To develop the state jacket collection, Manuel researched details from each state and tried to work those into each jacket in some fashion. It was not an easy task, with 1,600 items for each state and only three yards of fabric. From the tea on the Massachusetts jacket to cheese and a mouse on the Wisconsin piece, each one is a whimsical reflection of that state's history.
"I am a history buff - I have a minor in American history, and I'm totally into it. Back in 1986, I started thinking how I was going to say thank you to America for giving me the opportunities I've had, and I thought why not make a descriptive jacket for each state, because people don't seem to know or care about their heritage now. Sometimes American children grow up not knowing who they are or where they came from, so I said I'm going to make these jackets."
A replica of each jacket will eventually be donated to state museums across the country, Manuel said. He plans to give back in other ways.
"I'd like to create a foundation for new designers someday, because sometimes you don't have all the fabric you need, or the colors, or whatever. I always had everything I needed, but I still lacked things. Sometimes I wanted to buy all the colors of one fabric I wanted, and I didn't because I had to pay water and power. I'd like to provide young designers with the whole thing, let them create and have their minds really open. I've seen my interns ask, 'Could I borrow a piece of this?', and I say, 'What are you talking about? Everything here is for you to really cut and destroy and make mistakes on.' Mistakes are the way better designs are made. It enhances your creativity."
Manuel says he isn't ready to hang up his measuring tape. "I'm just so happy and grateful I have throughout my life done something that I love to do, and that I find so much enjoyment in. People pay me for all the fun I am having," Manuel added, in a voice half filled with disbelief. "This is more than fame, and more than dollars in the bank. It's been a beautiful ride ... I'm real, real happy at what I've accomplished. 'Course, there's so much in the tank yet."