What’s in my travel bag: a spring-break edition by Dimitra Kolotoura

1. Adopting a minimalist mindset has completely transformed how I pack for trips.

When I travel, I'm there for the new experiences—the sights, sounds, scents, and tastes—not to stress over fitting endless outfits into my suitcase. For example, I swear by a versatile day-to-night dress. My go-to is the 'Tulip' dress, which is inspired by the shape of spring-blooming flowers and has a fetching V-neckline. It's perfect as a casual beach cover-up during the day and then transitions effortlessly into a dinner outfit. It's light and airy with a mini hem, ideal for warm climates.

To shift it to evening wear, I usually add a delicate body chain to cinch and enhance my bodice. And then there's the 'Iris' dress—understated yet dripping with elegance. Its midi length and accordion pleats project sophistication, while the neutral ivory shade ensures it fits seamlessly into both daytime and evening settings. Its seductive V-neckline, framed by straps gathered with silver metallic accents, injects just the right amount of glamour

2. “Go light with spathoto silk” is my travel mantra.

There's something undeniably sumptuous about the feel of silk—gentle, smooth, and always classy. Plus, its lightweight nature ensures I stay cool and comfortable, all without weighing down my suitcase. That's why I always include Zeus+Dione’s signature spathoto silk pieces in my packing list. Whether it's a mini dress or a timeless silk shirt, these garments blend perfectly into my itinerary, enhancing my look whether I'm exploring the best cocktail spots or relaxing over a leisurely lunch after a day of sightseeing. 

The 'Hera' blouse is a no-brainer. It’s got a classic, yet contemporary look and it’s made from this amazing textured silk that just feels incredible. It’s black and white, so it matches everything, whether I’m wearing coordinating pants, or linen Bermuda shorts.

I adore this ‘Hera’ top for its slightly-loose fit—perfect for those hot travel destinations. It’s got this cool, sleeveless cut with a pop of colour from clay, blue, and aqua threads that catch the sunlight as you navigate the bustling streets of a sun-drenched Mediterranean village.

I’ve got this 'Hera' mini dress, and honestly, it’s like it was made for traveling around. The ivory textured silk with those pops of purple and lavender is feeding my obsession with all things purple this season. It’s the kind of dress that’s got endless potential—super soft against the skin, cut in a way that’s loose for those spontaneous city outings. But then, when I want to dial it up, I just pull it in with a belt for a more defined look.

3. When I'm prepping for a spring escape, ivory linen is non-negotiable.

It's synonymous with summer, right up there to set the tone for the season along with straw bags and leather sandals. Plus, being naturally breathable, it keeps me cool and comfy in the warmer weather—no synthetic fibers needed.
 

I usually reach for ivory linen bottoms because they're like a blank canvas, they go with absolutely everything! I swap my go-to blue jeans for the wide-leg 'Rebetiko' linen trousers and pair them with a spathoto silk camisole. But on days when I'm feeling bold, I embrace head-to-toe white. I keep the pieces simple, though—the impact is stunning. Just maybe I’ll just skip the red wine to play it safe! 

And for those warmer days, I can’t go wrong with the 'Rodio' shorts, which offer this lightweight, crisp feel. With a high-rise waist, streamlined fit, rolled cuffs, and convenient belt loops and side pockets, they blend functionality with versatility.

4. This ’24 spring/summer season, I'm all about adding pops of colour to my suitcase. When it comes to styling, I find that pairing colourful pieces with white ones creates a perfect balance.

It allows the contrasting hues to stand out without pushing me too far out of my comfort zone. I love packing tops and shirts in mood-boosting shades and prints to complement my white linen bottoms. It's an easy way to create the illusion of multiple outfits with just a few pieces, without overcomplicating things. Let me tell you about the ‘Icarus shirt’—it's a dream! Made from lightweight semi-sheer cotton in a relaxed fit, it's got these vibrant prints inspired by the storied ICARO ceramics of Rhodes Island.

Picture tulips, pomegranates, cypresses, and carnations in full bloom. Talking about a wardrobe staple, I would never forget to pack the 'Filerimos' bodysuit in that mesmerizing aqua shade. Crafted from 'spathoto' textured silk, it's got this wrap-effect bodice with airy cap sleeves and an enticing plunging V-neckline.

5. When it comes to choosing which swimwear to pack, it's an easy decision for me!

I always opt for the one that can double up as top—perfect for both swimming and layering under my trousers or a skirt for a night out. It's like getting two different styles in one piece, which saves so much space in my carry-on, right? The ‘Mina’ one-piece swimsuit is exactly what I’m talking about! Crafted from this super smoothing stretch fabric that fits like a glove, it's got these halter neck ties that elegantly wrap around the neck, showing off an alluring open-back design.

6. I'm quite particular about my bags. There's no one-size-fits-all carry-on for everyone. To find the perfect bag for me, I always consider how I'll be using it.

Will I be trekking long distances, navigating sandy cliffs and village streets? Or will I mainly be rolling off a plane and into a car? It's important to think about the items I'll be bringing along too. Each option offers different benefits, with duffel bags providing more depth.

Take the Soufli weekender bag, for example. It's crafted from durable leather in a versatile tobacco shade, cleverly embossed to resemble the signature 'spathoto' motif. Accentuated by black leather trims and sturdy top handles, it's spacious enough to fit all my belongings—actually, everything I've mentioned above.

When I'm flying, I always stash essential items like my airpods, hydrating face-cream, medicine, and charger in my 'Filareti' bag, which can slide under the seat in front of me. It’s made of soft black leather, with a curved flap-top design, shiny metallic hardware, and a long slender strap, so I can wear it however I want—over my shoulder or cross-body. It’s the perfect travel companion.

When I'm traveling by boat, you can bet the ‘Thalassini’ straw bag is always by my side. I mean, its name literally means "of the sea" in Greek—how perfect is that? Crafted into this fanned-out shape, it's got these sturdy cotton handles and this sleek embossed black leather flap. And inside? There's plenty of space for all my essentials: my favourite books, trusty Z+D sunglasses, and, of course, my camera. Got to capture those amazing moments, right?