THE DESIGNER
If you have heard of them, Manuel has probably dressed them. Names like John Wayne, Salvador Dalí, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Dolly Parton, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Jackson Five, Burt Reynolds, Jack White, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Frank Sinatra, and an endless list of others have all called upon Manuel to deliver their iconic—often signature—looks over his nearly 70 years of design. Now the man who put Johnny Cash in black has teamed up with The Heart Hatter, Logan-Miles Allison, to put Tennessee Titans Guard Rodger Saffold in Titan Blue for his tenth season in the NFL.
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Famed designer Manuel Cuevas.
THE PROCESS
This pairing with Saffold is also the first collaboration between Manuel and hat designer Logan-Miles Allison, aka The Heart Hatter. Both designers only create 1-of-1 pieces, which means they will never be replicated. This unique approach to fashion allows them to create work that is unique to the individual they are outfitting. Because of this uniqueness, it was important to the designers to meet with Saffold to understand his needs. On an off day during preseason, Rodger drove out to Manuel’s home south of Nashville for a morning of design discussion, home-cooked food, and family time to begin the process of creating a custom outfit for the 6-foot-5-inch, 325-pound NFL veteran.
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Manuel Cuevas, Logan-Miles Allison, and Rodger Saffold discuss designs for Saffold's custom outfit.
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THE DESIGN
After the planning was over, it was time for the master to go to work. While Saffold was busy working hard and grinding on the field during fall camp, Manuel and his team were busy cutting and sewing at his Nashville shop to present the wearable work of art before the first regular season game.
THE HEART HATTER
The man who describes his work as “perfectly imperfect” is as unique as the hats he creates. His one-of-a-kind personality is matched only by his one-of-a-kind headpieces. Allison works and lives out of his 24-foot Sprinter, which allows him the mobility to go to his clients and create wherever he happens to be.
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Logan-Miles Allison
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THE HAT
Saffold’s and Allison’s relationship goes back to Saffold’s days with another team in Los Angeles. Allison has designed several hats for other significant moments in the player’s life and career. Coming to Tennessee, Allison knew he needed to bring a new Southern flair when collaborating with Manuel to create this 1-of-1 Heart Hat.
THE REVEAL
On an off day from football, Saffold came to the Manuel Couture studio to see his suit for the first time and get final measurements and tailoring before getting to take his once in a lifetime look home.
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Rodger Saffold debuts the final product from this legendary collaboration.
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Rodger Saffold debuts the final product from this legendary collaboration.
THE RUNWAY
Heading to the game in style is a pretty common theme in the NFL, and walking the runway to the plane for the Week 1 game on the road was like walking a catwalk for Saffold as debuted the final product of this legendary collaboration.