Famous models like Carmen Dell’Orefice and Naomi Campbell didn’t just walk—they performed, dancing down the runway and embodying the clothes. The lighting created an otherworldly atmosphere, enhancing the futuristic and scandalous nature of the designs. For its time, it was nothing short of a revelation—a true masterpiece of performance art.
Overall, Thierry Mugler’s shows were extravagant and unique. Each theme was niche and bold—ranging from sci-fi and cavewomen to celestial, vampire-devil, and aquatic visions. The designer’s creativity extended beyond fashion; he directed films, advertisements, and music videos, such as George Michael’s Too Funky. He also designed costumes for theatrical productions, like Macbeth at the Comédie-Française. This allowed him to collaborate with a variety of artists, not just models. He worked with iconic figures like David Bowie, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Grace Jones, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.
His work always carried an element of shock, regardless of the medium. Yet, the overarching feeling was that the runway was his canvas, and the models were his living sculptures. Mugler’s fashion shows became platforms for emotion, storytelling, and vision—true to the spirit of visual art.
Fashion for All
Thierry Mugler believed that fashion and art should be for everyone, making inclusivity a central theme in his work. He often featured non-traditional models, including drag queens, porn stars, and transgender women. Furthermore, he made his fashion shows accessible to paying visitors, a revolutionary move in the 1980s and 1990s when fashion shows were typically reserved for journalists and industry professionals.
Mugler’s commitment to inclusivity extended beyond the runway. His use of diverse materials, his selection of models, and his openness to viewers all reflected his dedication to breaking boundaries. Even today, though Mugler has passed away, the brand continues to embrace forward-thinking values. For example, they use ethically made, sustainable garments, and recycled materials, and explore ways to minimize waste. This approach is woven into the brand’s identity, not simply to follow trends, but as a continuation of Mugler’s vision—creating a better future for fashion and, ultimately, for all.
The Legacy of Thierry Mugler
Thierry Mugler was not just a fashion designer; he was a cultural curator, seamlessly integrating elements from various art movements into his designs. His ability to blend fantasy with fashion created a distinctive style that was both glamorous and empowering. Mugler’s relentless pursuit of innovation was evident in every detail of his work. His creations were extravagant, sexy, and at times irreverent and grotesque.
Thierry Mugler’s art shattered the boundaries of couture, pop culture, and womanhood. The Mugler woman was a cyborgian warrior princess—a femme fatale who had it all and dominated the world around her. As Julia Skelly wrote,
Manfred Thierry Mugler passed away of natural causes at his residence in Vincennes, near Paris, on January 23, 2022, at the age of 73.