Manfred Thierry Mugler, the French designer known for genre-busting garments, iconic fragrances and the birth of power dressing, has passed away aged 73. His flamboyant creations at Thierry Mugler transformed haute couture with larger-than-life silhouettes that empowered and inspired an industry.
News of his passing was shared on his official Instagram account with a post saying, "It is with deep sadness that the House of Mugler announces the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler. A visionary whose imagination as a couturier, perfumer and image-maker empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day." On his personal account, the caption reads: "We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022. May his soul Rest In Peace."
Born in Strasbourg, France, he started his fashion career in London before establishing his eponymous label in 1974 where he brought his whimsical ideas to life through exaggerated shoulders, cinched waists and science fiction-inspired designs that equally stunned and delighted audiences. His highly stylised runway shows saw the world's best-known supermodels take to the catwalk. He retired in 2002 and the label - renamed Mugler - returned to fashion in 2010 under Creative Director Casey Cadwallader.
Throughout his career, celebrities have adored his theatrical creations. In the 1980s he dressed David Bowie, George Michael, Cindy Crawford, Demi Moore and Sharon Stone as well as today's influential figures; Lady Gaga donned a metallic bodysuit for the Paparazzi video, Beyonce relied on Mugler throughout the Sascha Fierce era, Cardi B dug into the 1995 archives for an oyster-inspired Grammy's gown and Kim Kardashian stunned the Met Gala 2019 red carpet with a custom, crystal-embellished latex gown that Thierry Mugler came out of retirement to create.
Thierry Mugler was an innovator in fragrance, too. In 1992 Mugler released Angel, a sensational fragrance that remains a bestseller today.
Relive some of the designer's greatest works at Thierry Mugler: Couturissime, an exhibition currently on show at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
