One of the innovators of the the pop-up trend in Ibiza, Ibiza fine jewellery designer Natasha Collis has been popping up all over the island for the past few years, and this year’s venue of choice is El Chiringuito. Great for us townies, who totally adore Natasha’s exquisite handmade jewellery but are too settled in our ways to drive to her gorgeous studio in San Miguel. Oh OK – I’ll admit, it’s well worth the drive. But for those on holiday who may not venture that far north, it’s the perfect way to discover the best of local style… and take a little piece home with you!

*River Island. After a successful mini pop-up boutique at Savannah Beach Club last year, River Island got totally swept up in Ibiza-mania and then partnered with Pacha to create a signature Ibiza collection. But rather than sell it in the Pacha stores, they’ve actually et up shop (get it?) on an entire pop-up boutique for the year, found in the heart of Ibiza town’s shopping district, Calle de la Cruz.

*Boujis. Another über-cool London nightspot, popping up in Ibiza for one night only. As always, the location is totally top secret until the day before the event (this coming Saturday) but you can still snap up tickets beforehand to make sure you don’t miss out.