The influence that Puerto Rico and its vibrant people have had on the Latino and Latine communities has been insurmountable. Yet, even now, like many Latinos and Latines, they continue to be disrespected and their beauty diminished.
Despite it all, the Puerto Rican community is one brimming with resilience, gumption, and joy. The below seven brands are infusing their orgullo and amor into everything they do. Their actions further cement everything that la isla del encanto has become known for.
Coquí el Original
This family-owned jeweler has been creating one-of-a-kind pieces in San Juan, Puerto Rico, since 1965. Originally named N. Barquet Jewelers — a business first opened in Cuba in the 1920s — it was rebranded in 2009 to Coquí el Original.
Since 1965, the jewelry brand has been paying tribute to Puerto Rico creating signature pieces. Among them are their Puerto Rican flag pendant and Taíno Coquí frog pendant.
Sabor a Libertad
This clothing brand and indie project was created by Puerto Rican queer, trans, and non-binary creatives. They want to create a world where everyone “feels seen, valued, and celebrated.”
Sabor a Libertad was launched during the pandemic in 2020. In 2021, they established an artist support group to build a network of LGBTQIA2S+ Puerto Rican and Caribbean artists.
Since then, Sabor a Libertad has grown to curate a wide range of artwork, apparel, jewelry, stickers, and home decor. In 2023, the brand incorporated more sustainable practices and pivoted to manufacturing more pieces in-house.
Necromancy Cosmetica
The dark, avant-garde cosmetics brand has become known for its unique approach to beauty and business. Necromancy Cosmetica has a variety of lipsticks, eyeshadows, and pigments that are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
They have sold their distinctive products and colors in over 51 countries and give back to their local communities with their Cat’s of Necromancy initiative which focuses on trapping, neutering, and releasing cats.
Isleñas
Proudly designed and manufactured in Puerto Rico, Isleñas curates an exclusive selection of footwear and accessories that not only look good but also feel good and do good.
Founder Karla López Rivera launched the brand in 2019 and has infused the company with her love for her heritage — as a Puerto Rican and the granddaughter of a seamstress.
With reverence to the time-honored tradition of the needle industry, Isleñas is looking to build up the slow fashion infrastructure with conscientious manufacturing practices.
Quesos Vaca Negra
Established in 2008 by microbiologist Wanda Otero, Quesos Vaca Negra was created to provide the local markets with artisan cheeses.
The idea for the company arose as a solution to un acuerdo she came to with local ranchers — they could use her laboratory services for their farms in exchange for fresh milk.
With fresh milk in hand, Otero began experimenting with cheeses and now boasts quesos like Ausubal, Jacinto, La Mancha, and Cabachuelas cheese, to name a few. They also sell butter and yogurts.
Dos Pinceles
Dos Pinceles was developed by twin sisters Gabriela and Patricia Urrutia in 2014. The twins had been inspired after taking a class with jewelry designer and mentor Jeannette Fossas.
The name, which translates to “two brushes,” refers to the blending of their respective artistic point of view into their handmade pieces. Among their items, people can find bags, bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces, and home goods.
MARIMU
MARIMU meets at the intersection of nature, kindness, and comfort, and uses that as the foundation to establish itself as a Puerto Rican slow fashion brand.
Founded by Mari Muñecas, the fashion brand implements ethical practices to create timeless resort wear for women and femmes everywhere.
Many of the pieces in their collections are handcrafted by local artisan dressmakers in Puerto Rico to uplift and support the needlework industry.
