I began my fashion design journey at the age of twelve in my native Sonora, Mexico. My greatest influence was my mother, who loved fine fabrics and beautiful clothes. Early studies under excellent teachers I learned about patterns, sewing, and textiles as well as how to be creative and disciplined. But above all, the process of conceptualizing a piece from form to function.
From the age of seven, my sewing machine in tow, I created clothes for my dolls that would sell to my neighbors. My pleas to salvage their surfeit fabrics would annoy them. With those funds and my allowance I purchased European fashion magazines, many that I still have today.
By sixteen, I enrolled in a formal program of fashion design along with my regular academic studies considering a career in journalism. But after two semesters I decided to pursue full time my passion for fashion design.
My first professional experience involved teaching cutting and fabrication techniques at age eighteen. From then onward, I have never been without my mannequin, scissors, and sewing machine. My first clients were my neighbors – housewives and children – and local elected leaders who required custom tailoring for special occasions and events.
I wanted to travel to Europe and the United States to learn new methods in fashion and to challenge myself further. I moved to California and enrolled at Los Angeles Trade-Tech Community College and earned an Associate’s degree in Fashion Design, graduating with Honors. Meanwhile, I continued freelancing.
In Los Angeles, I owned my first studio where I worked with other designers and created custom orders for private clients. Later, I moved my studio to Albuquerque, NM and collaborated with well-known Southwest designers while exploring new facets of fashion.
Like most fashion designers I needed to experience New York City. In the Big Apple, I was exposed to a new world of fashion and design. I expanded my professional canvas designing for theatre, opera, and working with fashion and graphic designers, and fine artists.
I currently live in Washington, DC, with my husband. This year, I launched Manuela Morales Couturier located in the heart of the Nation’s Capital where I collaborate with clients from across the country. In addition, I’m working on my own collection aiming to present my designs on the runway in the near future.