Images(9)

Michelle Wright Stage Outfit

On exhibit

Artifact TypeEnsemble

Manufacturer Manuel Cuevas

Manufacturer LocationUSA, North America

Date20th Century

This stage outfit was formerly owned by Canadian country singer Michelle Wright—one of contemporary country music’s most popular performers. The suit was designed by Manuel Cuevas, who, after Nudie Cohn, remains the most famous of musical tailors. Like his mentor Cohn, Manuel favours fanciful designs and elaborate materials, and was responsible for such iconic outfits as Elvis’s famous jumpsuit and a Gram Parsons suit decorated with embroidered poppies.

Cultural SignificanceAlthough there are a number of musical styles that can be said to correspond with a particular fashion aesthetic, perhaps none is more iconic than that of the Country and Western genres. Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, numerous stars of the country western scene, such as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, looked to niche tailors to produce customized suits that would set them apart and establish a certain stage presence. The suits were often brightly coloured and elaborately adorned with tassels, sequins, imitation jewels and rhinestones, and intricate embroidery. They also typically consisted of a complete ensemble that included corresponding boots and hat. Arguably the most notable of such tailors was the Ukrainian immigrant Nuta Kotlyarenko (1902 – 1984) who became better known as Nudie Cohn of Hollywood, California. Nudie produced some of the most expensive custom garments, catering both to country superstars as well as high-profile performers in other popular genres, including Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley. Other well-known tailors included Rodeo Ben, Turk of Van Nuys, California, and Rockmount Ranch Wear of Denver, Colorado. Manuel worked alongside Cohn in his North Hollywood store throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, developing a reputation for his high quality embroidery work among many of the major music and film stars of the era.Users/PerformersMichelle Wright was born 1 July 1961 in Chatham, Ontario, and grew up in the small town of Merlin, Ontario. Close proximity to vibrant Detroit, Michigan helped Wright develop an early appreciation for various genres of music, including the Motown and rhythm & blues for which the city is known. Her earliest performance exposure came while attending college, during which time Wright joined a local band. In 1983, she formed her own band, with whom she recorded her first album under the direction of Savannah Records. Her first solo album followed in 1988; it charted seven singles and garnered her increased popularity in the American market, resulting in a record deal with the newly emerging Arista Nashville label. Her second self-titled solo album was released in 1990 to critical acclaim in both Canada and the United States, resulting in a supporting act tour with Kenny Rogers throughout 1991. Wright relocated to Nashville, Tennessee that year, continuing to release albums with Arista and perform on various television programs. Her songwriting began to shift throughout the decade, with several turn-of-the-century efforts being somewhat more pop-oriented. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including several awards from the Canadian Country Music Association (Female Artist of the Year, Fan’s Choice Award, Album of the Year, to name a few) and the Academy of Country Music. In 1997, she was rewarded by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) for her philanthropic work with the prestigious C.F. Martin Humanitarian Award, and, in 2011, she was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2004, she launched her first syndicated radio show, The Women of Country with Michelle Wright, and, one year later, released her first autobiography, A Year in the Life: The Journals of Michelle Wright. She stands as one of the most popular female Canadian country music stars of the 1990s.

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