For this edition of Staff Picks, Jack – our online content editor and one of our buyers – took inspiration from a recent holiday in Barcelona. The Catalan capital's warm climate and relaxed atmosphere has resulted in a casual selection featuring lightweight linen, sensible shoes and the perfect pants for a game of pétanque.
- Jack: Barcelona is one of my favourite places in the world. I have really fond memories of a family holiday there when I was a kid, but until recently I hadn't been back to Barcelona for years. Last month I spent six days exploring, revisiting the sights and museums, and above all, eating and drinking. We stayed a little way up the hill from the busy tourist areas in a neighbourhood called Gràcia, which is full of tree-lined alleys and little squares with great markets and tapas bars.
1. Our Legacy Hidden Button Jean Jacket
- Jack: Although the days are hot, in the evenings Barcelona can cool off pretty quickly as the cool breeze comes off the ocean. A lightweight jacket like this is a good idea, particularly if you end up having dinner in El Born or Barcelonetta, which are both close to the harbour and full of bars and restaurants.
2. Arpenteur Pétanque Pants
- J: In the evenings you'll often see groups of people playing pétanque or boules on Barcelona's wide boulevards. These trousers are Arpenteur's take on the perfect pair of pants for the game. With a comfortable elasticated waistband, plenty of pocket space and an absolutely perfect fit, they're also ideal for a day walking around the city.
3. Our Legacy Mid Sleeve Tee
- J: The soft mercerised cotton will keep you cool and comfortable all day.
4. Barton Perreira Dillinger Sunglasses
- J: These rarely left my face the entire time I was in Spain. As the buyer responsible for Trunk's eyewear, I've tried pretty much every frame Barton Perreira makes and although the Dillinger is one of the simplest and most unassuming, it has to be my favourite. The polarised lenses are super high quality, eliminating glare much more effectively than standard UV lenses.
5. Birkenstock Boston Suede
- J: Barcelona is best explored on foot, walking all day long and getting lost in the narrow backstreets. All this walking can be tough on your feet so it's a good idea to pack some supportive shoes. The Boston is surprisingly wearable, and the suede looks great with jeans or chinos.
6. J&M Davidson 25mm Pigskin Belt
- J: I've been looking for a classic black belt recently and this one from J&M Davidson is the current frontrunner. The width is perfect – slim but not skinny – and the textured pigskin is a little more interesting than a traditional smooth bridle leather.
7. Aesop Deodorant
- J: Barcelona's pretty hot. You're gonna need some of this.
Jack's Recommendations:
– Flash Flash: Trunk's owner Mats recommended this restaurant, and it did not disappoint. Seemingly frozen in time since its opening in 1969, the decor looks like a scene from Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, lending it a slightly surreal atmosphere. The food, wine and service were all immaculate.
– Mordisco: Part of the Tragaluz group of restaurants, Mordisco's food combines traditional tapas and Catalan cooking with modern influences. The restaurant itself is beautiful, set in the building's garden with glass walls and ceilings.
– Museo Picasso: An absolutely essential part of any visit to Barca.
– La Sagrada Familia: Gaudi's cathedral needs no introduction. The interior is genuinely breathtaking and absolutely worth the queue.
– Cornelia & Co: Perfect Brunch.
– Park Güell: The other essential Gaudi attraction. A really beautiful sculptured park in which to spend an afternoon. Afterward, walk down the hill through Gràcia and stop at one of the bars on Plaça de Virreina for a glass of cava.
Thanks Jack! For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.