Packing with Maja Dixdotter

Maja Dixdotter, the Swedish-born creative director of Danish womenswear label By Malene Birger, has a knack for blending Scandinavian minimalism with bohemian cool. When we learned that her love for the island of Hydra inspired their summer collection, we had to find out how she navigates the island’s cobblestone streets in her signature style.  (The pop-up is now open at Melisses Gallery through August in Hydra.) —C.S.

What’s your go-to luggage for this kind of trip, and why? 

My all-time-go-to luggage when traveling is our large nylon bag, the Nabelle Tote Bag. It’s not huge, but it fits what you need for a few days on Hydra: ERES swimwear, a breezy dress in Thai silk, a sunhat, some crisp cotton poplin, lots of jewelry, a good book, a small raffia bag, a pair of flip-flops and a chic pair of sandals. It is easy to jump on and off boats with and it can withstand being put down on the cobblestone or carried by a donkey (Hydra does not have any cars, hence you transport yourself with either water taxis, donkeys or by foot). If I’m staying somewhat longer and need to bring more, I pack in my old classic Rimowa, which I will treasure forever.

How do you approach the basics? 

I actually always plan looks for what to wear but then never really go for. My gut feeling always tends to kick in and that varies depending on the weather, my mood, and the vibe of where I am. However, we design a lot of sets at By Malene Birger and these I find very easy to use, especially when traveling. I wore a white crinkled linen set a lot when I was on Hydra for our Spring-Summer 2024 campaign shoot, and we have a striped cotton organic set that Malgosia Bela wears in the campaign, which is really nice. And no matter how hot it is, I love a good pajama! Preferably from Schostal.

Are you a roller or a folder?

A folder if I have time. A tosser if I’m in a hurry 🙂

Any other packing tricks or hacks?

Bring a portable steamer for your white crispy cotton shirt and a lot of jewelry. Jewelry can make the very same outfit new, and here I go for vintage or inherited jewelry only! It’s like wearing fond memories. A scarf is a good trick, too, for changing a look and is also super easy to pack!

What’s your shoe strategy?

Hydra is really not very heel-friendly, but I still want a somewhat more festive sandal in addition to my everyday Havaianas or Birkenstocks. We have a very cute one with a heart, in the finest Napa leather crafted in Italy – this one I would definitely bring. If I’m dressed up, I like to wear a somewhat more casual shoe – I love the juxtaposition of things; a super luxurious skirt and blouse with a pair of Havaianas or a more casual look like that crinkled linen set that breathes ease but then adding a sexy kitten heel.

How do you think about accessories?

Always bring a brooch! They’re good for adding that little extra “old-lady-shimmer” to your outfit and are very practical if something breaks. A little pouch is also good for evenings out when you do not need to bring more than your credit card, phone, key and a red lipstick – Little Liffner has beautiful designs, minimal but still expressive. As for lipstick: Westman Atelier suede matte in color PIP.

Do you have a great travel hat?

Lots! Newest addition is a striped straw hat made out of 100% paper. It really adds that bohemian touch to a look that By Malene Birger is about. I also like to buy a good hat once at the destination; could be a big round straw hat or a classic tourist cap – depending on my mood. These hats also become nice memories to bring home.

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag?

Perfume, always! When traveling, I also love to find new perfumes, preferably local ones. On Hydra I found a lovely Fig perfume made by the very chic Pharmacy Rafalias, which dates back as long as to the 1890. Vangelis, the owner of the pharmacy, makes the perfumes himself out of local ingredients and scents found on the island. The packaging is also beautiful!

What’s your pharmacy kit? How do you deal with sunscreen if you’re a carryon only?

Biotherm Sunscreen is an essential part of my toiletry bag but if I’m with only a carryon, local

pharmacies are often very beautiful and always worth a visit – hence, make sunscreen your first buy when you get off the boat.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?

Bose headphones and iPad for sketching! I’ve sketched some of my best designs during a flight.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics? 

Don’t bring your computer – enjoy your vacation!

Do you have a travel uniform?

This fall we are actually launching an athleisure/travel capsule, which includes the perfect comfy pieces for traveling (or heading to the gym). There’s a pair of lightweight tights with our house monogram that I in particular will make into a staple in my travel uniform. Besides this, I always make sure to bring a pair of ribbed cotton socks—preferably also from Schostal—and the shoes, often trainers from Asics or New Balance, need to easily come off when it gets too hot on the plane!