Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up and wow, it’s AUGUST already. Is it just me, or do you agree that summer is just flying by? Perhaps it’s because we have waited so long for some decent sunshine in the UK, or because we were so absorbed with the Euros throughout all of June?
Many of you (including me) spend a lot of time in the Balearics – frequently Ibiza. This once idyllic, unique and original little island, known as ‘paradise’ for its quirky individuality, quiet charm and rock and roll history, has changed with the times, especially since Covid.
The Super Clubs remain, with a new generation of Superstar DJs at the helm, but new Ibiza additions are 5-star Vegas style hotels, a huge increase in luxury boats and the proliferation world class (but almost unaffordable) restaurants.
Long gone are most of the rustic roads, little music bars, small boutique hotels and the edgy boho lifestyle shops – all of which were hard to find outside of Ibiza. I could buy clothing, accessories and furniture that you simply couldn’t find anywhere else in the world.
One such shop – known to many – is Sluiz. A fashion and lifestyle ‘circus like’ emporium. The most unique shop I’ve ever been to in my life. A giant big top in the wilds of Santa Gertrudis, which wasn’t just a shop – it was an experience all of its own. You could spend hours browsing the crazy artefacts, customised furniture and individual clothing and jewellery made by small independent designers, mostly based on the white isle. There was also an incredible bar, café and restaurant adorned with chandeliers, artwork and scary dolls, all stuck to the ceiling. Yes, really. I have countless photos, videos and memories of it all.
Sluiz has been a must-do every time I’m in Ibiza. The photo opportunities alone are simply amazing.
This week, we had the saddest news – that persons unknown had suddenly decided to close Sluiz down, giving them just 48 hours to end business.
What is going to happen to this incredible venue – I don’t know? It’s like closing down Ibiza’s Disney World at the drop of a hat.
Here is the statement, put out by Sluiz on Tuesday morning. And by the time you read this post, it will be gone forever.
“SHOCKING! SLUIZ MUST CLOSE DOWN!
Your favourite Store is being closed down under extremely weird circumstances given inhumanely short notice. Dear FRIENDS, Ibiza have prepared you a WTF moment of a century! Unfortunately, not the one that you would like. An Island, once considered a PARADISE to many, is now changing into a dark corporate hole, where only biggest fish has a chance to survive and there’s no space for being a decent human being. No 1 creative spot on the island, an independent family company that build everything from a scratch, on their own, without a help of a bigger company. No, we haven’t done something extremely unusual, yet we’re being kicked out, cold bloodily, with 50 employees standing in awe just as much as us. Whoever has orchestrated this and profiting from such a low business practices – Shame on you!
This is a warning to everyone, because we’re not the only ones in the area experiencing this it actually seems to be a trend.
What will happen to all their ‘funky’ stock is the saddest part of all.
So, adios Sluiz – probably one of the greatest shops in the world. Ibiza is a victim of its own success, and it’s such a shame that another big stitch in the island’s quirky fabric has been unpicked.
Onto this instalment, and we check out Snoop at the Olympics in his own fashion range, a beautiful soft home furnishing collection by DJ Jonesie of Café 432 – aka – Arkin and how Zara are dominating the perfume dupes at half the price and twice the scent! Enjoy.
