Thierry Mugler
About
the designers
Thierry Mugler was born on 21 December 1948 in Strasbourg, France. He is a French author, fashion designer, photographer.
He made his first outfit for a girl friend at the age of 14. He joined a ballet company, the Opera du Rhin, as a dancer. Then he moved to Paris at 19 and studied at the Ecole Arts Decoratifs, which developed his knowledge of design. In 1968 he started working as a window dresser in a Parisian store "Gudule", while simultaneously freelancing for couturiers in Paris, Milan and London. In 1971 he returned to Paris.
He showed his first collection for women called "Café de Paris". Azzedine Alaia joined him and helped to design his creations, until the late 70's. In 1972 the design firm "Moonlighting" employed him as a designer for their Italian ready-to-wear. In 1973 Mugler started designing under his own label in partnership with Alain Cardeuc. In 1976 Mugler showed a collection of Atric gold gathered boots. The "Punk" look was in, so Mugler applied this street look to his collection for 1977.
In 1979 he launched his line for men. During the 80's, Thierry Mugler was part of a trend. Along with Montana and Alaia, Mugler depicted women as wicked Hollywood murderers, bondage retailers of illicit sex, or Mae West clones.
In 1984 Mugler celebrates 10 years of the existence of his house by organizing a "Super Paying Show". This was a resounding success, 6,000 people assisted in the celebrations.
1987 Opening of the second Paris boutique at 49, Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France. This shop later became the first key boutique in the Thierry Mugler universe.
It is particularly renowned for giving unlimited credit to its perfumers in order to get the best frangrance possible, whatever the price. Its most renowned fragrance is Angel, created in 1992. The bottle symbolises the designer's imagination, as it is based on a timeless and universal symbol: the star.
Furthermore he presented his first haute couture collection at the Hotel Ritz in July, 1992
In 1994 he launched his "scratched" line with uneven hemlines and necklines. Thierry Mugler is one of the few French designers to own their own factory, where dresses are made from prototypes perfected in the workshops. A good many of his designs are made to order, for the celebrities who make up his clientele list.
In 1995/96 there was the acceleration of exclusive boutique openings worldwide and a third Parisian boutique at 45, Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France. This is the first shop to congregate all lines and accessories designed by Thierry Mugler under the same roof.
In 1997 he launched the first men's fragrance, "A*MEN".
In 1998, he was the first designer to create his virtual fashion show on the computer so that it can be seen on the net.
the label
Thierry Mugler is owned by the French cosmetics and skincare company Clarins, it is now mostly known for its perfume division, as the Couture division was closed in 2003 due to increasing losses. All Thierry Mugler ready-to-wear is now produced under license agreements.
After seven years of fruitful partnership, confirmed in the success of the fragrances, the CLARINS group acquired a larger majority in Thierry Mugler Couture.
Haute couture Thierry Mugler Couture Women`s luxury ready-to-Wear Thierry Mugler and accessories including fine leather goods, jewellery, and shoes Complementary women`s ready-to-wear lines Mugler (classic for everyday) MTM MUGLER TRADE MARK (sportswear & leisure) Men's ready-to-wear and accessories Thierry Mugler Perfumes Women`s Perfume and body products: ANGEL Men`s Perfume and body products: A*MEN
The Look
His style is instantly recognizable: structured elegance, accentuated shoulders. Mugler went on from this point to create a very identifiable style. He designed a new feminine silhouette where shapes and curves are accentuated by the strictness of the cut. "The prophet of Futurism", as he has been referred to, Thierry Mugler is an instinctive designer who never looks for inspiration. According to Thierry Mugler, "intellect is the servant of the spirit." He strongly feels that his clothing is modernistic and not futuristic. Clothes of today should have nothing to do with the past. They should create elegance with simple form and structure and add defined shape to the body, volume, form and simplicity. When one has found a method of self-expression, one evolves with it. His clothing attracts a woman of strength and élan. Mugler usually designs 2-piece outfits with a jacket feature, full sleeves, masculine cuts, emphasizing the waist and hips to create a perfect body. He often uses solid colours as a sculptor would. He often uses pointed angles on collars, hems, sleeves, waist and hips. He does use a lot of prints but at times uses patches of leather. He uses less of accessories and headgear. He tries to create drama into his clothing but usually the devil features, example gelled hair in the shape of horns. Mugler also designs clothes for men but often uses bright colours for them like orange, yellow, etc. which is unusual for men's clothing. Fabrics: Jersey, vinyl, Lycra, Gingham and Leather are his favourites.