Thierry Mugler: Story of A Visionary Designer

Discover unique vintage pieces by Thierry Mugler on Mademoiselle Josephine 

Thierry Mugler's uniqueness

If "uniqueness" could be embodied, it would undoubtedly take the form of Thierry Mugler's creations. Many are familiar with the iconic image of a woman adorned in a butterfly dress. Whether you're already acquainted with this piece or discovering it for the first time, today we shine a spotlight on its creator, the exceptionally talented French designer, Thierry Mugler.

Born in Strasbourg in 1948, Mugler made his move to Paris in 1972, embarking on his career as a freelance designer for numerous prestigious fashion houses. Initially, he worked in Paris, but his reputation quickly spread to Milan, London, and Barcelona, garnering him a rapidly growing following.In 1973, Mugler introduced his debut collection, "Cafe de Paris," which melded sophistication with urban flair. Fashion editor Melaka Tréanton played a pivotal role in launching this collection by presenting it at an event in Tokyo in 1976. Mugler established his first boutique in Paris in 1978 at Place des Victoires, capturing the attention of the era's most avant-garde designers.

His range of signature pieces spanned from commercial, wearable suits and dresses to extravagant designs crafted for grand events like fashion shows, theater productions, musicals, concerts, and films. These creations cemented his status as a revered figure in the fashion world.

Mugler's Innovative Fashion Approach

Mugler's designs, even the most practical ones, exhibited his avant-garde, architectural, and hyper-feminine vision of Haute Couture. He was a pioneer in promoting diversity on the runway, addressing issues like racism and ageism, and featuring non-traditional models, including drag queens, pornstars, and transgender women.His fashion shows were spectacular productions held in arena-like settings. Each collection had a distinct theme, such as sci-fi in the late seventies, Africa, vampires and devils, or aquatic motifs, featuring dresses inspired by animals, plants, constructions, and vehicles in extraordinary shapes.

Mugler designed iconic looks for celebrities like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Grace Jones, David Bowie, and Diana Ross. He also created bespoke costumes for renowned musicals, concerts, theater shows, music videos (such as George Michael’s "Too Funky"), and films (like Demi Moore's look in "Indecent Proposal").

Thierry Mugler in the 21st Century

Mugler's fame persisted into the 21st century. In 2002, he collaborated with Cirque du Soleil, and in 2009, he worked with Beyoncé's artistic advisor on costumes for her "I Am... World Tour." In these years, Mugler announced his retirement, expressing that:

"Fashion is beautiful, 3-D art on a human being. But it wasn't enough, which is why I always went on to create in other ways. For me, it isn’t the right tool anymore. But perfume still interests me."

Thus, in 2008, the Mugler brand launched Thierry Mugler Beauty, a luxurious line of cosmetics and perfumes featuring extravagant and unique bottle designs. His first fragrance, Angel, debuted in 1992, followed by a male version in 1996. The brand saw a resurgence with the release of Alien in 2005. Despite stepping back from fashion, Mugler designed for the Met Gala in 2019 and for Kim Kardashian under the "House of Mugler" name.

Thierry Mugler passed away in January 2022, but his legacy endures through his fashion house, now led by creative director Casey Cadwallader.

Exclusive vintage pieces from Mademoiselle Joséphine's collection

As Joséphine Marilhac stated in her interview here:

"In my opinion, the importance of Thierry Mugler is unparalleled; he remains my favorite designer, and his influence endures through the decades, inspiring creators and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Collecting Mugler pieces means seeking out his vision and craftsmanship, as he continues to captivate our imagination and redefine the standards of beauty and elegance. He is one of the few who, with just a few lines and cuts, could create a unique and unforgettable silhouette. When you look at a piece, you immediately know if it's his or not."

Explore the vintage and second-hand pieces by Thierry Mugler available in Mademoiselle Josephine's boutique and eshop, and experience the timeless artistry of one of fashion's most innovative designers.