Thierry Mugler was known for his spectacular fashion shows of the 1980’s and 1990’s, and his clothes themselves celebrated the female figure with their curve-accentuating fit. A curator who worked on a Mugler exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art recalled to Vogue, “He staged the most spectacular fashion shows and breathed new life into haute couture, notably through the use of new materials such as metal, latex and faux fur.”
Some of Mugler’s most glorious creations include a Marilyn Monroe-inspired feathery red gown sported by Eva Herzigova in 2015, a spangled mermaid-style gown Ivana Trump wore in 1992, and a gown with a halo that called to mind religious statuary, per CR Fashion Book.
Another standout Mugler design was rapper Cardi B’s 2019 Grammys look. The showstopper, inspired by the classic painting “The Birth of Venus,” was part of a 300-piece collection he had displayed at his 1995 Haute Couture Show. The singer’s stylist recalled to WWD that she had always wanted to use one of his archive pieces. “From the moment I saw it, I knew it was going to be a debatable moment, some people would love it and some people would hate it and that’s everything we’re about when it comes to fashion.” She added, “It’s meant to create a conversation,” which is exactly what Mugler’s legacy will continue to do.
