Exploring Puerto Rico’s colorful small treasures
No visit to the island of enchantment would be complete without taking a deep dive into Puerto Rico’s colorful folklore and traditions, and there’s no better way to experience this than through the rich talent fits artisans and their stunning crafts.
No visit to the island of enchantment would be complete without taking a deep dive into Puerto Rico’s colorful folklore and traditions, and there’s no better way to experience this than through the rich talent fits artisans and their stunning crafts.
Make sure to explore crafts like the exquisitely carved Santos figures, delicate Mundillo lace fit for a queen, horns-bedecked carnival masks, and the wooden mortar and pestle known as pilons, and numerous other works of art produced by these skilled crafts persons. Items span home decorations in clay, wood, paper and metal; hammocks; greeting cards; jewelry; clothing; tote bags; foods like sweets and rum cake; musical instruments such as guiros; cigars; and knick knacks. All locally produced, all mostly made by hand.
From San Juan to Rincon, Ponce to Humacao, you will see talented artisans sell their beautiful wares at street stands, during crowded fairs and at popular parks and beachfront. There are also stunning craft stores and boutiques and art galleries across the island, especially around renovated downtown areas and at shopping malls.
Old San Juan, however, is a must-visit for the craft aficionado, with some of the finest crafts shops in the Caribbean. At Mundo Taino (Taino World) and Puerto Rico Art & Crafts the full diversity of small-scale production is in full display souvenir shops and crafts specialty shops are not the sole places to find Puerto Rican crafts. Craftspeople can be found most days in different sections of Old San Juan. On weekends, there’s the Plaza La Casita market next to Pier 1 and the Paseo La Princesa Market, both of which are sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. Maria V. Rivera Delgado, a tourism administration official, said some 38 artisans show their wares along the Paseo, a wide, scenic promenade that runs along San Juan Bay and the ancient ramparts and leads up to San Juan Gate, one of five entries that once led into the city. The markets are held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Craft making in Puerto Rico is a rich tradition hewing to time-honored ways but that’s not to say it isn’t stepping up to the times. In fact, some of the crafts being produced these days by ceramists look more like art than artisanal objects. Some craftspeople are dropping autochthonous imagery and instead concentrating on more universal themes. While cheap and crudely made crafts are still to be found in souvenir shops, local production mostly reflects a high level of workmanship and skill. Tony Amador, the owner of Puerto Rico Arts & Crafts, which his mother Charm Amador founded in the late 70s, said the field is changing, with some artisans now incorporating technology into their process. It’s all an outgrowth of competition, the ubiquity of the internet which exposes artisans to new ideas and the artisans’ own evolution, he said.
One craft that remains strongly rooted in age-old tradition is Santos, Puerto Rico’s greatest contribution to the plastic arts, according to some art historians. These hand-carved figures, representing patron saints, angels, and Marian titles, have achieved such a cultural standing that antique Santos are now considered works of art and can be found in private collections as well as museums in Puerto Rico and the U.S., including the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Santos are found in all the countries that were at one time part of the vast Spanish empire. According to historians, Puerto Rico’s Santos may also have a link with the Tainos, the island’s indigenous people. It was their custom to keep small statues as objects of veneration in tribal villages. Carved in stone or wood, the statues — known as Cemi — represented a god, spirit or ancestor.
The men and women who carve santos are called santeros and santeras. Their tools are basic: a knife and paint to add color to the figure. The best of these artisans are considered masters and it has become their practice to sign each piece as proof of its value. This was not always the case. Juan Botello, whose Botello Gallery carries antique santos made between 1850 and 1950, noted that santos dating from 1800 to 1900 were not usually signed and are characterized by a primitive style that contrasts the classic Spanish Santos made in a more realistic vein.
Santeros tend to stick to a single figure but when they resort to a group scene it is usually to portray The Nativity or The Three Kings. Religious figures are usually identifiable through the symbols they carry. For example, St. Joseph might be depicted holding the child Jesus in one arm and a staff in the other while St. Francis is usually portrayed with birds and animals.
The allure of the Santo is essentially its pared down simplicity. As one writer put it, “Santos are made with a humble touch and homespun beauty.” In addition to Botello, on Cristo St., another old San Juan store that carries Santos is Antiguedades Olé, on Fortaleza St. Its Santos are between 80 to 100 years old.
Masks have always fascinated people and Puerto Rico’s caretas certainly stand out for their flamboyance and wild colors. The masks are worn at carnival times by vejigantes, revelers who wear bat-winged jumpsuits and roam the streets singly or in groups. According to Amador, of Puerto Rican Art & Crafts, two types of masks are made in Puerto Rico, each tied to a different part of the island. The ones made in the southern town of Ponce, a major center for this craft, are made out of papier maché while those made in Loiza Aldea, an area near San Juan known for its artisans and dancers, are fashioned out of corn husks.
Though differently crafted, the mask portrays the same type of devilish figure. Its main features are a leering mouth ringed by fangs, bulging eyes, and long horns that some artisans render as wavy Medusa-like tentacles.
Scary-looking, sure, but fun, the masks are painted in vivid, contrasting colors set off by pointillist details for greater decorative effect; the palette takes in practically all hues though the more traditional masks lean towards black, red and yellow, colors associated with hell, to which the masks are believed o allude.
According to historians, carnivals and masks are rooted in medieval Spain where, starting in the 17th century, processions of marching devils were held to scare sinners into returning to church. The vejigantes surfaced in Spain as part of the patronal festival of Santiago (St. James); they were meant to be a representation of the devil in the fight of good versus evil but also of the “evil moors.” In Puerto Rico, these Spanish traditions melded with others brought in by African slaves.
To experience the thrill of vejigantes in full mask regalia, consider attending the Fiesta de Santiago Apostol, or St. James Festival, held yearly in Loiza Aldea during the month of July. More masks are to be seen at the Ponce carnival. It has been running for more than 250 years but you’ll have to wait for the next edition in 2019 as the event is typically held the week ending on the day before Ash Wednesday.
One craft that seemed headed towards extinction has instead experienced a welcome revival, bringing it back to the forefront. It is the ancient art of mundillo or bobbin lace making.
Mundillo is a decorative lace made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread bound on bobbins. The word mundillo, which means little world, refers to the cylindrical pillow on which the weaving is kept in place. The finished product can be used as clothing, border finishes for tablecloths and handkerchiefs, or to decorate shirt collars, dresses and wedding gowns.
While some claim Mundillo lace is made only in Spain and Puerto Rico. Benito “Mokay” Hernandez Vale, founder and director of the Mundillo Museum in Moca, begs to differ. He said this type of lace making is popular in many European countries and likely originated between the third and seventh century A.D. though it could even be older as bobbin lace has been found in ancient pharaonic tombs.
According to Hernandez, interest in the craft has been growing over the past 15 years and he estimated that more than 3,000 people on the island are now practicing it, and it’s not just women.
The Mundillo Museum, located in a one-story building in the heart of Moca, on Puerto Rico’s north-western side, was inaugurated in July 2005. Its collection of hundreds of lace items includes a tablecloth from 1896 and, its most valuable piece, an 8 foot high by 4 foot wide lace map of the town of Moca made by a group of lace makers in 2014 to celebrate the institution’s 10th anniversary. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm (telephone: 787-877-3815).
In San Juan, mundillo products can be found at Plaza Las Americas where lace maker Mary Quiñones runs a cart business named MQ Mundillo de Moca on the ground floor of the shopping center, near the Banco Popular branch and the tower. Items for sale include handkerchiefs and baby clothing, bibs and blankets made by her family workshop.
No self respecting Puerto Rican kitchen would be caught without a pilón. The mortar and pestle has a long history dating back to the island’s indigenous people. But unlike the small-sized mortars most people are familiar with, the ones used by the Tainos were waist high receptacles made from hollowed out tree trunks. The cavity, measuring approximately 25 inches in diameter, was burned out. The large pestle, or maceta, that went along with the large mortar were also carved out of trees. Tainos used the pilón and the maceta to mash corn, spices, and medicinal herbs.
Today, this kitchen utensil comes in handy to grind herbs for sofrito (the base for delicious rice, beans and stews), to prepare spice mixes and condiments, and for all sorts of crushing of garlic, plantains, corn and coffee. It’s the key tool to make mofongo, one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic dishes consisting of mashed plantains stuffed or accompanied by meat, fish or fowl.
The typical pilón is made from the wood of the Caoba or Guayacan trees, fine and durable hardwoods native to the island. Artisan Antonio Rivera, whose workshop is in the town of Morovis, in the island’s central region, said people tend to prefer pilones made out of caoba for its warm, red color. He has been making pilones since he was 13, a craft he learned from his carpenter dad. The pilones for kitchen use typically range in size from 6 to 10 inches high; Rivera also makes them larger by request. He can be contacted through his Facebook page under the heading Pilones de Puerto Rico.
Crafts, a source of independent jobs for countless Puerto Ricans, are an expression of a people’s artistry and history. Making an object by hand is an activity that takes time and effort. Either as a gift for family and friends or as a keepsake of a memorable trip, a crafts item is a small treasure.
Beyond the beach lies Puerto Rico’s dazzling shopping experience
It’s not all about the beach even though it’s a major distraction when visiting Puerto Rico. The island’s unique and fun shopping experience will dazzle you as much as its sparkling blue shoreline, lush green rainforest, highlands, and its majestic centuries-old castles and cathedrals.
With stylish malls and charming shopping areas across the island, Puerto Rico is the Caribbean’s most sophisticated shopping destination.
It’s not all about the beach even though it’s a major distraction when visiting Puerto Rico. The island’s unique and fun shopping experience will dazzle you as much as its sparkling blue shoreline, lush green rainforest, highlands, and its majestic centuries-old castles and cathedrals.
Puerto Rico, a center of Caribbean trade for at least 500 years, retains the feeling of an exotic tropical bazaar with wonders from across the world brought all within your reach. There’s no better shopping paradise to venture to on your holiday.
With stylish malls and charming shopping areas across the island, Puerto Rico is the Caribbean’s most sophisticated shopping destination. It offers the glamour of New York City’s Fifth Avenue and Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive, as well as an inspired shopping experience in beachfront and tropical urban areas.
In Old San Juan, and at historic downtown squares across the island, chic boutiques rub shoulders with trendy shops, exquisite fine jewelers, and art galleries that are housed in renovated Spanish colonial and Art Deco architectural dreams. Artisans sell plenty of unique trinkets and beautifully fashioned wooden statues, original works of art and handmade ceramics, cigars as well as fashion accessories from stands set up along bayside promenades and on historic plazas. Treasure hunters just might find what they never knew they needed.
Meanwhile, fabulous haute couture and jewelry emporiums – emblazoned with the most famous names in fashion are ensconced in gleaming luxury condominiums that share space with swimsuit and trendy surf shops, local independently owned boutiques, and souvenir stores, along palm-lined ocean-side drives in the swanky and highly popular Condado and Isla Verde beach districts.
Elsewhere in San Juan, there is an explosion of retail creativity taking place in up and coming urban renaissance zones in downtown Santurce and along Loiza Street by the beach at Ocean Park as well as in the Miramar neighborhood and the Hato Rey financial district. You’ll find street fashion boutiques, dazzling food shops, and beachwear stores among others. There are lots of fun finds here.
The retail scene plays out across the island, with other coastal towns and cities having similar seaside boulevards with stores near historic downtown harbor and tourist districts, all along Puerto Rico’s coastline.
In small towns on the island, local artisans often sell their wares from stands along the waterfront area, known as el malecón, or harbor district. Areas of urban retail renewals are flowering in towns from Aguadilla to Humacao, along the coast and through the central highland. Patron Saint festivals held in towns across the island are showcases for Puerto Rico’s best artisans, as are agricultural fairs, musical festivals and other special events that take place through the year.
Meanwhile, a modern shopping mall is within reach from anywhere in Puerto Rico as a palm-lined beach, so there is always the ability to escape into a nearby world of cool air-conditioned retail wonder, whether it’s just to get a break from the sun or to get out of the gloom of a rainy day.
Island shopping malls offer as spectacular retail experience as malls throughout the rest of the U.S. but are livelier. Many hold live classical and jazz concerts, fashion shows, art exhibits, agricultural fairs, car and boat shows, and other special events. Malls offerings go way beyond just shopping; they are home to gourmet restaurants and popular bars, health and beauty spas, cinemas and an ever-changing array of additional entertainment options. They also often radiate a contemporary, tropical sophistication – a celebration of the island’s natural beauty and its refined culture.
You’ll find long-time favorite names and unique local and international brands still unknown in the U.S. market. Famous stores like Macy’s, Victoria Secret, Sears, Gap, Banana Republic and JC Penny have multiple locales. There are also international fashion boutiques, such as Zara from Spain and Totto from Latin America, among others.
Home-grown island boutiques like Valija Gitana and Hecho a Mano have also established a presence in the malls. The shopping districts collide with island culinary hot-spots. Some of the best chain restaurants in the world – like P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, and Macaroni Grill – operate out of island malls, and island tourism districts abound serving flavorful culinary creations by talented chefs from Puerto Rico or who have adopted the island as their new home.
Plaza Las Americas, which turns 50 this year, has been the largest – and most influential – mall not only in Puerto Rico but the whole Caribbean since it opened, and with more than 300 stores, it continues to exert an outsize influence on the retail scene today. Plaza, as it is called, has the broadest array of stores in the region and is also a perfect place to have dinner, check out a live event or movie or run errands, since there is also a post office and office buildings with doctors and healthcare professionals.
The fabulous Mall of San Juan, the newcomer on San Juan’s retail scene, has brought the island’s shopping experience to storied new heights, while also serving as an important hub for local boutiques and talent, and incredible restaurants. It all takes place in a thrilling, luxurious modern design, built on a privileged location just outside San Juan’s International airport. The mall goes out of its way to cater specifically to tourists.
The San Juan metro area also offers the Outlets at Montehiedra, a mix of brand name outlet stores and local offerings housing more than 100 stores ranging from Marshall’s to Guess.
Other major cities in Puerto Rico also have quality shopping malls like Plaza del Caribe in Ponce and the Mayaguez Mall in Mayaguez.
There are two outlet malls, The Outlet at Route 66 in Canovanas and Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta that are shopping destinations in their own right and can be combined with a visit to other area tourist attractions.
You’ll find familiar names like Perry Ellis, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap and Guess in the midst of exotic island locales. The Outlet at Route 66, which is situated east of San Juan, offers both discount pricing on brand names and a platform for local shopping experiences, in the shadow of El Yunque, Puerto Rico’s majestic rainforest. This outlet mall is home to Burlington, Urban Planet, Lids, Marianne, Tommy Hilfiger, Novus, Bakers and Caribbean Cinemas just to name a few. But the newest attraction in this outlet mall will be a bowling alley, crazy car ride, arcade games, a tight rope walking platform and go karts. Visiting the rainforest and the mall in a single trip is easy, and there are also beaches nearby at Luquillo and Fajardo, what else can you ask for.
You’ll have to drive through karst country, marked by limestone haystack hills, towards the northwest to get to the outdoor park and walk Premium Outlets, which looks like a colorful country village but house brand name outlet stores like Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, Forever 21, Lacoste, and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store offering big bargains on famous clothing and other accessories. After your shopping spree you can hit the nearby underground wonderland of the Camuy River Cave Park and the celestial splendor of the Arecibo Observatory.
The range of shopping in Puerto Rico is so vast that some visitors can simply book their plane tickets purely for one reason: to shop til they drop!
A day at The Mall of San Juan
From high fashion boutiques and affordable stores to gourmet eateries, a kids playground and ample parking, The Mall of San Juan truly has it all.
An affordable and fashionable experience for both locals and those visiting.
From high fashion boutiques and affordable stores to gourmet eateries, a kids playground and ample parking, The Mall of San Juan truly has it all.
Begin your morning shopping spree with a hearty Italian style breakfast at Starbene Caffe with freshly baked breads, pastries and brewed coffee. Or sit back and relax and enjoy a cup of Puerto Rican coffee, sandwich and pastry at Cafeto. Mornings never tasted so good at The Mall of San Juan.
Now it’s time to shop ‘til you drop. Discover the latest collections from the world’s hottest luxury labels including Carolina Herrera Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Bulgari, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co., Versace, and Salvatore Ferragamo are but a few among the mall’s lavish lineup of tenants. This fashion precinct features a number of innovative amenities and conveniences made possible by a lineup of partners, including Wyndham hotels, which sponsors the shopping center’s visitors center and customer service desk and Visa, the preferred method of payment at the center’s shopping, dining and entertainment venues.
Visa offers the “Visa Club,” exclusive to The Mall of San Juan, with cardholder promotions, access to special events and premium discounts. JetBlue sponsors a variety of entertainment events, while Garage Europa Porsche sponsors valet parking services and car exhibits inside the sprawling mall.
Nevertheless, you have just scratched the surface.
As one of the most high-end shopping centers in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, this retail paradise with 80 stores also offers tourists a mix of tenants that includes popular yet affordable retailers like Zara, Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works, Footaction, Loft, Pandora, Vans, Hollister, and Coach. So, there’s something for everybody’s budget!
And unique local retail concepts like jewelry shops Lido Jewelers and Bared Jewelers as well as fashion designers Gustavo Arango, and Luis Antonio.
You can cap off a long day of shopping with a lunch or dinner at The Mall of San Juan at Brio Tuscan Grille and Cantina Laredo that offer authentic Italian and Mexican fare, respectively, while Kona Grill — the only one in Puerto Rico — offers a menu of sushi, modern American entrees, creative cocktails, wine and beer.
But if sitting down for a hearty meal in a rock and roll environment is more up your alley then Burger & Beer Joint will hit the spot with its extensive menu of gourmet burgers, drinks and out-of-this-world desserts.
Or opt to go on an Italian culinary journey at the Il Nuovo Mercato food court, offering variety in each of its bottegas, such as pizza, pasta, breads, gelato, meats and seafood while savoring a natural infusion of fruits, beer or sparkling wine and cheese platter at the Prosecco Bar with stunning views of the Laguna San Jose.
Located across from the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and the Isla Verde hotel strip, The Mall of San Juan is a short ride away over the Teodoro Moscoso Bridge. It is about 20 minutes from the Vanderbilt Hotel in Condado and cruise ship piers in Old San Juan, and about half an hour from the St. Regis Bahia Beach hotel in Rio Grande, via Route 66 to the east.
This 650,000 square-foot shopping destination, which opened its doors in March 2015, is taxi and Uber-friendly, offers free valet parking service and even stores for free your luggage so you don’t have to drag them around while shopping.
The list of amenities for tourists also includes:
• “Passport to Shopping” — Out-of-town guests traveling from more than 50 miles away are encouraged to stop by the customer service desk to pick up their passport and learn more about the program’s special offers and discounts
• Shopping packages
• Children’s play area
• “Personal shopper”service in
some stores
Follow The Mall of San Juan on its social media platforms in Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and Tripadvisor, for the latest news about upcoming sales and special events. The shopping center also has an app available at Google Play and the Apple Store.
Men’s luxury watches and women’s designer handbags to drool over
Don’t leave the island without treating yourself to an accessory that will be a forever reminder of your time on the Island of Enchantment.
Self-indulge while in Puerto Rico by buying eye-catching timepieces and the latest chic bag
Don’t leave the island without treating yourself to an accessory that will be a forever reminder of your time on the Island of Enchantment.
Puerto Rico has always been identified as a destination for luxury in the Caribbean. Even back in the sixties heyday, the island was one of the most fashionable and glamorous island in the Caribbean. John F. Kennedy and Joan Crawford frequented what is now Ritz Carlton’s newly luxurious Dorado Beach resort and one of America’s richest family, the Vanderbilts, used to own the property now called the Condado Vanderbilt hotel.
So it’s no wonder why the world’s most upscale men’s watches and women’s handbag designers and brands have brought their signature style to Puerto Rico, catering to the most elite residents and visitors. From the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the ritziest shopping center, The Mall of San Juan, visitors can self-indulge in high-class, guilt-free retail-therapy.
In Puerto Rico, men can treat themselves to hardcore, vintage, collectible, eye-catching timepieces, and women can buy the latest chic designer bags that will turn heads and impress onlookers.
Timeless Elegance
Personal style and how a man carries himself make a strong first impression and it also lends to a man’s overall ethos. But it’s the watch that’s the definitive man’s style statement that has stood the test of time. And for men who value craftsmanship and quality, Puerto Rico is ideal.
Stretching from east to west to the north and south of the island, upscale retailers showcase extravagant timepieces. Casual buyers and experienced collectors find luxury brands in Puerto Rico like Rolex, Patek Philipe, Chopard, Harry Winston, and Girard-Perragaux, to name just a few. For their best customers, some local stores even provide white-glove service, offering limousine transportation to and from the venue and greet guests with flutes of champagne and other swanky amenities.
True watch connoisseurs know to get their wares at KURY Alta Relojeria in Plaza Las Americas which carries elegant timepieces from ritzy brands like Rolex, prized for its timeless form and function; Tudor, classic, sport, diving and heritage-inspired watches; Hublot, which represents the art of fusion and currently produces one of the world’s most expensive watches; Breitling, inspired by aviation and has specifically constructed watches for divers; Dietrich, styled after the wonders found in nature; Cartier, one of the most iconic brands globally due to its popularity in the mainstream press and celebrity culture; and TAG Heur, which is an abbreviation of ‘Techniques d’Avant Garde’ and known for its persisting sports-like look.
KURY Alta Relojeria is also recognized as an official Rolex retailer in San Juan.
Also over at Plaza las Americas, Reinhold Jewelers and Relojes y Relojes also focus on designer timepieces and modern accessories and the only Macy’s department store in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean carries top tier watch brands like Baume & Mercier, TAG Heur, Victorinox Swiss Army and Movado.
For those aficionados keeping an eye on watch trends, the buzzword is smaller. The current demand, according to Puerto Rico retailers, is for smaller, more affordable watches based on pure design.
The days of the 42-45 mm watches have come to an end as the attraction to smaller timepieces, driven by the popularity of vintage continues to grow. And steel continues to be fashionable. A timeless design and the three-hander have made a comeback, according to the retailers interviewed by Bienvenidos.
That’s right, watches that indicate only the hours, minutes, and seconds can be really exciting when they’re well made.
For example, the Tudor Black Bay 36 mm and its cousin at Rolex, the slightly larger 39 mm Explorer, have made a good impression when they were released.
Prestigious retailer Club Jibarito in Old San Juan carries A. Lange & Sohne, Audemars Piguet, H.Stern, Panerai, Roger Dubuis, IWC, Tudor, and other international brands that appeal to the serious collector for Haute Horlogerie timepieces.
Rest assure that Club Jibarito carries Vacheron Constantin, one of the oldest manufacturers of luxury timepieces where historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, Harry Truman, and Pope Pius IX were said to have worn their watches; and Zenith, known as the creator of the El Primero chronograph movement and its timepieces were worn by aviators during several early historic flights in Europe.
Jorge Bared Jewelers, another well-known outlet, which recently opened at The Mall of San Juan and stocks limited edition designs from exclusive brands like Locman Italy, Shelby, Michele, CT-Scuderia, and Baume & Mercier’s Classima collection made from 18 karat red gold fitted with alligator straps and driven by self-winding movements, mostly visible through its sapphire crystal case back.
Elsewhere in The Mall of San Juan, Swiss crafted brands like Chopard, identifiable for its classic look and great craftsmanship, and Omega, the official timekeepers for the Britain’s Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and American army in 1918, as well as Bulgari, which combines the essence of Italian style with Swiss precision and has numerous celebrity brand ambassadors, create timeless watches with stunning designs to cater to the upscale clientele.
Whereas Movado, with its stunning lightweight design and Victorinox Swiss Army watches, among others are sold at the island’s only Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue department stores at the Mall of San Juan.
Or, head to Condado to shop exclusively for Cartier and Montblanc at their designer stores. These magnificent watches are stunning accessories and impressive investments that will last a lifetime.
Purse Perfection
A great purse is more than just something people carry. It’s a fashion statement, and Puerto Rico wants you to be seen out and about with a piece of scene-stealing arm candy.
Nowadays luxury authentic handbags are the not just for the well-to-do, celebrities and royals, but also for working women from all walks of life as well. And for those women who want to splurge and expand their ever-growing luxury collection of purses, handbags, and shoulder bags love Puerto Rico for its chic vibe and fashionable atmosphere. The small Caribbean island is packed with iconic exclusive fashion houses where bag-loving ladies can stock up on everything from oversized leather totes to bedazzled evening clutches perfect for sealing a woman’s status.
Puerto Rico also boasts designs from local talent who take their inspiration from the island’s people and places. With her line Una local designer Beatriz Sanchez blends materials from the Puerto Rico of her childhood with elements more contemporary to today’s woman.
“I love Puerto Rico mainly because of the tropical flavor we have,” says Sanchez. “You can always look casually elegant. Young Puerto Rican women dress classy but still in a tropical, summery, sporty way because of the weather.” Sanchez’s designs are meant to go from day to night, whether that means a lunch date, a day out shopping, or a cocktail party.
“You can use my bags all day long because they are like a conversation piece. I see them as artwork that you use to adorn yourself instead of wearing a bracelet or jewelry.” Sanchez’ handbags are available online at www.unadebs.com, at her workshop in Santurce, at boutiques in hotels like the Condado Vanderbilt in San Juan and the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande, Aaron Stewart Home in San Juan, and at upscale shops like Luis Antonio at The Mall of San Juan.
For recognizable names, some of the most renowned handbag brands in the world operate stores in Puerto Rico, offering everything from exclusive, limited-edition and special artist collaboration designs to classic silhouettes and styles.
In The Mall of San Juan, ladies can browse and buy a plethora of exquisite purses of all shapes and sizes at Gucci, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch and Coach for the ultimate fashion accessory. These upscale outposts get to know their clientele’s tastes and will even alert them when new inventory is scheduled to arrive so that they can be the first to wear them out and about town.
Also in The Mall of San Juan, high-end department stores Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue stock a wide array of exclusive designer handbags sure to make a statement. Ladies who revel in luxury will be in heaven in the handbag sections, where they’ll find the hottest designs from Chloe, Miu Miu, Fendi, Stella McCartney, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen, just to name a few.
The easiest way to lift your spirits while vacationing in Puerto Rico is to up your bag game and this year’s handbag trends according to industry experts are churning out a variety of standout options.
From drawstring stunners in all materials to a perennial cross-body bag craze to boxy bags in square or rectangular shapes. Let’s not forget to mention that leading fashion houses and designers are cranking out furry handbags of different sizes and styles and the fanny pack is outpacing even cross-bodies. Just call to mind the activities you can carry out with a fanny pack perched around your waist—starting from hands-free hot coffee drinking to cold ice-cream licking when walking down the street, not to mention the security of storing your mobile phone and money.
Another must-have trend is the backpacks but now the designers are encouraging its clients to carry them in hand from top handles absolutely ignoring those back straps. And once the clutches were meant for special events only with evening gowns and those days are gone. Clutches are now versatile enough to work for daily life and evening soirees.
We cannot forget to mention metallic shimmer and glimmer on stunning handbags. Silvery handbags have marched out from high-end brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Deal hunters, should spend a few hours shopping in Old San Juan where you will find Coach, Dooney & Burke and Burberry outlet. These stores are a discount-shopper’s dream, filled with high-end and luxury offerings at affordable prices. You can also visit the Coach, Michael Kors or Kenneth Cole outlets at Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta, approximately 45 minutes from San Juan.
Plaza las Americas, the largest mall in Puerto Rico and Caribbean, is a wonderful place not only to shop but to meet friends, have dinner and check out a live event or movie. Here bag lovers can shop at the Michael Kors store or visit Carolina Herrera to explore the latest collection of handbag elegance designed by the lifestyle label CH.
Haven’t quite found what you’re looking for? No worries. Stop by Macy’s at Plaza las Americas because this mega anchor department store has a wide selection of luxury bags from top designers like Michael Kors, Coach, Dooney & Burke, and Kate Spade, just to name a few.
For even more purse options, stroll the ritzy San Juan neighborhood of Condado known for its stellar shopping choices. Stop into Montblanc for buttery-soft leather, or snag smart clutches at Cartier.
Nowhere else in the Caribbean can match the high-end luxury shopping choices found in Puerto Rico. Don’t leave the island without treating yourself to an accessory that will be a forever reminder of your time on the Island of Enchantment. And, for a true bag lover, it’s all worth it.
Looking Hot Hot Hot!
With nearly 300 beaches and more than 270 miles of coastline, Puerto Rico is a sun worshipper’s dream. Add in a dash of urban glam and it’s no surprise that this tropical paradise is considered the fashion capital of the Caribbean. Sexy, chic, and trendy describes Puerto Rico’s style in a nutshell.
With nearly 300 beaches and more than 270 miles of coastline, Puerto Rico is a sun worshipper’s dream. Add in a dash of urban glam and it’s no surprise that this tropical paradise is considered the fashion capital of the Caribbean. Sexy, chic, and trendy describes Puerto Rico’s style in a nutshell.
The island’s picturesque sandy stretches, powder blue skies, and poolside promenades double as year-round, real-world runways for the most stylish. High fashion meets low tide in Puerto Rico.
Beachgoers come here to strut their stuff, while designers draw inspiration from the postcard perfect scenery and energetic culture. The W Vieques Retreat & Spa, one of Puerto Rico’s most chic destination resorts played host last summer to Swimsuit Fashion Week. The four-day event showcased collections from 16 local and international designers like Eddie Guerrero, Sonia Rivera, Lizete Miro, Ruben Dario, and Luis Antonio that wowed guests and industry insiders with their creations, which embraced modern trends ranging from flowy floral cover-ups and kimonos to form-fitting cutout bikinis.
“Puerto Rico’s climate inspires you to dress light with tropical pops of color, which often means wearing a bathing suit under a cotton cover-up,” says Soleil Gray, owner of the resort’s on-site Sol Creation Boutique, where guests can find pieces by hot designers like Amuse Society and Acacia Swimwear. “Since beaches line the majority of Puerto Rico, the most important thing is to always be beach ready!”
Women in Puerto Rico dress to impress, even on the beach; but this awe-inspiring tropical paradise is also the perfect place to find your own signature style. Local, independent designers sell their wares at boutiques and department stores all over the island. Ana Cristina Ortiz’s Ombak Swimwear, for example, is inspired by tropical vistas across Puerto Rico and around the world. Ortiz uses plunging necklines, strappy backs and other on-trend elements in her line, which is available at Playero, a family-run mini-chain with outposts in San Juan, Rincon, and Ponce.
Local talents Lorel Torres and Shirley Fred design Mare Cheia Swimwear with the sexy Caribbean traveler in mind. The elegant yet eclectic line of bathing suits, cover-ups, and accessories enhances classic, simple looks with statement pieces like metal rings and pom poms designed with precise tailoring and sensual cuts to make one of-a-kind pieces that fit like a glove. House of Mustique in Old San Juan and the Piña Colada Club Store in Condado sell this popular Puerto Rican brand.
Luis Salazar y Melanie Lopes are the owners of House of Mustique, a boutique shop inspired by the small private island of Mustique in the West Indies. It offers chic resort wear clothing and accessories that include designer swimwear such as mix and match bikinis, and one pieces by Malai, Ancora, Manglar and Mare Cheia.
“To sell a bathing suit to a woman, one must understand their tastes and preferences,” said Salazar. “We (House of Mustique) have swimwear from different designers where each brand adjusts to different body types.”
For bright colors, youthful playful patterns, chunky accessories, and other trendy looks, stop into at Coco Box, Sttilo Boutique by Camille or Tangerine in San Juan. Or head to Tres Palmas Surf Shop to dress like a bona fide Puerto Rican glamour queen; the store carries SolAzul, a playful, sexy brand that’s also the official swimwear line of the Miss Universe Puerto Rico pageant. Its swimsuits, sold at the most surf shops and boutiques, is based on colorful solids and exotic prints to provide a great silhouette.
Snag beachy accessories with touches of turquoise, and eye-catching corals like tassel necklaces, shark-tooth charms, and crochet bracelets at Passo Boutique in Caguas. This modern shop carries funky jewelry from several Puerto Rican designers, including Suher Rashid’s Susu Joyeria and Karma Valentin’s KV Jewelry.
Planning on going swimming or snorkeling? Be sure to remove your metal jewelry before you get in the water; several sea-dwelling species are attracted to shiny objects.
Bienteveo en el Mar by local swimwear designer Alexandra Escudero Thon, celebrates the female figure, combining cheeky bottoms and modern cuts with luxurious fabrics for women who want to be the center of attention on the beach, on the yacht or at the resort pool. The line is available at its eponymous store at the swanky Mall of San Juan. While there, stroll on over to Nordstrom, which sells the latest swimwear and cover-ups by popular designers like Top Shop, Trina Turk and TAVIK. The department store is also a great place to stock up on everything else you need for your day at the beach, including deluxe totes, shades, and sandals and even after-sun cosmetics.
Or visit Puerto Rico’s only Saks Fifth Avenue store to find extravagant swimsuits by renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, La Perla, and Brazilian line Agua de Coco by Liana Thomaz, among others.
With more than 270 retail stores, including Pacsun, Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe, Puerto Rico’s second-largest mall, Plaza Carolina, is another fabulous option for beachwear and accessories. Discount shopping hubs like The Outlet at Route 66 in Canovanas, Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta, and The Outlets at Montehiedra in San Juan offer designer merchandise from stores like Sunglass Hut, and Nautica at incredibly low prices.
If you prefer not to leave your hotel, you can still dress to impress by the pool. Most major hotels and resorts in Puerto Rico like the St. Regis Bahia Beach in Rio Grande, Caribe Hilton in San Juan, El Conquistador, A Waldorf Resort in Fajardo; InterContinental San Juan in Isla Verde, and Tamboo in Rincon, among many others all feature on-site boutiques that carry stylish Caribbean swimwear and accessories.
Get the picture? While in Puerto Rico and on the beach, let your inner goddess out and have all eyes on you.