The international fashion scene mourns today the passing of the legendary French fashion designer Manfred Thierry Mugler. He was 73. News about his death was confirmed by a post on his personal Instagram account and his namesake label.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr. Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday, January 23rd 2022. May his soul Rest In Peace,” the post read.
“It is with deep sadness that the House of Mugler announces the passing of Mr. Manfred Thierry Mugler,” the label added. “A visionary whose imagination as a couturier, perfumer, and image-maker empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day.”
With great designers such as Cristóbal Balenciaga and Christian Dior as his influences, Mugler became known in the ‘80s and ‘90s for his avant-garde designs, making him the go-to designers of many celebrities for major events. In 2009, he designed Beyoncé Knowles’ costumes for her concert tour, “I Am...” Together with reality TV star Kim Kardashian, they broke the internet with her Met Gala look in 2019, which was an ode to Sophia Loren in “Boy on a Dolphin.” In the same year, rapper Cardi B wore one of his archival works that was reminiscent of Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” painting.
Through an Instagram release, Filipino fashion designer Lesley Mobo remembered the designer’s legacy by sharing a snap of Filipino model Anna Bayle at Thierry Mugler's spring-summer ‘86 Paris show.
Mugler’s works are currently exhibited in Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, where photographs, films, and his unpublished archives dating from 1973 to 2014 are on display.
“I made clothes because I was looking for something that didn't exist.,” the late designer said. “I had to try to create my own world.”
Rest in peace, Manfred Thierry Mugler.