How Thierry Mugler Empowered Women Through His Outlandish Designs
Ahead of his time, Thierry Mugler created a limitless, inclusive, and disruptive world of fashion where women were cast as the heroines.
French designer, photographer, perfumer, creative director, and overall visionary, the late Thierry Mugler wore many hats. Best known for his eccentric and out-of-the-ballpark designs, Mugler quickly became a renowned name that revolutionized and eventually shaped the fashion sphere. His continuum of avant-garde pieces and theatrical runway shows (starting with his first personal collection “Café de Paris” in 1973) earned Mugler recognition and adoration from influential names of the likes of David Bowie, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Madonna, Cardi B, and Kim Kardashian.
Not only did the “enfant terrible” bring about a new generation of creativity and eccentricity through his magnificent designs, but he also served as a disruptive force to the industry, defying the rigid codes of the fashion world. Very early on, Mugler made a strong point of highlighting the strength of inclusivity by consistently including a wide range of body types but also gender identities on his runways. In the '80s, Mugler cast trans model Connie Flemming and worked with drag legend Joey Arias amongst others. Mugler’s values and legacy live on today as we see trans actors Hunter Schafer and Dominique Jackson walking the Spring/Summer 2021 show.
The magic of the Mugler name lies in its ability to fiercely empower women through outlandish designs. By combining fantasy, S&M, glamour, and spectacle, Mugler placed the women he worked with at center stage. He highlighted the fearless feminine features with accentuated silhouettes of cinched waistlines, statement shoulders, and cut-outs showing some skin. Year after year, Mugler’s creations remained unashamedly bold and scandalous but still exuberating that chic attitude. By highlighting diversity and cultivating his obsession with the female physicality à travers his pieces, Mugler empowered women by creating the space for self-expression, unapologetic seduction, and timeless glamour.
Let’s take a look at some of Mugler’s most iconic pieces.
