Heleena Trahanas is one half of the Mediterranean-inspired brand Alex and Trahanas, known for its chic, hand-painted ceramics crafted in Italy and breezy separates and sarongs that conjure sun-drenched lunches by the sea and hot summer nights. We talked to her about how she packs for her summer travels in the Med (including her 20 rings!), and her latest discoveries in Folegandros and Kea.
Where in the Med do you typically travel in the summer?
I’m constantly drawn to Greece and Italy — I may be biased (I’m of Greek heritage), but there’s something magical about the raw, effortless quality of both countries: the history, the cinematic landscapes, the sea, which is genuinely therapeutic to me. I keep returning to Hydra for its ease—no cars, no decisions, just losing track of time between sleeping, eating, and swimming. I also love the Mani, on mainland Greece, where towns like Limeni (eat at O Takis), Gerolimenas (stay at Kyrimai Hotel), Aeropoli, Skoutari, and Kardamyli feel like stepping back in time along a rugged coastline.
In Italy, my business partner Alexandra Heard and I are constant visitors to Puglia—it’s where we discovered the hand-painted Apulian ceramics we now sell at Alex and Trahanas. We stay at Masseria Moroseta, Carlo Lanzini’s farmhouse retreat set on five hectares of organic olive groves, where in-house chef Giorgia Goggi’s flavor combinations are extraordinary.
What’s your go-to luggage and why?
Rimowa Essential Check in-M and Essential Cabin. They’re reliable and super lightweight and come in an array of classic and fun seasonal colours.
How do you approach the basics?
I am an over-packer and extremely indecisive. You think I’d be better at this by now! To help me navigate this, I consider the amount of time I’m away and where I’m spending time e.g., beach or city. I think about daytime and night outfits and outfits which could take me from the beach to sunset drinks to dinner.
Our Alex and Trahanas garments make up the core of my Mediterranean summer wardrobe, because we design them to tick all the above boxes. Our pieces are effortless, comfortable (for all the long lunches and dinners) and are made from very breathable linens and light cotton Italian/Japanese fabrics in a very Mediterranean palette—creams, whites, blues and greens that all work together. Although Alex and Trahanas is my base, I like to layer with different fabrics, layers and textures e.g a cashmere jumper from P. Johnson or organic cotton sweater from Kow Tow for the flight. My go-to sneaker is Asahi and socks from Baserange.
I do think about outfits in advance, but I also like to be a little free with it too. I always take one sweater, which I wear on the plane, and my sock wardrobe tends to be expansive—socks generally pair with colors in my wardrobe, they can work quite tonally or clash with my clothes.
Are you a roller or a folder?
More of a roller, but I am still undecided on what is best.
Any other packing tricks or hacks?
Ultra-versatile pieces are always great! I tend to go for fabrics that are lightweight and don’t take up too much space. Oversized shirts are great for the beach, but can then also be restyled for dinner.
What’s your shoe strategy?
Rubber sandals for the beach. I recently purchased a pair of Camper Kobarahs in a pink/light blue colour combo, a pair of dinner appropriate sandals, my go-to are from Marni Fussbett, day time sandals Fracap and always a pair of light weight sneakers, in a neutral palette, for the past years they have been white canvas Asahi.
How do you think about accessories?
My 20 rings always come with me in a pouch. Usually I’ll take our Alex and Trahanas or LO Collections gold-tone jewellery (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, cuffs, rings), which are all inspired by Mediterranean forms like olives, olive branches and pasta shapes. These pair really well with my travel wardrobe.
Do you have a great travel hat?
No, my hair is too big and wild! I let it do its thing, or sometimes I wear my Alex and Trahanas sarong.
What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?
Rationale, always, 10AM Apotheke lip balm and Aesop moisturising creams. I usually bring most things with me, and rarely buy things on the ground unless I discover a unique local find, like 10AM Apotheke, which I discovered in Athens a few years ago.
On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?
I always pack beauty and wardrobe essentials in case my luggage is lost—Rationale products, Matteau swimmers, and an outfit that can see me through from day to night, and a good pair of Marni sandals, which are my go to.
Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?
I swear by old-school wired headphones.
Do you have a travel uniform?
Yes! Alex and Trahanas on rotation; our Heleena Shift Dress, Levanzo Shorts, Sicilia Shirt and Skirt, navy blue aloe-vera infused linen set, our Adriatico, Isola or Alconasser lounge pants and our matching cotton pocket shirt.
Your favorite spot or discovery this summer in the Med?
I visited Folegandros for the first time, staying at Gundari, a minimalist stone hotel that honors the Cycladic landscape. Spina, carved into the rock above Ampeli Beach, turns local produce and seafood into a nightly tasting menu that fuses Italian and Cycladic flavors—that’s also where I first tried Greek orange wine from Ikaria. Irini’s was another favorite: an uncurated grocery-store-slash-taverna with no menu, where the day’s dishes are simply read aloud. The homemade pasta was a standout, as was meeting Irini herself, which reminded me of cooking with my grandparents. We also feasted at her taverna in Agali on matsata (hand-kneaded pasta with braised goat), along with okra, tirokafteri, eggplant dip, zucchini fritters, and patates tiganites.
It was also my first time on Kea—a quiet, one-hour ferry ride from Lavrio that skips the crowds entirely. I stayed at Kea Retreat, an intimate seven-suite property tucked into a remote bay along a winding, cliffside road. The bohemian-traditional design and farm-to-table meals, sourced from the property’s own garden, olive grove, and vineyard, make it hard to leave. Chef-owner Uriel Eshet, a Noma alum, changes the menu daily based on what’s ripe.
Where are you dreaming of going next?
Exploring more of Greece, particularly Paxos and Kimolos!
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