The allure of travel with Jenny Walton

There are inspiring places and people who know how to draw from that inspiration, turning it into fashion. Jenny Walton, a renowned New York illustrator, fashion influencer and style icon, discovers the best Mediterranean-inspired looks at La Roca Village.

Walton’s elegant and deeply personal style has long been recognised and applauded by the industry – no wonder she’s a columnist for Vogue.com and a reporter for European Fashion Weeks for New York’s Bergdorf Goodman.

However, it’s undoubtedly her ability to champion (and wear) the latest trends, mixed with timeless garments from any decade, to create a sophisticated, highly personal wardrobe that’s brought her fame.

Following the philosophy that inspiration comes from the places you visit when travelling, Walton explored La Roca Village’s most charming corners, imbuing her inner artist and unique perspective with the Mediterranean lifestyle that permeates the destination.

Jenny Walton on Almanac rooftop
Top: IRO Paris (La Roca Village)
Skirt: Vintage (Jenny’s archive)
Shoes: Saint Laurent mules (Jenny’s archive)

“I loved the Spanish flair of this flamenco skirt, which I ironically found in Pennsylvania during the winter. Although I’m not sure where the skirt actually originated – there’s no label inside – I was happy to bring it to Spain. I love a dramatic skirt like this with an easy, simple top and a pair of elegant mules.”

Jenny Walton at The Apartment
Top: ba&sh (La Roca Village)
Skirt: Vintage (Jenny’s archive)

“This is a beautiful vintage skirt I’ve had for a few years. I love pairing it with a great off-the-shoulder top like this, which really lets the top shine. These elegant Saint Laurent mules seem to go with everything.”

Jenny Walton at The Apartment
Top: BIMBA Y LOLA (La Roca Village)
Skirt: Saint Laurent (Jenny’s archive)

“This is such a fun, easy look for a cocktail. I love playing with bold colours in my looks and it was so fun to find this top that somehow went perfectly with the skirt in its own unique way.”

Top and skirt: Isabel Marant (La Roca Village)
Bag: Longchamp bucket bag (La Roca Village)

“This is such a classic look; you’d almost think it’s vintage. I love the cut of the top. The classic cut of the skirt really lets the top shine.”

Jenny Walton at La Roca village
Top: Prada bandeau (Jenny’s archive)
Skirt: Sandro (La Roca Village)

“To me, this is a quintessential summer look, perfect for any location where the sea isn’t too far.”

Jenny Walton at La Roca Village
Dress: Zadig&Voltaire (La Roca Village)

“I loved the rich tone of this dress. It was so light and easy to wear and felt perfect wandering around the Village in the sun.”

Jenny Walton at Corso Iluzione restaurant (La Roca Village)
Dress: PINKO (La Roca Village)

“Once we finally break out of the winter months, it’s so nice to be reminded of spring by wearing brighter colours such as this bright yellow. It’s a dramatic dress, so it was fun being more playful in this look, styling with bright, white decorative flats from Prada.”

Jenny Walton in the Personal Shopping Suites
Dress: Maje (La Roca Village)

“This was such a beautiful, easy piece to wear while shopping and strolling. Styled in a simple way, such as this, really lets the dress shine.”

15 minutes with Jenny Walton

What was it like travelling to Barcelona and La Roca Village?
It was sunny and warm and felt like a dream! I even decided to come a day early so I could spend more time at La Roca Village. I loved the colourful buildings, the trees and the birds chirping overhead. Such a relaxing place to enjoy a nice day, finding special treasures.

Your aesthetic has always felt like a love letter to another time – elegant, poetic and deeply personal. As an American living in Milan, how does travel shape and deepen your style vocabulary?
When I arrived in Milan, the city and its residents profoundly captivated me and I found a deep connection to the fashion. I truly admire how Le Sciure carry themselves, typically donning an elegant fur coat from the ‘60s, stylish flat shoes and occasionally a fashionable cane or a coordinating fur hat. They dress not just for special occasions, but for the event of life.

There’s something innately romantic about the Mediterranean – the light, the textures, the history. What is it about this part of the world that stirs your creativity?
For a long time, I’ve admired the work of artists who painted and sculpted in these regions, so visiting these places and experiencing the light firsthand is truly inspiring. I feel fortunate because if I hadn't taken any risks in my life, I would’ve remained in my hometown in New Jersey. Every time I travel or explore a new location, I gain invaluable insights and the world unveils itself to me, which always makes me learn more about myself, too.

There's an undeniable energy to shopping in person, touching fabrics, wandering streets… why do you think this physical act of discovery remains so essential in an increasingly digital world?
Dressing at its core is a physical and tactile experience. Thus, making purchasing decisions solely through a screen can feel rather disconnected at times, causing you to lose a significant aspect of the experience. I enjoy online shopping when searching for something specific, as it allows me to broaden my options. However, nothing rivals the joy of discovering pieces in person – particularly in new cities or countries, where you can encounter things you’ve never seen before.

You seem to have mastered the art of the ‘forever wardrobe’, which transcends seasons and trends. What are your guiding principles when curating a closet meant to last?
I think you need to take your time to slowly find pieces that you truly love. You can’t run from trend to trend or from sale to sale. The wardrobe then naturally builds itself over time.

You’re known for effortlessly pairing pieces from different fashion eras, like a 1950s circle skirt with a minimalist modern top. What’s your philosophy on mixing decades in one look?
I think a great modern look mixes things from different decades instead of wearing a specific style head to toe. There’s no magical formula, but you can find ties between different cultural movements – the cultural upheaval and spirit of the ‘20s and the ‘60s have a similar air.

Is there a particular era of fashion that you always find yourself returning to? And how do you make it feel fresh?
Absolutely! The ‘60s fascinate me. I keep it lively by referencing it anew each time, drawing from various elements of that culture and uncovering fresh insights I’ve never encountered before.

What’s one modern brand in La Roca Village you think pairs beautifully with vintage pieces?
I clearly enjoy combining Prada and Miu Miu with vintage styles, as they provide a beautifully contemporary flair to traditional pieces. I also discovered some amazing pieces from LOEWE that are superbly designed and effortlessly complement classic vintage.

If you could borrow one look from any designer’s archive, who would it be and from what year?
I would borrow something from Prada’s 2008 Fairy collection! That whole collection was so dreamy.

What role do accessories play in your looks?
Accessories are so important! They’re like the salt and pepper that give a dish flavour. Not to mention, they’re great when packing for a trip, as a silk scarf takes up very little space!

What’s your current favourite La Roca Village find — and what story does it tell?
I found a wonderful beaded bag from Miu Miu that I’ve never seen before (and I consider myself well-versed in the Miu Miu/Prada universe). I had just been putting together a Substack featuring wooden beaded bags, so it felt like I almost manifested its appearance!

Heels or ballet flats?
It depends on how much I walk; I adore heels, but ballet flats are a beautifully timeless option that you can wear all day, and not to mention increasingly unique in our sneaker-dominated world.

Travel essential you can’t live without?
My blue notebook and an ink pen to illustrate.

What’s your signature scent?
Cire Trudon Deux or Turquoise by Regime des Fleur.

What colour feels most like you?
Blue!

What’s been your favourite experience while travelling at La Roca Village?
Meeting all of the wonderful people! (But my Prada and Miu Miu finds weren’t bad either.)

What’s the style advice you’d give your younger self?
Follow your own instincts and don’t let anybody tell you what to wear!