French fashion designer Manfred Thierry Mugler has passed away at the age of 73.
The designer’s team announced the news on Sunday 23 January via his personal Instagram account.
"We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022. May his soul Rest In Peace."
Details of his death have not been made public.
Mugler launched his first ready-to-wear line “Cafe de Paris” in 1973. The collection focused on a precise, streamlined silhouette and was strongly influenced by dance - something the designer did since the age of 14. He reached the height of his career during the 1980s and 1990s, dressing stars like David Bowie, Cindy Crawford and Sharon Stone.
He was renowned for his avant-garde designs that over-accentuated the female form. Broad shoulders, plunging necklines and constricted waists were signature features of the garments he would create.
Mugler retired from fashion in the early 2000s, choosing instead to create once-off custom pieces for celebrity red carpet appearances.
However, the brand was later relaunched in 2010 as Mugler, which is currently under the creative direction of designer Casey Cadwallader.
In more recent years, Mugler dressed the likes of Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus and Diana Ross. He created those iconic robotic looks for Beyonce’s “I am” World Tour in 2009, as well as Kim Kardashian’s remarkable ‘wet t-shirt’ dress she wore to the 2019 Met Gala .
"This is the first time in 20 years Mr. Mugler has designed for the House of Mugler," Kardashian told Vogue at the time. "So to come and design this gown for me is such an honor."
Speaking to WWD back in 2019, Mugler said: "Fashion is still a great tool because it’s a three-dimensional art," he said. "It’s the most feral form of art, in the best sense of the word, meaning that it touches on the human, and that’s interesting."
The designer will be missed for his uninhibited approach to fashion, architectural silhouettes, and boundary-pushing ideas and visions.
