In conversation with Heleena Trahanas
We sat down with the incredible Heleena Trahanas; primarily known for her work as the Dinosaur Designs PR + Marketing Manager, she started ALEX AND TRAHANAS (a lifestyle brand designed to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to Australia) with her business partner Alexandra Heard in November 2017. She has always been curious about creativity and culture — design, fashion, lifestyle, food, and art.
1. Where are you based? Where are you from?
Sydney.
2. What does the notion of 'home' mean to you?
It’s an abode for where one can drift, dream and create in solitude or in company. A place where family and friends can also come together, faithful to the principles of Southern European hospitality.
3. Where in the world is your favourite spot to swim?
Kleftiko in Milos, Greece. The only way to get there is by boat.
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
Puglia, in the South of Italy, staying at Masseria Moroseta — my home away from home and my happy place — or New York, the energy there is highly addictive.
5. We have all been spending time at home more than ever. Have you perfected any recipes as of late? If so, would you please share your favourite with us?
I wouldn’t say I’ve perfected anything! But I’ve enjoyed cooking a variety of Mediterranean dishes, making me reminisce about the summers spent in Europe. The past year has been all about creating culinary escapes and table-scapes inspired by the Mediterranean. I’ve enjoyed making pasta (both Italian and Greek recipes), Greek baked fish, calamari in wine and managed to tackle cleaning and cooking with globe artichokes for the first time. I’ve also treated myself to meals from some of some of Australia’s most talented chefs such as lobster spanakopita by Josh Niland from Saint Peter, and a whole stuffed and roasted ‘Ethical Farmers’ free-range chicken with brussels sprouts, crisp spuds and gravy by Sean Moran.
6. To me, Summer feels like ...
Rolling long lunches by the sea.
7. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Everywhere! Life is such a visual feast. Travel in particular is a huge source of inspiration, immersing yourself in different cultures and places.
8. Favourite local spot?
Sean’s in Bondi, and ALEX AND TRAHANAS rolling long lunches and dinner parties.
9. Current book, podcast, or playlist?
I have a few magazines on the go: YOLO Journal by Yolanda Edwards, Eatable, Portraits of Interiors by Axel Vervoordt, We Are What We Eat by Alice Waters, All The Stuff We Cooked by Frederick Bille Brahe, Home Farm Cooking by Catherine and John Pawson.
10. WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Over the summer I read Tim Olsen’s book, “Son of the Brush. A quote by John Olsen resonated with me: When you ultimately leave this world, be remembered as someone who gave more than they took. Be remembered for your kindness and compassion. Use your ego to lift others, not to make other lives feel less. Let your authentic happiness be infectious, especially when people feel they can’t find it in themselves. We are all creative in some form. Learn to recognise the that the creative act is a process of self-discovery, not a competition. Make art for the enjoyment of it, not to prove something to others.Just make things without caring about what others might think. Be selfless and allow the spirits to work through you.