Thierry Mugler: French Fashion Designer Dies Aged 73

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French fashion designer Thierry Mugler has died at the age of 73, according to his official social media accounts.

He was known for designs with broad shoulders and sharp tailoring, inspired by 1940s and 50s glamour.

Mugler’s designs were worn by stars including David Bowie and Lady Gaga. He created many stage costumes for Beyoncé and in 2019 designed Kim Kardashian’s famous “wet dress” for the Met Gala.

In later years, his brand became famous for perfumes, such as Angel and Alien.

“We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022,” a post on Mugler’s official Facebook account confirmed.

A post on his Instagram page described Mugler as “a visionary whose imagination… empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day.”

Born Manfred Thierry Mugler in 1948 in Strasbourg, France, he was a talented performer and by the age of 14 was a dancer with the Ballet du Rhin. He was also an acrobat and fashion model.

With an early interest in making his own clothes, Mugler opened his first boutique in Paris during the 1970s.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but fashion took off for me very quickly in Paris as soon as I showed my sketches,” he recently told Women’s Wear Daily.

Mugler became known for his theatrical designs that over accentuated features such as hips and shoulders, with plunging necklines and constricted waists.

His designs have been worn by the likes of David Bowie, George Michael, Sharon Stone and Rihanna. Mugler’s connection with Bowie was so strong that he dressed him for his wedding to Iman.

Mugler sold the rights to his name to Clarins in 1997, several years after launching his perfume Angel, with the brand.

Said to have been a recluse, he appeared to retire from fashion in the early 2000s, choosing to create one off pieces for Lady Gaga and was the creative advisor on Beyoncé’s I AM… World Tour in 2010.

Mugler’s agent told AFP that he had been planning to announce new collaborations this week.

People from the fashion world have paid tribute to Mugler.

Fashion designer Brian Atwood said he was a “constant inspiration”.

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