Sebastian Rodriguez
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MODEL; FOUNDER AND STYLIST, TURN BACK THE CLOCK
Born and raised in Coral Gables, Sebastian Rodriguez entered the fashion industry early, modeling from the age of four to 14. Working with multiple agencies and traveling internationally, he gained exposure to the structure of fashion, with campaigns and appearances for brands including Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, Coppertone, Kodak, and Sony. He also explored acting, appearing in soap operas and landing a McDonald’s Super Bowl commercial in both English and Spanish.
Rodriguez attributes his sense of fashion to watching his grandmother, Maricela, rework outfits in Caché fitting rooms at Dadeland Mall. Rodriguez says that early exposure shaped his instinct to reinterpret and personalize clothing. He opened Turn Back the Clock in 2021 at age 18, building the store around vintage pieces that reflect his personal style. Located on Bird Road just outside Coral Gables, the store allowed him to draw much of his clientele from the Gables community.
Without a traditional launch strategy, Rodriguez has built his clientele through direct interaction, wearing store pieces on the streets of the Gables and connecting with women who respond to his look. That approach has led to a steady client base which engages him for styling. He works one-on-one with clients to curate outfits for events, offering both in-store and appointment-based styling, typically centered around vintage pieces.
“I FOCUS ON MAKING PEOPLE FEEL LIKE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES….”
THE LATEST
A defining moment came when Rodriguez began seeing customers wearing his pieces, marking a shift from initial exposure to sustained recognition. As interest in vintage clothing continues to grow, he has positioned his business within that movement by offering one-of-a-kind pieces that stand apart from trend-driven fashion.
Turn Back the Clock recently marked its five-year anniversary with a celebration held at The Globe, the European-inspired café and bar on Alhambra Circle known for its live jazz and intimate, old-world atmosphere. He views the store as a foundation for his next step, which is designing his own clothing line.
WHAT HE SAYS
“The goal has always been to make women feel beautiful. When something works, you can see it right away. It shows in how they carry themselves,” says Rodriguez. He approaches styling as more than just selecting clothing, focusing instead on how a look comes together to reflect the person wearing it.
“I focus on making people feel like the best version of themselves. It’s not just about what they’re wearing. It’s about confidence, storytelling, and helping someone discover a look they might not have tried otherwise.” – Amanda Martell