Agosto Cuellar: Cosmic Vogue and a side of refried
Photos by Antonia Padilla, QSanAntonio.com, March 25, 2011

QSanAntonio photographer Antonia Padilla dropped in on fashion designer Agosto Cuellar at his Jive Refried emporium in Southtown last week. Cuellar was busily at work on a collection of Cosmic Vogue outfits to be featured in a "Supernova" stage show at the San Antonio AIDS Foundation's Webb Party on April 8.

Padilla reports she saw plenty of metallic fabrics and reflective materials in keeping with the Webb's "Supernova" theme. One dress, she said, was made entirely of gold lame. However, Cuellar is keeping most of the Cosmic Vogue pieces under wraps until the final reveal during Fiesta Week at the Webb Party.

Cuellar did give Padilla a sneak preview of one costume he was working on when she arrived. Hence, the photo with Cuellar's classically posed model decked out in an Egyptian-inspired ensemble rendered in metallic tones.

Cuellar is a San Antonio original. Last year he wowed his fans with the hourlong show "Estilo Street: Runway in La Calle," staged on runway down the middle of Guadalupe Street in the heart of San Antonio's barrio.

Jive Refried, Cuellar's atelier and storefront, attracts fashionistas from far and near. Last Spring, actress Cynthia Nixon strolled in and purchased a wrap skirt, a pair of Bob Mackie silk rayon jumper pants and a pair of white jeans with yarn embroidery. Cuellar told the Express-News that he didn't know who she was until he saw the name on her credit card.

In an instance of art imitating life, Cuellar has become the inspiration for a new web comedy series. As described by its producers, "JiveTown is a chaotic zany new web series based loosely on San Antonio, Texas fashion sensation and wildcard, Agosto Cuellar, his vintage store Jive Refried, and the preposterous world of Southtown in which he lives."

Click here to watch trailer for the "JiveTown."

Webb Party Information

San Antonio AIDS Foundation WEBB Party, an official Fiesta San Antonio event, Friday April 8, 2011 at Sunset Station from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $75 pre-sale and $90 at the door. They can be purchased at Half Price Books, Danny’s Salon, Fiesta Store, On Main/Off Main and The Friendly Spot. or by calling SAAF at 210-225-4715. VIP tickets begin at $175 and up. Check WebParty.net for complete ticket information.