Keeping up with Manuel, the Rhinestone Rembrandt

Monday, December 28, 2009

F.A.Q.

Feel free to ask any questions we left out...

  • Who writes Manuel's blogs, "tweets", keeps up with his Facebook, etc.?

A: Although Manuel is fully aware of what's going on with his "Twatter" as he likes to say, and his Facebook friends, Manuel is not so much into social networking himself. He sees it as a valuable tool and loves to hear from his family and friends and all over the world. However, his assistants and interns do the dirty work on this particular subject.

  • Can I come see the store?

A: Yes! We love guests. We'd love for you to call ahead if possible. Our number is 615-321-5444 and we are located at 1922 Broadway, Nashville TN, 37203 on the corner of 20th and Broadway (Midtown). We are open Monday-Friday 9-6 CST.

  • How do I go about getting a custom piece made by Manuel?

A: For starters, we are going to need your measurements. It's highly recommended that you visit the shop so Manuel can measure you personally. We take great pride in our tailoring skills and Manuel prefers to meet his clients in person due to the fact that he's not only a designer, but an image maker. If coming to Nashville isn't possible, please call the shop or e-mail Lauren at laurenwray@manuelcouture.com to make other arrangements.

  • Can I look at Manuel stuff online?

A: While we are the stages of making our website (http://www.manuelcouture.com/) suitable for ecommerce, we're not quite there yet. Please come to our showroom!

  • I own a vintage Nudie and/or Manuel. How can I find out how much it's worth?

A: Easy. We can write you a letter of authenticity and appraisal letter from Manuel. Please inquire for prices for this service.

  • How do I go about making an appointment for a fitting?

A: Please call the shop 615-321-5444 or e-mail Lauren Wray at laurenwray@manuelcouture.com

  • My daughter is going to prom and needs her dressed fixed. Can we take it you for an alteration?

A: Dear Lord no!

  • Are you hiring?

A: No.

  • Do you all have an internship programs?

A: Yes. Please contact Lalie at lalie@manuelcouture.com

  • How long is your turn around time?

A: Typically at least 3-4 weeks. Extra charges apply for rush orders.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Christmas, er um, Holiday Explosion


Well, it's that time of the year already where we are all running around like crazy!! Party after party, cocktail after cocktail, sausage ball after sausage ball -- it all gets over whelming, we know!

To fill you in on a little bit of what's going on after our last update, we have another party tomorrow (Weds. the 16th) from 6-8 pm. Please stop by and have a sip (or 2) of tequila... we'd love to see you! The Brooks Brothers will be playing and also we're excited to have a Gram Parsons painting on display in the showroom by Nashville artist Dean Tomasek.

Per usual, Morelia has lots of surprises in store that evening so make sure you come and check it out! We have lots of umm, wallet-friendly and not-so-wallet-friendly items. Belt buckles, shirts, clutches, jackets, gift certificates, custom embroidery, scarves... you name it!

Again, thanks so much for all your support and friendship throughout the years. We love you and keep on shinin'!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Ready for the Holidays (?)


Last week's FASHION AFTER DARK was a great success... plenty of friends, music, and of course, tequila! Our friend Keith Gattis played along with opening act, Clayton Quisenberry. Everyone loved the clutches and the $250 shirt... and of course, all of the staple rhinestoned and embroidered creations that glitter on our walls everyday!! Speaking of $250 shirts...they must be ordered right away to be ready for the holidays!! If you haven't seen the prototypes yet, please see other entries or look on our Facebook!


On Wednesday (tomorrow), we are going to be setting up shop at Cabana to be a part of "GNO" or Girls-Night-Out. This is one of our favorite restaurants in town and we are excited to sip a few margaritas and show these awesome ladies some of our newest duds! For more information, click here.


Well, that's about all for now... keep checking for new updates!




Friday, November 20, 2009

Limited Edition Holiday Clutch Collection


Here's a quick glance at the first few clutches that will be available on Tuesday at Fashion After Dark... we won't be accepting pre-orders on these, so you better get here early! There's only going to be around 25 available, all one-of-a-kind ... must have for this season's holiday events and even around town. Prices range from $65-$125.

Women's $250 Shirt!! First release!


Ok ladies and gentlemen... here is the first picture of the WOMEN'S $250 SHIRT!!
Retro-Inspired with Modern Flair, the MANUEL $250 shirt for women features Swarovski crystal rhinestones, silver-toned eyelets, metallic-lame' piping, black pearl snaps, and old-school collar and yoke styles-- all of these will be short-sleeved. More color-combinations will be released on Tuesday, November 24th at Fashion After Dark (an event at the 1922 Broadway location at 6 p.m.) Orders MUST be received by December 4th to have your limited edition shirt before the holidays! Please e-mail info@manuelcouture.com for further details or to place your order NOW!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Notes from Manuel's Assistant Designer


OMG (that stands for oh. my. God for all you non bloggers out there)

We have been SO busy these past few weeks at the house of Manuel.
I personally have been very preoccupied with the conceptualizing, brainstorming and designing of the mens and womens $250 shirts .
I know each and every one of you Manuel Couture fans are just DYING to get your hands on one for yourself or maybe as a very special gift for your honey over the holidays.... ladies and gentlemen....let me tell you now....they are going to be fantastic.

In other news, we can now do some of that fantastic black magic to your favorite pair of jeans or that denim jacket you have been wearing since you graduated high school...
we have designs available in the $150-$250 price range OR
We will do custom embroidery and rhinestones on your own personal garment for a special price
email me at lalie@manuelcouture.com for more details....
(if you are wanting to do something before Christmas I am going to have to get your orders by the first week of December)

well friends, I am signing off...
dont look for me at the' fashion after dark' event...although some of my GLORIOUS clutch designs will be available for purchase...
i unfortunately will be tardy for the party due to an emergency wisdom tooth extraction surgery
( please send flowers)

xoxo
Lalie aka Darla Outlaw

Sitting Across from the Man


I'm so pumped about the new collection of holiday clutches we are working on. They are amazing, they are not typical holiday purses at all, AWESOME, everyone should own one for the holidays. Right now I am waiting for Kelly to get here though so we can roll fabric onto cardboard to make it neat and perfect for Manuel, that is our goal for today! Should be lotsa fun! Nothing we do here is too ordinary, you never know what the task will be for the day, or who might walk in at any moment. I love being here and love everyone here, they are amazing!

I am sitting with Manuel right now, and trying to convince him to sing us a song, while he cuts fabric to make a beautiful jacket. He loves to sing and he is really good, although most of the time it's in Spanish..haha--I think it keeps him in a good mood too, which is great!

-Danielle, Intern

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Another Day in the Life...



I get to work today and Manuel's assistant designer, Lalie, is suffering from excruciating toof (teeth) pain, bless her heart... Manuel makes her an appointment, and poor thing has to get her wisdom teeth out! Wah!! Our publicist, Jayne Rogovin, sent me a very cool link to an article in the Washington Post about Nashville where we are mentioned, as are our dear friends at Robert's Western World. You can read the article here. Mr. Hillbilly Rocker himself, Marty Stuart, stopped by to say hello and check out some of Manuel's new designs. We all love Marty (who couldn't?!?) and it's always a pleasure to see him. Aww... look at these two heart-breakers!!

Later on that morning, John Carter Cash and his lovely wife Laura, came in. Manuel is always super excited to see his friends, as are we!! Days like today are truly what make the things we do worthwhile... new students, old friends, new friends, Showcases... oh and Bruce Springsteen? Manuel and I will be there tonight for a fitting for a certain "E-Street Band" member. I am signing off for now... all of this before lunchtime! Whew!! I'll add more later when I can!!
Love you, Lauren Wray





Tuesday, November 17, 2009

new ! new ! new ! new !




Hi there folks,
As most of you know, we're not too tech-savvy (is that what they're calling it still??) but we are on our way to trying to be at least caught up to 2005 or 2006-ish is far as that is concerned!! To fill you in, I'm writing from the headquarters of Manuel Exclusive Clothier located in Nashville, Tennessee. Manuel is responsible for making Mr. Johnny Cash the Man in Black, suiting Elvis, dressing all 3 Hank Williams, wardrobing over 90 movies, making the notorious Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead insignias -- just to name a few of his accomplishments! We're still crazy busy here. We are exciting to be doing new designs for clientele that are private, and some a little more well-known... Just in time for the holidays, we are offering "custom clutches" and we also have some available in the showroom, moderately priced at about $250-$350... and always keeping in Manuel tradition, each is a one-of-a-kind.


On Tuesday, November 24th we'll be leaving our doors open a little later for "Fashion After Dark". You can read more about the event here: http//www.minniepearl.org/fashion_after_dark/ A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation and the Mas Tacos Por Favor van will be parked outside our spot and serving tacos to hungry patrons for the evening! Also, that evening we will be accepting advance orders for the limited-edition $250 shirt. All orders will be ready to go before Santa gets to town.

Most of you know about the book project with British photographer, Cambridge Jones www.cambridgejones.com

We've been doing the shoots for a while now and with each visit from our favorite Brit, we're getting closer and closer to the finished line. For press inquires about this publication, please contact laurenwray@manuelcouture.com Our roster of friends (also clients) that have so graciously been photographed is out of sight. No one other than Manuel could bring such a eclectic mix between the covers (pun intended!). We will be releasing the complete list of subjects when we wrap up all the fun legal stuff we all love and adore so much.

Again, thanks for supporting our business throughout the years. Please e-mail us at info@manuelcouture.com or call the shop with any inquiries!