Ostomy Is In Fashion
From headlining New York’s Fashion Week to near death in a Nashville hospital, Manny Cuevas knows the highs and lows of life. The son of famous costume designer Manuel Cuevas, Manny Jr. became fascinated with scraps of leather and shiny fabric remnants in his father’s studio as a boy. He began sewing at the age of six and rose to international fashion fame with his opulent, pop culture couture line — “Wear It Out by Manny.”
The seesaw of his life swung downward the morning of May 12, 2012 when, after a creative morning in his East Nashville studio, he experienced a bad cramp. Things went from bad to worse, and his pregnant partner, Lora, convinced him to go to the emergency room. It wasn’t until five days later that doctors told him that the attempts to reduce an intestinal blockage had failed and he’d have to have surgery to save his life.
“My life seemed to be flashing by in an instant. I was now extremely scared, not only for myself, but also for my family and my work,” explains Manny.
Eight hours later, he came out of intensive surgery with a colostomy. Manny’s ostomy journey didn’t stop there, but veered alarmingly off track with countless infections, a consequent ileostomy and a surgically damaged kidney. In May of 2013, the gifted designer closed his studio due to expenses, pain and exhaustion.
It wasn’t until Manny found Dr. Richard Miller at Vanderbilt University Medical Center that the seesaw began to rise. The doctor diagnosed him with internal MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and took him under his wing for care. After an attempt to surgically reconnect again in 2015, complications forced Dr. Miller to abort the surgery leaving Manny with a permanent ostomy.
That’s when the healing began to take place. A fashion designer is part artist, part craftsman, and Manny used all of his talents to piece his life together anew. Jeanne, Manny’s ostomy nurse, aimed him in the right direction from the start.
“Her kindness and patience in teaching me how to maintain the ostomy was unbelievable. She eased my confusion and coached me in how to allow my whole body to work together,” says Manny.
Early on after surgery, Jeanne took Manny to an ostomy support group meeting. Though many of the participants were much older than he, Manny was humbled by their honesty and felt comfortable to share. The irresistible charisma that made him so successful in his work had returned.
He said, “We’ve been picked because only the strong survive and with all of us together we can make a difference. Let’s not forget that the most delightful thing in life is change.”
He felt their smiles come from deep within, stemming from a sense of security and passion. It was then that Manny knew it was his calling to guide others through the darkness that he had experienced.
Of course there were challenges. His body dramatically changed after all of the surgeries and he became sensitive to adhesives. After trying every product on the shelf, he finally turned to Hollister Incorporated and found one that worked.
Furthermore, the placement of his stoma was smack dab at his waistline, preventing him from tucking in his beautifully designed shirts. He used this personal challenge to design clothing for people with ostomies. After bringing a few pieces to an ostomy fair to rave reviews, Manny is considering coming out with a full line.
“We need to feel as glamorous as we did before,” says Manny. “It’s another outlet for me to share my creativity and make people feel incredible again.”
Manny is more stable now and is excited to get back to his studio. He has a lot to be grateful for. In 2013, the Nashville music community got together to produce a benefit for their longtime friend to help defray medical costs and support him in future endeavors. The “Wear It Well, Wear It Out” evening featured the Mavericks, as well as a whole host of other Nashville greats; many of whom were his clients.
“The willingness of people to do that for me made me cherish the great fullness of life, and know that everything would be OK,” says Manny.
Ultimately, he credits Lora (who has been his rock) and three beautiful children for his recovery. While on the mend, Manny has taken on the role of a stay-at-home dad. He can often be found in the bleachers cheering on his oldest daughter, Sofia, at her softball games. The seesaw of his life has definitely swung upward.
“This experience has taught me patience and brought me closer to my family and friends,” concludes Manny. “Unexpected change can sometimes be a challenge, but you can overcome those challenges by allowing your spirit, mind and body to work together—but you have to believe!”
Experience Manny’s legendary couture on Facebook @WearItOutbyManny or his website WearItOutbyManny.com.
Financial Disclosure: Manny Cuevas received compensation from Hollister for his contribution to this eNewsletter.