In 1992, Carlito Fuente Jr’s initial vision to create a name for a cigar with powerful significance and unique to its industry was born and introduced as “Project X from Planet 9.” The idea of cultivating and producing in the Dominican Republic became an obsession for Carlito. Deep commitment and the “don’t stop trying” mentality became his fundamental strengths in the 90’s. At that time, the birth of OpusX became a reality on a worldwide level. OpusX came to be a beloved son to Carlito. Vibrant colors, shapes, and passionate significance surround the brand and its design. Everything involving OpusX is first class. From its taste, top of the line packaging, labels, and presentation.
At the end of 2009, the cigar industry was recognizing a designer and photographer for his trendsetting ideas, projects, and top of the line results. His name, Manny Iriarte. Because of Manny’s impeccable reputation, marketing status, clients, and network, Manny met Carlito Fuente Jr. in hopes of combining two great talents for one common purpose. Moving forward, their friendship, family, and commitment became the foundation for their unified collaboration on all projects.
The design of magazine ads and artistic photography were just some of the initial collaborations that Manny and Carlito worked on. Special projects, like the creation and re-design of Arturo Fuentes' main event booth, which gives tribute to 100 years of the Fuente Family tradition, was another project very dear to their hearts. As time passed, a collective magic, a sixth sense, and a common vision, between these two visionaries had developed. Carlito’s ideas and visions were easily interpreted and enriched by Manny.
In 2013, Manny’s trendsetting standards were never more prevalent than with the creation of “The OpusX Society,” a concept that elevated the OpusX brand to the next level of the cigar industry. A brilliant idea, but the timing was not right. The concept needed a more luxurious look in an effort to rebrand the label on an international level.
The collaboration in design and creativity with prestigious Swiss watch brand Hublot, the leader in high-end lighters S.T. Dupont, the exclusive Italian tailor Stefano Ricci, and the best French humidors in the world, Elie Bleu, are just some of the many lucrative brands that Manny Iriarte is a part of. His advanced ideas also include the commemorative 20th and 25th-anniversary edition of the OpusX cigar. Luxurious and unique numbered pieces, with immediate selling power, are the basis of Manny Iriarte’s work.
The OpusX brand is now part of Manny Iriarte’s DNA. The visionary that is Manny Iriarte believes that in 2019, OpusX achieved international recognition, and thus, the stars have aligned. The time has come for the creation of “The OpusX Society.” A way of life for fans of exquisite taste, and for those who are passionate about the OpusX brand.
The creator of OpusX, Carlito Fuente Jr, and the visionary Manny Iriarte will once again collaborate to take the OpusX brand to the next level, elevating the unique brand to a luxury lifestyle.