Manfred Thierry Mugler once said: “I made clothes because I was looking for something that didn’t exist. I had to try to create my own world.“… And he did just that and more.
Thierry Mugler
The ground-breaking fashion icon fully and boldly embodied the echoes of the previous quote by curating an aesthetic catalog that will surely be found in the history books of all things fashion design.
Thierry Mugler died of natural causes according to a statement by his agent. His passing seeps in just as the fashion world is still digesting the passing of two of its greats, Andre Leon Talley and Virgil Abloh. The latter lost his battle from a rare form of cancer, known as cardiac angiosarcoma in November 2021. Whilst the former was reported to have died due to complications related to COVID, also at age 73.
A look back at Thierry Mugler’s life
The French native developed a knack for the Arts quite early in his life. Whilst studying at Strasbourg in France, he exhibited his creativity through drawing. At the age of nine, he studied classical dance and then further joined a ballet group at age 14. The Strasbourg School of Decorative Arts lists the late fashion designer as one of its alumni as he’s also formally trained as an interior designer.
In the year 1973, the aspiring fashion designer cut his teeth in the world of fashion after spending many years, pouring his creative juices into other designers’ cups in Paris. ‘Cafe de Paris’ – the name of Thierry’s first collection; the presentation was largely described as simply sophisticated, coupled with urban undertones- not a bad review for a start-up! Celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Grace Jones, Diana Ross and many other influential stars soon became his clients.
Fashion practitioners and enthusiasts alike have previously marveled at Thierry Mugler’s array of talents. After retiring from the fashion industry in 2003, he fiercely explored the many creative gifts that were under his sleeve. Several endeavors soon materialized such as a hugely successful run in fragrances and costume design. That meant an impressive stint in photography and filmmaking.
Thierry Mugler has worked his magic on several A-list celebrities in Hollywood. This writer has compiled a #Top3 list of Mugler’s stellar creations over the years.
BEYONCE KNOWLES – CARTER:
It was through Beyoncé that I came to know of Thierry Mugler. The Grammy award-winning musician spoke proudly about a Mugler costume that had just been shipped especially for her during a one-night concert in Encore, Las Vegas. However, these two creative minds have previously collaborated on a few projects. The late designer was tasked with creating dazzling costume pieces for Beyoncé’s ‘I Am… Sasha Fierce CD cover and the subsequent tour.
KIM KARDASHIAN:
Throughout the course of his colorful career, Thierry Mugler designed the most exquisite corsets in the land. Also, he was known for his deep penchant for accentuating a woman’s body.
The style icon might have retired from fashion designing in 2003. However, that did not hinder him from making an exception in 2019. He created a dazzling corseted nude dress for top reality television star, Kim Kardashian, for the Met Gala. Reportedly the dress took eight months to create and the industry refers to it as a “Wet Dress”. The 40-year-old reality star penned a short but touching tribute to Thierry on Instagram. She often used one of his creations.
‘’Manfred Thierry Mugler ? my heart breaks. There’s no one like you! Your vision, your transformations, your magic! I am so honored to have known you, spent time with you and been a muse for you. There was so much more for you to show the world and that we had planned to do together, but you already gave us so much. I will never forget our time together around the world and learning from the master himself on what couture really meant! You always said beauty will save the world – and you really believed it was a better place because of the beauty all around! Thank you for the beauty. I love you so much. My condolences go to Manfred’s family, friends, JB and his incredible team – and everyone who loved him and whose lives he has touched.’’
CARDI B:
Cardi B graced the Grammy awards ceremony in 2019. At that time, fashion enthusiasts were left thoroughly enthralled by the intricate yet appealing vintage 1995 shell-like dress. It was one of the now-late fashion designer’s creations. The rapper’s tribute on Instagram was personal and heartfelt.
‘’Mr. Mugler was one of the FIRST designers to take a major chance on me, allowing me to wear one of his ICONIC archive pieces for my Grammy red carpet look in 2019. Over the years me, him and Kollin created even more fashion moments but nothing tops being able to finally meet him in person last year in Paris at his museum exhibit. It’s so crazy because I was second-guessing if I should go the whole time leading up to that trip. I had just given birth to my son like three weeks prior and wasn’t feeling 100% like myself but something in my spirit kept saying “GO.” Maybe God knew that if I didn’t go then I may have never had the opportunity to thank him for everything he did and the doors he opened for me. Mr. Mugler was still putting his foot on necks at 73 years old! Rest in Paradise Manfred Thierry Mugler.’’
Take Aways
We’ll definitely remember Thierry Mugler as one of the best to ever do it in all things ground-breaking fashion design and more. A deep look into his prolific career proves just how immensely gifted he truly was, hence he successfully slew in other creative fields. Many will hold various narratives regarding Thierry’s legacy, however, what I have picked up over the years was his unforgettable presentation of Haute Couture, Avant Garde and just fashion in general.
If there was ever a fashion rule book that designers abode by, then Thierry Mugler certainly cast it away to the curb. In other words, his overall body of work is heavily decorated with a peculiar and daring catalog. Pushing the creative envelope and being skillfully thoughtful is synonymous with all things Mugler; one is reminded by how the designer was often lauded for his unorthodox approach to model casting. It was quite rare to spot porn stars and drag queens strutting on the runway. However, this trailblazer, saw it fit to merge all worlds (and those who live in it), whereby images that only he could perceive with his mind, may come to fruition. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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* Written by Lungile Ntuli
