MANUEL CUEVAS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE RHINESTONE REMBRANDT, CLOTHED SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC MUSIC STARS OF ALL TIME – FROM THE BEATLES TO ELVIS PRESLEY, BOB DYLAN TO JACK WHITE AND THE KILLERS.
This autumn Musical Threads brings together, for the first time outside the US, a stunning collection of works by multi-award winning, Mexican fashion designer, Manuel Cuevas. Renowned for his rhinestone-studded designs, Manuel’s artistry and flare for creating eye-catching fashion is unquestionable, and many of his outfits have become as legendary as the stars who wore them. His unique twist on designs has and continues to inspire current and future designs by setting the trend of embroidered and embellished jackets on the runway and the high street.
Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton & Emmylou Harris – The Flying Burrito Brothers – Dwight Yoakum
Presented as part of ¡VAMOS! Liverpool – a programme of events which launched in 2015 celebrating all things Mexican – Musical Threads debuts at St George’s Hall from September 10-October 16.
Manuel himself will travel to Liverpool for a special “audience with” evening on September 10, hosted by designer, Wayne Hemingway MBE.
A star-studded concert celebrating Manuel’s stamp on the international music scene and showcasing his creations in action will also take place at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall the week before on September 3. Hosted by master songwriter, and two-time Grammy award-winner, Jim Lauderdale, it will include live sets from the incomparable Leigh Nash (formerly of Sixpence None the Richer, with international top five hits under her belt, including Kiss Me, and the Liverpool band, The La’s-penned, There She Goes); John Carter Cash (son of country music royalty – Johnny Cash and June Carter) and his partner Ana Cristina; country and rockabilly singer, Rosie Flores; plus house band for the evening, all the way from Nashville, up and coming instrumental duo, Steelism, along with a selection of the cream of Tennessee session players.
Manuel Cuevas, who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee, said: “I am very excited that an exhibition created in my name is coming to Liverpool this year. There is a mutual love of music, popular culture and fashion between my home city of Nashville and Liverpool. Music is ingrained within the fabric of these two great music cities.
“I last visited Liverpool in 2015 as part of the inaugural ¡VAMOS! Liverpool programme and was overwhelmed by the warmth of the people and the welcome I received. I even had time to hang out with Sir Peter Blake and Mike McCartney, which was amazing. I really can’t think of a more appropriate place to showcase my designs. See you all in September.”
Emma Foxall, director, Monkey Mind Productions, said: “Manuel is a true visionary, and the list of the people he has dressed is mind-boggling – Elvis, The Beatles, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, the list is endless. The man created the look of American glam rock ‘n’ roll. It’s real statement clothing, non-conformist and utterly memorable. Liverpool will love it.”
“Musical Threads will be a once in a lifetime historic celebration of Manuel’s work, and its place in music history. It will trace Manuel’s Mexican heritage and how that influenced his unique style. This exciting, vibrant exhibition will tell the fascinating story of a young Mexican boy who started out making prom dresses for local girls in Michoacán, to making the likes of Elvis, Bob Dylan and many other superstars look a million dollars, in some cases, quite literally!”
Alison Clark, director, north and national director, combined arts, Arts Council England, said: “Arts Council England is delighted to support ¡VAMOS! Liverpool through our exceptional awards programme. This unique cross-artform international collaboration that launched during the year of the 2015 UK Mexico celebrations will bring extraordinary creative experiences to the city of Liverpool and contribute to the reputation of the city as a place where great things happen.”
To book exhibition tickets or a place at the “audience with” evening with Manuel, hosted Wayne Hemingway, visit www.liverpoolcityhalls.co.uk
Tickets for the Musical Threads concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall are on sale now, starting from just £24.50 or the box price of £30.50. Call the Box Office on 0151 709 3789, visit in person, or online at www.liverpoolphil.com
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