Designer Clothes and Furnishings

For a fantastic variety of modern pop furniture and housewares, as well as museum-quality collectibles, go to Articulos (1300 Ave. Ashford, 787/723-3950, fax 787/722-5667, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.). This is the place to go for monochromatic molded plastic furnishings and home decor by Alessi and Kartell. There are also great light fixtures, kitchenware, and a large selection of international bath and skin-care products. Check out the corner glass cabinet containing the highly collectible designs of Yoshitomo Nara and Marcel Dzama.

For one-of-a-kind designs, visit the eponymous store of one of the island’s most renowned designers of casual wear and haute couture for both men and women, Nono Maldonado (1051 Ave. Ashford, 787/721-0456, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., 11 a.m.–5 p.m.). He was the former fashion editor of Esquire magazine.

Monsieur (1126 Ave. Ashford, 787/722-0918, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.) sells casual designer menswear for the young and clubby.

Trendy Clothes

For something completely different, HipHop (1124 Ave. Ashford, 787/722-6081, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m.) sells trendy teen wear for girls, plus Vans shoes and Kiplinger luggage.

Indonesian imports and locally designed women’s wear are available at Hecho a Mano (1126 Ave. Ashford, 787/722-5322, fax 787/723-0880, hechom [at] coqui [dot] net, Mon.–Wed. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Thurs.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.). It also has two locations in Old San Juan at 260 Calle San Francisco and 250 Calle San José.

Vintage Clothes

Fans of quality vintage clothing must beat a path to owner Jose Quinones’ eclectic boutique, Rockabilly (53 Calle Barranquitas, 787/725-4665, Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.). We’re talking about classic pieces by Chanel and Halston here, not to mention vintage prom dresses, stilettos, platforms, and purses. There are new vintage-inspired clothing styles too. In the back is a hair salon.

© Suzanne Van Atten from Moon Puerto Rico, 2nd Edition