Indagare Insiders: Summer Style with RIANNA + NINA

At Indagare, we're always on the hunt for stylish, soulful designers who create easy-to-pack pieces that bring a bit of color to our adventures around the world. One of our favorite such designers is RIANNA + NINA, a one-of-a-kind luxury label that reflects the collaborations of Rianna Kounou and Nina Knaudt, two vintage- and sustainability-obsessed globetrotters with an impeccable eye for fashion. Rianna is the mastermind behind the brand's designs; she is a leading expert in vintage and designer fashion, with over three decades of experience, including costume history and film and theater styling. Nina began her career at a young age, exploring flea markets and antique fairs with her grandmother—and she is a seasoned industry maven, having worked in Paris, Munich and New York for such brands as Cartier, Etro, BMW and Bill Blass. The two met at a vintage furniture fair in 2013 and opened their first boutique in Berlin a year later. Since, they have brought their clothing and accessories—composed of vintage, upcycled fabrics—to international fashion weeks, pop-ups for Vogue Salon and Bergdorf Goodman, over 50 stores and luxury hotels worldwide and a new Parisian flagship store in the Palais Royal, opened in 2022 (34 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris), which is where Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley first discovered them.

Now beloved by both Melissa and Indagare staffers alike (and icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna and Madonna), RIANNA + NINA is one of our go-to sources for colorful, unique dresses, skirts and kaftans—which are particularly useful for trips to the Middle East and North Africa (where we need longer hemlines and more breathable fabrics, without sacrificing a sense of fun). Their designs are also perfect for summer soirées—in the Mediterranean, the Hamptons, the Caribbean and beyond. We sat down with Rianna and Nina to discuss all things summer style, from their favorite seaside haunts and family travel rituals, to their hotel, restaurant and shopping tips.

Read on for the RIANNA + NINA guide to stylish summer travel and shop their fabulous world here.

Where have you been spending this summer and why?

This summer, I have been in my house in Greece, just like the past four years. It has become my haven of tranquility, where I truly recharge and revitalize. Moreover, I have the opportunity to reunite with my friends and family there. From Greece, I plan to embark on various excursions to different islands, exploring the beauty of each one. I choose to be there because it offers the perfect setting that aligns with my preferences, and I have thoroughly arranged everything to create my ideal environment.

NINA: I will be in Portugal for two weeks with my family. For the first week, we will be in a beautiful little farm hotel in the Alentejo, which has a perfect mix of nature, stunning wild beaches and cute towns. We have two small kids (ages four and one) and go with a big group of friends and many children, which is perfect, so we can all hang out and live the easy life together. In the second week, we have rented a house in Comporta, with my mum and my brother, who lives in New York with his family. We always book a chef, so we can enjoy delicious, regional food at home, since being in restaurants can sometimes be too much with the little ones. We have been to Comporta several times, and it feels amazing to be back again.

Related: Just Back From: Summer Exploration in Tel Aviv, Israel

Where have you spent your best summer holidays and what made them special?

Before the past four years, I used to go on island-hopping adventures in Greece to search for my perfect summer getaway. One island that stood out to me was Antiparos, a small and charming island. Its intimate and welcoming atmosphere, along with its aesthetic appeal, resonated with me. Each year, I sought out a different island in Greece, exploring new places and experiences.

NINA: I love, love, love traveling, and luckily I grew up in an adventurous family. My parents took us from lakes to mountains, from the pyramids to Thailand, and I cannot choose a specific place, as I just love to see what the world has to offer. I do the same with my family, and even with the little kids now, I don’t see it as a limit—as long as you don’t stress yourself too much, everything is possible. A very special holiday was definitely our wedding week five years ago in Mallorca. 100 friends and family members spent one week together in a small finca hotel and surrounding fincas, and we organized everything from a catamaran trip to a costume night, a go-cart race and a paella party at the beach. The highlight was our wedding in the dunes, singing with our friends and celebrating our love. I could relive this exact week again and again.

Related: A Local’s Mallorca: Jacinto Solivellas de Oleza’s Guide

What are your favorite summer rituals?

One of my favorite summer rituals is sitting on my terrace in the evening, sipping an Aperol Spritz. I also enjoy watching old movies with my son at the open-air cinema, creating cherished memories together.

NINA: Waking up with the sun, starting the day playing and cuddling, followed by a late, healthy breakfast, with a lot of fresh fruit, pool time and a nap by the pool and going to the beach in the afternoon, with dinner at the beach, so the kids can play in the sand and we can just relax. Go with the flow, enjoy the sun and my family—this is a daily ritual I love to follow.

Related: Melissa’s 2023 Summer Travel Must-Haves

What are your favorite beach or waterside places for lunch?

One of my favorite places for lunch is Doroufi, the beach near my house. There's a small tavern named Doroufi Beach, where I like to dine after swimming. It used to be called Koulis when I was a child, and it has remained a beloved spot for me throughout the years.

NINA: It's not a hidden spot, but I had many beautiful moments at Ca’s Patró March in Deia, Mallorca. Also in Mallorca, I love the restaurant of the Bendinat Hotel, where I went as a teenager with my family. Le Club 55 in Ramatuelle always and forever will be a favorite, and a few years ago, there was a little beach hut in Comporta where a young couple from the UK served spectacular food. I don’t know if it still exists, but I will find out when I'm there in August.

Related: Florence, Ever Fashionable: Tips from Indagare Founder Melissa Biggs Bradley

What are your favorite beach, island or waterside hotels or resorts and why?

One of my favorite hotels is The Rooster on Antiparos. It holds a special charm for me. However, in general, I tend to opt for smaller Airbnbs or houses when it comes to my stays on islands or waterside areas. They provide a cozier and more personalized atmosphere that aligns with my preferences.

NINA: Some favorites include the Marbella Club Hotel, Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole and Parco dei Principi in Sorrento (by Gio Ponti). Since we have children, I also prefer to rent houses, as it feels like having a home, and there is so much more space to play.

Related: Newport Insider: Ala von Auersperg

Do you have a summer uniform or go-to accessories?

During the summer, I always have pareos and scarves with me. They are versatile pieces that can be styled in different ways, adding a touch of elegance to my outfits. Additionally, I love wearing long earrings, as they beautifully complement my summer looks.

NINA: I live in our kaftans and kimonos, which I always put on top of our swimwear. I’m so happy that we have so many beautiful pieces to choose from. Oh—and I love our beach bags, not just for the beach. I use them every day when out and about with my kids, because they fit everything from a change of clothes for a day at the water playground to snacks and toys.

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