Rhinestones, Roses and Reflections

Nashville and New York collided at War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, when "Rhinestones & Roses” Fashion Show took center stage. Fashion models and today's stars walked the runway wearing clothes once worn by legends such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and others.

This was a show that paid tribute to one man Manuel Cuevas who is responsible for bringing the “glitz” to many performer’s wardrobes. A large number of these clothing items can be found in Marty Stuart’s collection. Marty is recognized as a Nashville ambassador, renowned music star and close friend to Manuel.

Marty has his own exhibit coming to the Tennessee State Museum in June. Manuel has also made clothes for such entertainers as Brooks & Dunn, Johnny Cash, Boy Dylan, Mick Jagger, Kid Rock, John Travolta and Keith Urban to name a few. Not only were Manuel’s fashions on display but also Tres Outlaws Boots were modeled also. These boots retail in Beverly Hills for as much as $50,000 a pair. Royalty, presidents, senators, governors, Supreme Court justices, movie stars and music celebrities wear these boots.

Catherine Britt, Josh Gracin, lent their vocals while models made their way down the runway. For the first time all 50 state jackets that were designed by Manuel were on display as Josh Gracin sang Favorite State of Mind.

Other performers included Buddy Jewell, Tanya Tucker, Riders In The Sky, Lorrie Morgan, Jett Williams, Little Jimmy Dickens, Trent Tomlinson, and Heartland. Riders In The Sky changed the words in their famous song Rawhide to be all about Manuel. They even joked in the song and asked if the song they had created was enough for a discount from Manuel.

Julie Roberts walked the runway with Hank Locklin and then performed one of her favorite Patsy Cline songs. Julie is a fan of Patsy Cline and was shocked when she was asked to wear one of Patsy’s outfits for the show that Manuel had made for her.

Buddy Jewell was sporting a jacket that was fashioned in honor of the CMA awards last year that took place in New York. Lynn Anderson, Janie Fricke, Tammy Genovese/CMA, Connie Bradley/ASCAP, and Trent Tomlinson were among those that walked the runway also. John & Jim Hager who you may remember from the TV show Hee Haw strutted down the runaway and got a huge laugh from the crowd when they turned and lifted up their “Manuel” shirts and underneath were their Hee Haw shirts.

Others in the audience for the show included Little Richard and Eddie Montgomery who wore one is his jacket fashioned by Manuel. At the end of the show Manuel was honored with an award presented to him by his good friend Mary Stuart.

Whether you are a resident of Tennessee or just visiting make sure you check out Manuel’s at 1130 8th Avenue South. There you can see, buy and order your own Manuel exclusives. Make sure you have your checkbook or credit card with you because these beautiful clothes come with a hefty price tag.

Article Written & Submitted by Nora Mayor