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.
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.