The Legendary Designer Manuel Creates His First Ready-to-Wear Collection

Manuel, the legendary Western wear designer who has dressed just about every major country star and beyond, showed his first ready-to-wear collection earlier this year during Fashion Week. His collection included snakeskin coats, blinged-out denim and bedazzled jackets. The Mexican-born Manuel, 73, created this ready-to-wear line with his son Manuel Jr., 33, who works closely with his father. And it was Manuel Jr. who encouraged his father to create this new line and expand the business. The designer's one-of-a-kind couture pieces have typically been a reserved for celebs and the like.

Manuel is responsible for Johnny Cash's signature black suits, the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper uniforms, Elvis' memorable black leather pants, and he created Robert Redford's wardrobe for The Electric Horseman as well as John Travolta's garb in Urban Cowboy. He has also dressed Tanya Tucker, George Jones, Dwight Yoakam, Dolly Parton, Madonna, and countless others who seek Western chic.