Travel, IKKARI summer essentials and the “It Island", Hydra.
Through your own eyes—who is Matt Lennon?
This is a very introspective way to start, Nadia! Fundamentally, I guess I’m a lover of nature, connection, and creativity. I value my friends, family, and the beauty of the natural world above almost everything else—oh, and my cat, Aki! In my day-to-day, I’m fortunate to work across creative and brand at the Australian fine jewellery studio, SARAH & SEBASTIAN.
You recently travelled to Greece, what does the place mean to you?
Greece is a place I’m always drawn back to. After visiting many times over the years, it feels familiar and effortless. For me, it’s all about the freshness of the food, the stunning natural beauty, and the authenticity of the people.
You photographed most of this story on the island of Hydra. Can you tell us a bit about the island and what inspired you to visit?
I’d wanted to visit Hydra for ages. It’s known as “the artist’s island,” and has been a hub for creative culture since the 1950s, attracting musicians, writers, artists, and poets; Leonard Cohen famously spent time there in the ’60s writing music. The island’s beauty and energy make it such an inspiring place.
What does Australian summer mean to you?
For me, the Australian summer is deeply connected to the ocean. It’s the time of year I’m in the water before and after work, planning weekends around beach trips with friends, and enjoying the freshest seafood for lunch and dinner.
How do you define “vacation”?
By the intensity of my tan lines—and that satisfying moment when I can’t quite remember what day it is.
When do you feel your most vital, highest self?
As a Libra, I’m constantly striving for balance. When all aspects of my life—physical and mental health, work, and relationships—are in harmony (which is rare!), I feel the most connected and alive. Over time, I’ve learned that I can tap into that sense of vitality even when things aren’t perfectly balanced. Meditation helps, as does plunging into a large body of cold water.
Your IKKARI must-haves and why?
There are so many IKKARI products I love. Traveling with the range this summer has felt incredibly luxurious—having my favorite rituals on the road makes such a difference. If I had to pick my essentials, the Clear Skin Face Oil would top the list. It’s nourishing, keeps my skin hydrated, and is perfect for a Gua Sha session to de-puff after a long flight. Another favourite is the Hydrating Mineral SPF Cream—it’s a game-changer. It’s lightweight, effective, and doesn’t leave a ghostly residue.
When curating this shoot for IKKARI, where did you draw inspiration, and what was your intention?
I always find inspiration in nature and love taking still-life photography out of the studio and into real-world settings. Working on a project like this while traveling changes the way you see your surroundings—it makes you more attuned to the details. For this shoot, I wanted to highlight IKKARI’s connection to the natural world while capturing the surreal beauty of the Greek Islands.
What IKKARI gift will you give this holiday season?
My go-to gift is the Ikkarian Body Oil. It’s ideal for hydrating summer skin and feels incredible after a post-swim shower. I’ve also gifted friends the Detox Support Tonic—it’s maybe not quite as indulgent as the Body Oil, but always goes down a treat during the busy, festive season to help balance everything out.
