Thierry Mugler, the outrageous and anti-gender designer who dominated European catwalks in the late 1980s and early 1990s, died on Sunda...
Thierry Mugler, the outrageous and anti-gender designer who dominated European catwalks in the late 1980s and early 1990s, died on Sunday. He was 73 years old.
His passing was announced on his brand’s official Instagram. “#RIP,” he said. “We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr. Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23, 2022. May his soul rest in peace.”
Reached Sunday evening, two of his close friends confirmed his death, but declined to be interviewed, saying they were both too upset. No cause of death was given.
Mr. Mugler was one of the main architects of a late ’80s aesthetic that married S&M and high fashion. Her figure was a sort of inverted triangle with giant shoulders and a nipped-in waist. He loved latex, leather and curves.
His early muses included Grace Jones and Joey Arias. He’s had a longtime creative collaboration with David Bowie, and even dressed him for his wedding to Iman. His invaluable sensibility took him from couture to setting up a hugely successful Cirque Du Soleil show in Las Vegas. Long after he entered semi-retirement in the early 2000s, his perfume “Angel” was a huge success.
Alexander McQueen’s punk chic sensibility owes much to the work of Mr. Mugler. Just like Lady Gaga’s first “Bad Romance” look.
Mr Mugler was also known for dressing some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond, and made a comeback in 2019 by dressing Kim Kardashian for the Met Gala. The ‘wet dress’ Mr Mugler designed for Mrs Kardashian introduced him to millions of new fans.
Its current artistic director Casey Cadwallader said, “Manfred, I’m so honored to have known you and to work in your beautiful world. You have changed our perception of beauty, confidence, representation and empowerment. Your legacy is something I carry with me in everything I do. Thank you.”
A complete obituary will be published shortly.
Christine Chung contributed report.
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