Have you ever wondered who was behind Elvis’ signature style? Who made Johnny Cash into The Man In Black? And who helped all three generations of Hank Williams’ to become the stylish country boys they were/are? Well, the king of all things country attire is the one and only Manuel, also known as the “Rhinestone Rembrandt”.

Manuel measuring up Johnny Cash

Manuel learnt to sew from his brother at the age of 7, in his hometown Coalcomán, Mexico. Manuel moved to Los Angeles and worked for several tailors, but soon became bored with everyday clothing. With his flair for colour and glitz, he moved in to the world of costumes at Nudie’s famed western store, designing for the likes of Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger. After 14 years in western wear, Manuel branched out and opened his own shop in North Hollywood, eventually relocating to Nashville in 1989 to continue his association with the music industry.

From then on, Manuel’s original designs have become the trademark of American country music.