It’s a little intimidating. I’m just happy to be on the nominee list, I think that is already an accomplishment on its own, so I’m grateful to kind of represent from that standpoint.
McALLEN — Rows of glimmering white bridal gowns filled the racks around the store, creating an elegant ambiance in the room — a fitting feeling when talking about Tiscareño Bridal Couture, an internationally recognized brand.
Its owner and namesake, Manuel Tiscareño, a second-generation bridal designer, has now reached yet another milestone in his career. In February, Tiscareño was announced as one of the finalists nominated for Fashion Group International’s 26th annual Rising Star award — a prestigious award given to emerging fashion designers.
Previous winners of this award include Tory Burch, Brandon Maxwell and Jason Wu.
The 34-year-old designer is among five finalists — Andrew Kwon, Bach Mai, Kate Barton, and Terry Singh — who are competing in the Evening Wear category.
“It’s a little intimidating,” Tiscareño said with a laugh. “I’m just happy to be on the nominee list, I think that is already an accomplishment on its own, so I’m grateful to kind of represent from that standpoint.”
According to Tiscareño, the process for the competition began in September of last year with its semifinalist round occurring two months ago.
He explained that for the semi-finalist round, he presented a capsule collection that represented his design work throughout the years. There were four dresses in his presentation including a bridal wear piece; an evening wear piece, a black tulle dress with a nude lining; a couture dress that was made over the course of three months, and lastly a red ballgown dress from his 2019 New York Fashion week selection.
I think what makes a beautiful gown is definitely luxury materials, so I think what sets us apart is quality and I think my brand is known for drama, so we always bring a little more drama to traditional designs.
For Tiscareño, the process of selecting which dresses to submit to the competition allowed him to reflect on how his designs have changed over the years.
“I started as a bridal wear designer here in the Valley, so it’s been interesting to kind of branch out to accessories, evening wear, play around with ready-to-wear and even play around with couture which is kinda a different monster on its own,” Tiscareño explained.
Although he believes each contestant is worthy of the award, he explained that his work includes a special attention to detail that separates his work from his opponents.
“Our attention to detail and the selection of the material is always high quality,” Tiscareño said with a humble sense of pride. “I think what makes a beautiful gown is definitely luxury materials, so I think what sets us apart is quality and I think my brand is known for drama, so we always bring a little more drama to traditional designs.”
Winners for the award will be announced May 8 in New York.
RISING STAR
Tiscareño, himself a rising star in the industry, got his start in fashion from a young age, in fact, he considers himself a second generation bridal wear designer. Growing up his parents owned bridal shops both in the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico.
He explained that this inspired him to pursue a career in the fashion industry which led him to create his own company — Tiscareño Bridal Couture.
Although his company has only been an independent company for six years, he has already gained international recognition for creating custom designs that he hopes occupy a space in the hearts and minds of the people who wear his clothes and admire his clothes.
More recently, Tiscareño showcased his 2022 Bridal Couture at the Gelman Stained Glass Museum in San Juan.
His bridal gowns shimmered before the religious depictions and iconography in the stained glass.
He currently has two stores, one in his hometown of McAllen located at 212 N. Main St. and another in San Luis Potosi in Mexico.
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Photo Gallery: McAllen fashion designer ‘brings the drama’ and scores prestigious nomination
