Last year’s theme was Puerto Rico’s legendary coffee industry and, as I wrote in the story covering the catalogue, the book served as an ode to Puerto Rico’s culture and beauty, as well as to its resilience and ingenuity. This year’s book not only shines a light on one of the Island’s most dazzling scenes, it also pays homage to Reinhold’s inimitable founder, Marie Helene Reinhold. Prior to falling head over heels in love with jewelry, Marie Helene owned a shop on Calle de Cristo called It Boutique, catering to the whims of most fashionable women of the 1960’s. While Marie Helene ultimately followed her true calling as a pioneer in the world of designer fine jewelry, Reinhold has never forgotten their deep connection to the world of fashion and design.

By examining the work of 26 renown Puerto Rican designers of diverse backgrounds and aesthetic sensibilities, “La Moda de Puerto Rico” illustrates the unique talents that maintain the Island’s reputation as a hotbed of creativity and style. In visiting their personal ateliers, showrooms and salons, the catalogue’s photographer, Xavier Garcia has captured detailed imagery that conveys a narrative beyond the clothing itself, encompassing the sum of its parts and the energy and passion that lie within its pleats and seams.

In the introduction to the book, Yael Reinhold writes, “We invite you to immerse yourself in a world that celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship, the allure of fashion and the indomitable spirit of Puerto Rico.”

For over 160 pages, the book beautifully pairs a fine jewelry designer with a fashion designer, highlighting nuanced similarities in viewpoints and approaches to the creative process. Through the amplification of these subtleties, Reinhold has, once again, demonstrated their profound respect and understanding for the designers and brands with whom they work. And in showcasing them in this exciting new light and sharing their ruminations on fashion, a few of which are included below, they are able to speak to an even larger audience and forge a more meaningful connection between  collectors and designers.

“As a designer, I perceive beauty everywhere. Style represents a unique expression of individuality and boldness. But for me, being well-dressed implicates discovering a harmony and showcasing our character, much like what I strive to achieve with the jewelry I craft. My aim is to have them mirror the essence of their wearers.”  Sevan Biçakçi

“My DNA, for decades, is that of a fashion designer, using fabrics to flatter and move with a woman’s body. Today, I uphold these principles carefully deconstructing rigid 18k gold and diamonds to create luxurious, wearable art that evokes fluidity and softness. Coming from the world of fashion I’m always thinking in terms of collections or concepts. Each piece of mine is envisioned as part of a bigger story to tell, an entire look that encompasses how and where women will wear it. Obviously, for me, fashion is more than a muse, it’s an integral part of my design process. It’s my true north.” Michal Kadar, Cadar

“Fashion should represent freedom; freedom for the person who wears jewelry and freedom for the person who creates it…Fashion should enhance the personality of everybody; it is an art, but the art of being different and should increase the ability of today’s women to feel more comfortable in their own role.” Roberto Coin

“Fashion, by definition, means popular trends and Alex was not interested in that. If anything, he created the trends. What he cared about instead was style. People still remember his Etro suit. A suit Alex bought early in his career because he understood how much personal style works as a form of communication.” Jeff Feero, Managing Partner, Alex Sepkus

Anyone wishing to receive their own copy of this year’s catalogue should feel free to visit any Reinhold store and inquire. If a trip to Puerto Rico isn’t in your starts at this time, my guess is if you messaged the good people at Reinhold through their website or Instagram they’d hook you up, while supplies last.