Puerto rico clothing brands: Top Local Puerto Rico Designers & Brands to Check Out
Top Local Puerto Rico Designers & Brands to Check Out
If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico and are looking to shop from local clothing brands, this blog will be a guide to brands and designers from the Caribbean island. In tandem, we’ll provide recommendations on how to style these different clothing stores with our own Coquí el Original® designer jewelry collections. Coquí el Original® is also a local brand and store located at Calle de la Fortaleza 200, Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico. Below you’ll find our top-rated brands and designers and how to style their clothing with our beautiful items.
Overview of Fashion Brands and Designers Mentioned:
- Ecliptica in Miramar, Puerto Rico
- Pure Soul in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Pink Tree in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Harry Robles in Condado, Puerto Rico
- Lisa Cappalli in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
- La Gotta Swimwear, IG: @Iagottaofficial
- Stella Nolasco in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Playero in Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Fashion Lounge in Mall of San Juan, Puerto Rico
1) Ecliptica (Miramar, Puerto Rico)
If there is one high-end, designer clothing brand that is very popular at the moment it is Ecliptica designed by two extremely talented Puerto Rican sisters: Norein and Michelle Otero.
Within Ecliptica they have 3 lines: Atelier, Bridal, and ISLA. Atelier is a bombshell collection with seasonal designs that focus on trendy and high-end formalwear. You can spot many Puerto Rican and other Latin American artists wearing Atelier at Red Carpet events and exclusive parties. The Atelier collections are beautiful statement pieces with innovative designs. For the clothing in this collection, Coquí el Original® recommends our solid 14k yellow gold Sun Design with genuine diamonds. Our Sun Design is a perfect addition to any of the Atelier Collection designs. The Sun 14k Stud Earrings and Large 14k Pendant are gorgeous, yet minimal designs that will stand out, but not overpower the Atelier statement dress.
While Ecliptica Bridal is self-explanatory, the sisters produce gorgeous gowns with attention to embroidery, layering, and lace that result in an exquisite and modern look for any bride. All the gowns are showcased with minimal to no jewelry. Therefore, Coquí el Original® recommends our solid sterling silver Sun Stud Earrings to have added a little sparkle, but nothing else to follow the rest of the mostly-bare aesthetic of the bridal looks they feature on their page.
Then there is Ecliptica Isla, which is essentially the Caribbean captured in clothing designs. Bright color patterns, skirts, and skimpy tops are the norm in the Isla Collections which can be styled for day and nighttime outfits. The sisters take on more Urban-style looks with funky hats, men’s shirts, and casual Tees. For these vibrant, fun outfits, Coquí el Original® recommends our new Coquí Ring Bangles in Yellow, Rose, and Silver. All 3 coquí tree frog bangles will complement perfectly clothing pieces. Pair the bangles with the sterling silver .925 Coquí Stud earrings and you’ll create a beautiful and stylish set.
2) Pure Soul (Old San Juan, Puerto Rico)
This clothing store is a “must” on your visit to Old San Juan if you’re looking to purchase chic, yet relaxed clothing perfect for warm weather. Characterized by mainly flowy blouses, dresses, and trousers, Pure Soul is marked by full-colored pieces created with mainly neutral tones like white, beige, and pastels, although the store contrasts their main color palette with vibrant colored pieces like red, purple, and turquoise.
The clothing line is definitely a high-end bohemian style for beautiful Caribbean clothing for day and night looks. Coquí el Original® recommends bold jewelry with this style of clothing. Accessorize Pure Soul clothing with our Puerto Rico Link Charm Bracelet including the Sun with Diamonds, Puerto Rico Map, and Coquí charms in solid sterling silver .925. Match the bracelet with our Classic Coquí Pendant, matte finish, in sterling silver on a long 20 or 22-inch chain to the Coquí Pendant falls beautifully below the chest, creating a center-piece visual. Complete the look with our unique Sun-Coquí Drop Earrings in silver as well.
3) Pink Tree (Old San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Pink Tree is currently one of the clothing boutique stores that is very popular because it offers all the latest fashion trends at fair prices. Crop tops, bralettes, long and short skirts, cut-out dresses, flower-patterned daytime rompers and sexy, sequence nighttime dresses. This store is a great spot to most likely find unique pieces you have in mind, but don’t know where to look.
Pink Tree is also great if you’re more inclined to wear sexy, sultry looks because of its many plunging necklines and high slit designs. This boutique is a very fun one both with its store aesthetic, filled with whimsical pink decorations and flowers, and the colorful clothing they sell. Because of this vibe, Coquí el Original® recommends varied layering of our necklaces and bracelets! Start stacking our solid 14k Mini Sun Pendant with a 14-16 in chain. Follow it with our 14k gold Mini Coquí Pendant, matte finish, on an 18-inch chain, and finish with our Classic 14K Leatherback Sea-Turtle Pendant on a 20-inch chain. Stack your bracelets as well! Wear all 4 colors of our Coquí Cable Bracelets in yellow, rose, white, and black. Pink Tree Clothing is very much about eccentricity and personality!
4) Harry Robles (Condado, Puerto Rico)
Harry Robles is a renowned fashion designer from Puerto Rico that specializes in formal and bridal gowns. He is very popular with all demographics if you’re looking for a classic and elegant gown for formal or couture events.
As a designer in the scene for over 25 years, Harry is also sought out for specially-tailored pieces. For Harry, Coquí el Original® recommends accessorizing one of his elite gowns with our impeccably-crafted Sun-Coquí Drop Earrings in Solid 14k Gold with Diamond Details. These unique earrings have a flare to them, but are minimalistic enough to still look elegant. With Harry Roble’s designs, high-end pieces complete the look.
5) Lisa Cappalli (Old San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Lisa Cappalli is an incredibly talented, high-end Puerto Rican fashion designer that has also been in the industry for over 20 years. Since she was young, she was in a household dedicated to fashion because her mother, Mili Arango, was also a famous designer. Lisa lived in Paris for a time where she refined her craft being exposed to Parisian art in all its mediums. Lisa specializes in intricate laced clothing and has a variety of options like dresses, skirts, trousers, and blouses. Lisa also boasts beautiful bridal gowns that are also very popular to see in weddings here in Puerto Rico.
With many of Lisa’s delicate and ethereal-like designs, Coquí el Original® recommends our beautifully-minimalistic 14k gold Coquí Petite items. Choose between a 14k matte or polished Petite Coquí Pendant and Stud Earrings with diamond eyes. They are the perfect items to complete an elegant and sophisticated look.
6) La Gotta Swimwear (IG: @lagottaofficial)
Puerto Rico is a land of gorgeous beaches. Therefore, this high-end swimsuit brand is perfect for when you want to lay under the sun or have some fun in the water. Founded by Puerto Rican fashion designer and influencer, Valeria del Rey, La Gotta swimwear designs are stunning and elegant. The brand offers classic bikini designs to more cutting-edge, out of the box ones. Valeria aims for a refined, simplistic, and minimal look. Most of her models sport the swimwear looks with no jewelry! Regardless, Coquí el Original® recommends our Petite Leatherback Sea-Turtle Stud Earrings in our two-tone version. The two-tone offers the Leatherback with a sterling silver carapace and 14k gold head, tail, and flippers.
We also offer the Petite Two-Tone Leatherback Sea-Turtle Pendant that would look lovely on a thin, short chain close to your neck. Since these pieces are delicate, we think Valeria will not be disappointed with our recommendations.
7) Stella Nolasco (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Coquí el Original® rates Stella Nolasco as one of the top fashion designers from Puerto Rico! She has graced New York Fashion Week with her unique, bold, and exuberant styles. She has conquered the biggest fashion catwalks, celebrities, and fashion elites around the world. It is unsurprising. Browse her incredible clothing and you’ll immediately get a sense of how brilliant her work is. She plays with colors, patterns, texture, and cultural inspirations and produces otherworldly designs. Stella’s designs are for the true fashion aficionados that will walk the streets dressed to impress just as if it were a night out at an event. Coquí el Original® recommends our new Petite Coquí Ring in solid 14k yellow gold with diamond eyes.
This Petite Coquí Ring is perfect to wear with other varied rings on different fingers to create a bold look that can match well with Stella’s vibe.
8) Playero (Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Playero is a very trendy, local brand that is very popular especially among Puerto Rican men. It is the perfect clothing store for sports and beachwear made from quality materials and offering a range of fun, bright colors. Their selection of swim trunks is very unique as well as their funky T-shirts to use during the day. Playero also offers headwear like caps, visors, and beanies, as well as accessories like keychains, skateboards, and wallets. Coquí el Original® recommends our men’s Coquí Reversible Bracelet crafted in solid sterling silver .925 and braided in macramé black thread. Stack it with a watch or style it on its own. It is a great bracelet for both casual and formal looks.
9) Fashion Lounge (Mall of San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Last, but certainly not least, is the local clothing store the Fashion Lounge.
This brand has taken off significantly in the last 5 years because it not only offers chic, affordable clothes, it has a variety in sizes and styles that appeal to all types of women in Puerto Rico. This store is great because you can find looks that range from professional, to cocktail, to daytime casual, or demure. Coquí el Original® recommends a mix and matching of our signature collections. Our Puerto Rico Map Pendant in solid 14k gold with a diamond over the “I” would be a very cute addition to any of Fashion Lounge’s outfits. Add our Black Coquí Macramé bracelet as the perfect accessory for casual looks.
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Final Thoughts
These are just some of the many local fashion stores, brands, and designers the island has to offer. As a local brand as well, we offer a range of high-quality jewelry that can accentuate looks from each brand mentioned above. As a small business, we also want to highlight these incredible brands and the work they put in to offer quality items and designs.
Explore any of these recommendations as potential gifts or to treat yourself. Most of these brands have online buying options as well, so don’t forget to keep supporting them even when you’re not on the island!
Salud y Éxito,
Daniela Barquet
Daniela Barquet
Daniela Barquet is the 4th generation owner of her family’s jewelry store located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico since 1965. The business tradition was started by her great-grandfather, Issac Barquet, in 1920. Daniela graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s in the History of Art and Architecture and a Minor in Italian Studies. Daniela continues to grow under the mentorship of her father, Natalio Barquet Perez, who is a renowned, certified jeweler in Puerto Rico.
Best Puerto Rican Brands To Shop Refinery29 Picks
Begin Slideshow
Hi, everyone! I’m Mercedes, the newest writer to join R29’s Shopping team and your new go-to deal expert.
While I love finding the latest & greatest prices on all your favorite products, I’m also incredibly passionate about my home: Puerto Rico. It’s no secret that the island’s had a rough few years (or decades, really) between escalating crisis issues after 2017’s Hurricane Maria and undergoing traumatic colonization, both by the government’s own poor choices and the irresponsibility of tourists during a pandemic. One way we can continuously help Puerto Rico’s economy is by making an effort to support its local businesses — the ones that are often impacted the most.
When I lived in Puerto Rico, I strongly believed in shopping small; whether I was buying food from neighborhood grocers and restaurants or fashion from emerging female entrepreneurs. (I even started an online magazine about it!) Three and a half years plus a move to New York City later, I still believe that this is an easy way to positively impact the island directly. And so, to help get you better acquainted with its wealth of beautiful makers, I’ve lined up a few of my most loved Puerto Rican brands.
Ahead, find everything from size- and gender-inclusive fashion to recycled jewelry, sustainable lifestyle wares, world-famous vegan lipsticks, and more.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Socially responsible menswear – sabukaru
Kostia Malkov
Kostia Malkov
From the outside, the world of fashion may seem like another manifestation of the culture of consumption. There is a deal of truth in it. After all, many people buy things just for the brand and dream of the sneakers their favorite rapper wore to fashion week. And that’s okay. Clothing is a means of self-expression.
But do not forget that there is always a meaning behind things. It may not be very deep, but something inspired the designer to create the thing. nine0005
Music, culture or a vintage original – there’s more to design than looks. Clothing has always been a way to convey your emotions and share interests. Especially for independent brands. More importantly, clothes are used to express an active social position. Throughout modern history, designers have raised awareness of key social issues and called for change through their clothing. Now this is more relevant than ever. And while many brands and designers – Supreme, Brain Dead, Alex Olson, Bobby Hundreds and others – have taken a proactive stance against many issues, including right-wing views and extreme political movements, few use their clothing as a platform for social change, just as like Noah. nine0005
For those new to Noah, this is a New York-based menswear brand that draws inspiration from subcultures such as punk rock and the New York skate scene to create timeless pieces with an eye for contemporary norms.
Noah founder and chief designer Brendo Babenzien opened the store in 2015 – after an impressive 15 years as Design Director of Supreme – with the goal of redefining the way clothing is made and consumed. First of all, it concerns production. All Noah items are made in factories that treat their employees with respect and guarantee them wages no lower than the living wage. The brand uses premium materials and ethical manufacturing techniques. nine0005
Although this leads to high prices for customers, this business model has a much greater social responsibility than traditional ones. But production does not end there. Brandon and the team use clothing as a platform through which they talk about socially important issues such as the struggle for civil rights in the United States, intolerance towards the LGBT community and the coming threat of climate change. This year alone, Noah partnered with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Seahorse Conservation Society to raise money for the Puerto Rico hurricane relief effort by donating a portion of the proceeds from sales.
Brandon grew up with punk rock, skateboarding and surfing. nine0005
So it’s no surprise that his clothes are soaked in the spirit of denial and DIY, the values that underlie these subcultures. The culture that Noah denies is the fashion industry. Brandon often expresses his negative attitude and conducts business in a completely opposite way to accepted norms. Self-opposition to the industry and social activism prove that countercultural values are the foundation of a brand, not empty words. In a sense, this behavior relegates Brandon and his team to the fringes of the modern fashion industry. But this only adds to the brand’s appeal. If there are aspects of fashion and consumer culture in general that seem unethical to you, it’s worth getting to know Noah and the organizations they support. nine0005
Luckily, Noah isn’t the only brand to take this approach to making clothes. Many companies are starting to think about the ethics of their manufacturing processes and designs. But Noah are the only ones who manage to do it effectively.
For several seasons now, they have been reinterpreting the classics in a new way, maintaining high quality and creating a lot of hype around them along the way. A hype that doesn’t make sense. The number of loyal Noah fans is constantly growing. They are followed by a younger audience. In some cases, the growth in popularity leads to the fact that the brand goes into the category of “last life”. But in the case of Noah, this is the other way around: more people will think about what they buy, where the things they wear are made, and what other global problems the society of the 21st century is facing. After all, it is the younger generation that will be responsible for sustainable social change. nine0005
The company recognizes that buying a T-shirt or sweatshirt that supports a good cause does not solve the problem. But even increasing awareness of the existence of problems is better than nothing. Over time, this will lead to larger consequences. Noah Hurricane Relief T-shirts helped raise over $1,500 for Puerto Ricans.
At that time, this amount was more than the efforts that the US government made to help the victims. nine0005
This fact proves that social change is possible and that clothing is an effective way to bring it about. And while it will be a long time before this approach becomes mainstream, brands like Noah and the people they influence will continue to do their best while staying true to style.
nine0002 Kostia Malkov
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story of two guys who created a luxury brand and fell in love with Preciosa 💎 Sparkling stories from PRECIOSA-SHOP.RU
Both were brought to this turning point by dreams. So, Philippe Rolano was born in Puerto Rico, but grew up in New York. It was in the “Big Apple” that he received his education, having studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The future designer began his career as a freelance illustrator and makeup artist. David Trujillo was born in Florida and also showed great interest in the fashion industry.
He studied fashion and design at the Miami International College of Fine Arts, and began his career as a merchandiser for major chains SaksFifthAvenue and Macy’s.
nine0005 Philippe Rolano and David Trujillo
Founded by Phillip and David, The Blonds was conceived as a luxury brand from day one. They treat it accordingly, and among the regular customers, representatives of the entertainment industry make up the largest percentage. This is not surprising: even if you have never heard of The Blonds, you have absolutely seen their creations on cult musicians and singers, actresses and showmen. Brand fans include Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert, Kesha, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Billy Porter (the latter stole all the attention). at last year’s Met Gala), FKA Twigs and many more. In a word, all those who know how to make a real show, relying not only on their abilities and talent, but also on the visual side of their performances, in which, of course, amazing outfits play an important role.
nine0005 Jennifer Lopez in an outfit from The Blonds
Therefore, sparkling swimsuits and capes shimmering with millions of lights, over-the-knee boots (or vice versa, contrasting ones), incredible headdresses and scatterings of massive jewelry designed to reflect the lights of numerous spotlights aimed at the stage, invariably become choice of dozens of celebrities. The brand is constantly mentioned in specialized publications – Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Irina Shayk, Alessandra Ambrosio and Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson and Zendaya posed for the most famous photographers of the planet in outfits from The Blonds. nine0005
Often these shots are filled with sensuality on the verge of eroticism – Gigi Hadid, for example, posed in a little black dress that barely covers her body, with a kind of whip in her hand, and Kim Kardashian – in a mini with sparkling spikes, stood between two men completely deprived of clothes. The partner of Sharon Stone, filmed in a mid-thigh dress, the texture of which resembled chains, was a tiger.
Rihanna bared her breasts for Vogue, and Irina Shayk, covering her bust with her hand, appeared on the pages of the same magazine in lingerie with rhinestones, a lot of bracelets and mega-massive earrings. nine0005 Naomi Campbell in The Blonds
With this approach, it’s no surprise that one of the brand’s most accurate characteristics is mixglamour with a rebellious streak. And also eclecticism – materials, forms, ideas and – ultimately – styles. As for inspiration, the designers themselves draw it from where their regular customers come from – music, cinema, art. Links to culture, be it ancient or pop, are most often read at a glance. So, for example, a real Catwoman walked along the catwalk during a brand show a few years ago. Some of the other outfits made it possible to compare models with Hollywood villains in sophisticated costumes, from which it was difficult to take your eyes off – corsets and bodysuits of the most bizarre shapes and colors, leather dresses combined with over the knee boots made of the same material, dresses with a noticeable hooligan (or rather, even a punk touch).
) and completely luxurious fur collars and fur coats, completely transparent dresses and overalls, allowing you to see stockings and bras in every detail – as yet classic and not encrusted with sequins and rhinestones. nine0005 The Blonds outfit
In addition to shows and participation in fashion weeks, The Blonds regularly collaborate with other well-known brands and brands. For example, with the famous Playboy magazine and the Czech jewelry company Preciosa, cosmetic brands – in particular, MAC could find false eyelashes with diamonds (and Philip Blond, by the way, has his own line of makeup products), other fashion designers and even corporations.
Philippe and David collaborated with Barbie for three years, releasing six different dolls, one of which wore a replica of the corset Kylie Minogue wore in the Get Outta My Way video. In addition, a few years ago, designers dedicated several outfits to the bird Twitty, who, according to them, became one of the legendary blondes from the cinema.
Among the rest, Philip and David named Marilyn Monroe, Marie Antoinette, Madonna and Jane Fonda. nine0005 The Blonds and Barbie Collaboration Result
Last spring saw the release of the Disney Villains X The Blonds collaboration (obviously it was just a matter of time), and a few months later a collection inspired by the musical Moulin Rouge was announced. In the brand’s Instagram account, followers were actively urged to “be ready for the cancan.” In addition, references to drag culture have long been traced in the brand’s outfits. The designers themselves say that they would like to promote the so-called agender style, suitable for those who do not feel like a man or a woman, which they demonstrate over and over again on the catwalks. nine0005
According to Philippe and David Blond, they don’t want to label their products. But still, the unspoken credo of the brand can be formulated as follows: to shine and be in the spotlight. Lingerie, swimwear, suits, dresses, hats are decorated (or even created) from placers of rhinestones of various shapes and colors.
By the way, at the show The Blonds, held in February, the audience was presented with an attribute without which modernity cannot be imagined – masks – due to the sad situation associated with the impending pandemic. Of course, richly decorated, and even completely inlaid with crystals. nine0005 Outfit of The Blonds brand
One way or another, in the outfits that the brand produces, one can easily find both the strict simplicity of antiquity, and the heavy aestheticism of the Baroque era, and absolutely futuristic images that instantly attract attention. Burlesque, glamour, and a complete lack of fear of any experiment eventually find their embodiment in a variety of forms: The Blonds collections are sparkling armor polished to a shine – both for knights and beautiful ladies, flowing robes of gods who have just descended from Olympus , weightless robes, lavishly adorned with feathers and truly worthy of angels. Real rock and punk are also essential: hooligan outfits from the brand also invariably cause surprise and delight.