This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Pol Brau Pérez (@paulsuite), living in Barcelona and working as Operations Manager at a tech startup.
1. How do you define your style?
I usually prioritize comfort and simplicity, while also leaning towards local brands. When choosing new garments, I always go for timeless pieces that can get me sorted in different situations.
2. What does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
To me, being a Modern Gentleman is a way of behaving rather than just a way of looking. It means being open-minded and kind to everyone. It means accepting that there is too much to learn, so we, in essence, know nothing compared to the vast world of the unknown. It also involves admitting that there are many different people with different life experiences, backgrounds, and worldviews that are equally valid and can teach us a lot.
It’s a path that doesn’t have an end, but following it gets us closer to understanding who we are.
3. When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
I’d say it depends a lot on my mood. There are some days where I will go for a more classic outfit, while some others where I will go full casual. I work remotely, so comfort is very important for me.
4. What’s your personal style signifier?
I don’t have one clear style signifier, but lately, I have been exploring some modern twists on military clothing by different local brands that I’m actually loving and are quite unique.
5. What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
I love jackets, so I have a good collection of them, from leather biker jackets to bespoke blazers. Anyway, summers in Spain don’t really invite you to wear any kind of jacket, so I’d say basic premium quality T-shirts are another must for me, especially on hot days.
6. What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
I love music and books. I play guitar, so I love chilling out while playing some chords. I like to think that I’m quite open-minded, so I love to explore both new sounds and new books. I don’t think I am attached to a specific category. I also love running; it helps me unwind and put my thoughts in place.
7. What does your ideal Sunday look like?
My ideal Sunday is spent with my family. Dedicating time to each other and enjoying whatever we feel like doing is an incredible gift for me: the plan is not as important as the company. And I’m a huge coffee lover, so I have to have my coffee first.
8. Describe an interesting trip you have taken and tell us what’s the next destination on your bucket list.
I recently visited Egypt, which definitely was on my bucket list, for a wedding. I found it to be a very interesting destination. I might save some words for a piece for Gents Cafe!
As for the future, Asia is definitely on my bucket list, especially Japan.
9. Tell us what can never be missing in your liquor cabinet.
Whiskey! That’s a must for me. I have bottles from different brands, but recently I’ve been quite moved by Tomatin, a Scotch.
10. What are your three favorite books?
Siddharta by Herman Hesse; The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – which I loved it when I was a kid, and I love revisiting it from time to time; and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
11. What are your three favorite movies?
The Godfather: a movie that never gets old. Saving Private Ryan: I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it many years ago. I was deeply shocked by it. I have to admit it really is one of my classics.
And The Green Mile. I’m a Stephen King fan, and it’s one of my favorite movie adaptations from his books.
Pol is a regular contributor of the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can find all his articles at this link.
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