The Grand Old Opry and Manuel launch clothing line

The Grand Ole Opry, the Show That Made Country Music – and country style – Famous, has joined with legendary designer Manuel to launch a new clothing line. The famed clothier, who has made an indelible mark on country music fashion for five decades, has introduced Opry by Manuel – an exclusive collection of jackets, shirts, jeans and boots designed for the Grand Ole Opry.

Together with his son, Manuel Jr. (“Manny”), also a recognized designer, Manuel created Opry by Manuel as a tribute to his 50-year heritage of designing clothes for many of the Opry’s prominent performers including Hank Williams, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban and other top stars.

The new line, which features some of Manuel’s signature design elements, including rhinestones and ornate embroidered roses, provides fans from around the world entrée to a piece of fashion and music history.

“Opry by Manuel allows people access to this incredible designer’s creations that were previously only available in one-of-a-kind pieces commissioned by numerous leaders in the music industry,” said Steve Buchanan, Gaylord Entertainment senior vice president of media and entertainment.

Regarded as an image maker, Manuel has created fashions of cultural significance recognized around the world. While he has developed the look of some of country music’s most famous figures, the Nashville-based designer’s influence extends into numerous genres. His designs have been prominently featured from stage to screen and beyond. He designed the suits worn by The Beatles on the cover of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” He crafted Johnny Cash’s black suits, the roses and skeletons insignia of the Grateful Dead and an inflated lips pillow for Mick Jagger that was later modified into the logo for The Rolling Stones. Manuel was also the mastermind behind Elvis’ signature gold lamé suit as well as John Travolta's garb in “Urban Cowboy.”

Known as the “Rhinestone Rembrandt,” Manuel and his original designs have become a trademark of true Western American style.

“Much of my influence and inspiration has come from my father’s work with legends who have graced the Opry’s stage and other stages around the world for decades,” said Manny, who started learning the industry under Manuel’s guidance at the age of six. “This collaboration with the Grand Ole Opry allows me to bring these designs that are steeped in history and represent so much in American culture to the public in a fashion-forward new collection.”

The Opry by Manuel collection, which features pieces ranging from $74 to $275, is available exclusively online at www.opry.com and at Opry Originals, one of the newest shops to open in the heart of downtown Nashville’s famous “Lower Broadway.” Bringing together the iconic roots of the Grand Ole Opry and country music’s contemporary culture for a shopping experience like none other, Opry Originals allows visitors to take home their own piece of the Opry lifestyle.