About bib shop
A Legacy Woven in Fabric, Sun, and Memory
In 1961, Ursula Bürgel and her husband Christian Diener first arrived on the island of Ios. Ursula, a visionary stylist with an eye for effortless elegance; Christian, a renowned photographer, art director, and graphic designer, connected with the fashion circles. Drawn by the raw beauty of the island, they discovered not just a destination but a lifelong muse—a place where creativity thrived under the Aegean sun.
By 1972, Ursula’s passion for design took shape. Inspired by Ios’ natural rhythms and the simplicity of island life, she began crafting a clothing collection from a single, handwoven cotton fabric. Dyed and colored by her own hands, this fabric became the foundation of what would soon be known as bib—a boutique born from both artistry and authenticity. Each winter, Ursula designed new pieces, all timelessly connected through this fabric, creating 16 iconic collections over the years.
More Than Fabric
At bib shop, clothes are not just garments; they are a feeling on the skin—the warmth of the sun, the salt in the air, the freedom of the wind. This fabric doesn’t just cover; it moves, breathes, and lives with you.
Our fabric begins with the finest handwoven cotton, carefully selected to honor Ursula Brugel’s original designs. This isn’t mass-produced material; it’s crafted with intention, woven slowly and thoughtfully, allowing each fiber to retain its natural softness and strength.
The texture is light yet substantial, designed to move with the body, to breathe with the skin. It absorbs the warmth of the sun and releases it like a soft memory, making every piece feel like a second skin—effortless, familiar, timeless. It’s a fabric that doesn’t just sit on the body; it becomes part of you, adapting to your shape, your movements, and your moments.
This cotton tells its own story—one of simplicity, authenticity, and elegance.
Each garment at Bib Shop is manually dyed, a process that embraces the beauty of imperfection. Ursula believed that true artistry lies not in flawless uniformity but in the unique character of each piece. The subtle variations in color, the gentle shifts in hue—these are not flaws; they are fingerprints of the maker, signs that every garment has been touched by human hands.
Our dyeing process uses Ursula’s original hand-mixed colorants, developed with a meticulous understanding of how color interacts with fabric, light, and texture. The shades reflect the natural world around Ios: the faded blues of the Aegean Sea, the earthy ochres of sunbaked cliffs, the soft whites of Cycladic architecture, and the deep pinks of sunsets melting into the horizon.
When you wear a Bib piece, you wear a color that was not just chosen, but crafted, layer by layer.
Every Bib Shop garment is crafted in Europe, produced with the highest standards of artistry and care. We work with skilled artisans who understand the importance of details—lap seams for durability and elegance, precise stitching that speaks of quality, and finishing touches that elevate the simplest silhouette into something extraordinary.
This is more than production; it’s a continuation of Ursula’s dedication to craftsmanship. The techniques are traditional, but the vision is timeless. We don’t chase trends; we honor designs that transcend seasons, garments that become part of your story year after year.
Our commitment is to slow fashion, where every piece has a purpose, every stitch has meaning, and every collection carries the weight of history, artistry, and love.
Lens and thread
A Life Framed by Fabric and Photography
Ursula Bürgel and her husband shared a creative bond where fashion met art. While Ursula brought her vision to life through fabric and design, her husband, a renowned photographer and art director, captured stories through his lens. His eye for detail influenced her work, while her sense of texture enriched his imagery. Together, they found their muse in Ios, where light, style, and creativity seamlessly converged.
The building
A space with stories
Bib shop exists within a space that has held many lives. Originally built as a church, the building was later expanded and divided. Over the years, it became the municipality hall, then evolved into a collection of bars, clubs, and even a small punk shop in the 70s and 80s. Today, it is home to something different—a revival of timeless fashion, a tribute to craft and heritage.
anina
Reviving a Legacy
For Anina, bib shop is more than a revival—it’s a continuation of her family’s creative story. As a costume designer, she’s spent her career telling stories through fabric, a skill rooted in her upbringing surrounded by her mother Ulrike Brugel’s timeless designs and her father’s work in photography and fashion.
Inspired by the archives of 16 iconic collections and 60,000 meters of handwoven fabric, Anina realized her mother’s designs were as relevant today as ever. Resurrecting Bib Shop became a way to honor that legacy, blending her own artistic vision with the essence of Ios, the island that shaped her family’s life.
Beyond bib shop, Anina continues to channel her creativity into other projects on Ios, each one reflecting her passion for art, design, and storytelling.
Insprirations
An oasis of sustainability and taste, the Garden of Ios celebrates organic, locally grown ingredients in a setting inspired by the island’s natural beauty. Every dish reflects a commitment to seasonal flavors, crafted with care and served with a view. More
A vibrant spot where organic flavors meet island charm. Nestled in the heart of Ios, Agora Cafe offers locally sourced dishes, natural wines, and the perfect atmosphere to unwind, whether you’re soaking in the sunset views or savoring a morning brew.
A space where art, culture, and history intertwine, the A Journey to Ios museum showcases the island’s rich heritage. At its heart is a permanent photo exhibition by Christian Diener, offering a captivating visual journey that captures the essence of Ios, blending timeless moments with the island’s enduring spirit
