Meet AIDA: The Puerto Rican Creative Studio Connecting Heritage with Sustainable Fashion
All about the vintage boutique shop & design studio based in San Juan, PR.
If you’ve ever stopped by our Lower East Side storefront, you might have noticed that Santos isn’t the only brand we sell. Alongside our own line, we proudly showcase a curated selection of other Latine brands and designers, helping to share their unique work with our community. Among the gems on our racks, you may have spotted some vintage curation and deadstock bathing suits, all beautifully crafted by AIDA.
This is the first post in an ongoing series where we’ll share interviews with brands that are not just business partners but friends and community members. Through our Substack, we aim to highlight the stories behind some of our favorite Latine-owned brands, exploring their origins and their innovative contributions to the fashion world. Today’s spotlight is on AIDA, a shop and creative studio based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We spoke with founder Maru Aldea about her inspirations, challenges as a small business owner, and unique approach to sustainability and design. Keep reading to discover how AIDA is redefining fashion with heritage and heart.
1. When did you start your brand, and what is the inspiration behind it?
AIDA started as a vintage online shop in the Fall of 2018. AIDA is my paternal grandmother's name and it's an homage to connecting to your roots, the memories of your abuela's house, its objects, smells, and tastes. From a product standpoint, I gravitate towards objects and clothing that are less trend-based and have lasting power in customer's wardrobes.
2. Where are your products made?
[Our] vintage is sourced both in the US and Puerto Rico and our in-house clothing is all made in Puerto Rico.
3. Who makes them?
AIDA Studio is made in Puerto Rico by myself and a freelance seamstress.
4. What is your creative process like?
First and foremost, I like to make garments that have classic silhouettes for more wearing opportunities. But the fabrics really inspire the garment's final outcome. Since we upcycle vintage textiles, their uniqueness dictates how the garment is made and that is exciting. I say fabric first and the design comes after. This process is a creative outlet for me because it makes each piece unique regardless of its simplicity.
5. What challenges have you faced as a small, Latine-owned brand?
Funding and scaling the business has been tough. Getting new customers to find us and vice versa. Manufacturing in Puerto Rico is also very scarce. Finding and holding onto seamstresses is very important due to these constraints. These challenges make community so important and that's what helps us in Puerto Rico. Forming bonds with like-minded businesses and sharing resources keeps us alive.
6. How do you incorporate sustainability into your business practices?
We do our best to source materials locally. That being said, we are a made-to-order business for now as it's a very tiny team and the only person who is making the clothes full-time is myself. Made-to-order enables me to make what is ordered therefore not overproducing and having excess materials lying around. Our garments are 95% made of upcycled materials as well and scraps that cannot be re-used are sent to PR Textile Recycling bins.
7. What's up next for you?
I lived in NYC for 11 years and always love going back and will be there this May for a pop-up of sustainable Puertorican brands where I will be showcasing and selling our pieces. [I’m] very excited about meeting new people, seeing old friends, and getting to visit my favorite city.
Check out and support AIDA Vintage and AIDA Studio on Instagram and shop their online store!