Hi Joe,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Manuel Cuevas, often referred to simply as "Manuel," is a legendary Mexican-American fashion designer renowned for his transformative impact on American style, particularly in the realms of country and rock music. Born on April 23, 1933, in Coalcomán, Michoacán, Mexico, Cuevas began sewing at the age of seven, crafting prom dresses by his early teens. His passion and skill led him to Hollywood in 1952, where he honed his craft under the tutelage of esteemed designers such as Sy Devore, Viola Grae, and Nathan Turk.

Cuevas's career took a significant turn when he became the head tailor and eventually a partner at Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors, the iconic studio known for its rhinestone-studded "Nudie Suits." During his tenure, he dressed a plethora of stars, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry.

The fact that this suit was commissioned for Jay Lowell Jones, the former executive vice president at Commercial Financial Services (CFS), a Tulsa-based company that collapsed in 1999 amid a massive fraud scandal, gives this suit some notoriety and additional value but it isn't now worth the $10,000 it cost to make in 1997; while most Manuel Cuevas suits typically sell at auction for $800-1,200, the condition of this suit and its provenance to Jay Jones brings its value to $1,000-1,500.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A near vintage Manuel Cuervas "Porter Wagoner" sequined wool suit
custom made for Jay Jones in 1997
IN electric blue, with sequin designs of guns, playing cards, bullets, horseshoes, shot glasses, poker chips and dice. Lined.
Pants:42" waist and 29" inseam
Jacket: 16.5" sleeve, 21" across the shoulders, 32" from bottom of back collar to bottom of jacket.
CONDITION: Client notes this has some moth holes and stains.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$1,000-1,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia