History of Thierry Mugler in Timeline
Manfred Thierry Mugler was a French fashion designer known for his avant-garde and theatrical approach to haute couture. He rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s for his hyperfeminine designs, which often featured architectural silhouettes and bold embellishments. Mugler was a champion of diversity, featuring drag queens, porn stars, and transgender women in his runway shows. He retired from his eponymous brand in 2002 but returned as a creative adviser in 2013.
December 1948: Birth of Thierry Mugler
Manfred Thierry Mugler was born in Strasbourg, France in December 1948.
1959: Use of 1950s Automotive Motifs
Thierry Mugler consistently drew inspiration from various themes, ranging from sci-fi and prehistoric to celestial and retro. He notably incorporated elements of 1950s American car design, especially the 1959 Cadillac, into his clothing and accessories.
1971: Early Design Career in London
Thierry Mugler started his design journey in the 1960s, crafting looks for London boutiques like Mr. Freedom and Mother Wouldn't Like It. By 1971, he was creating signature pieces for Karim, showcasing his trademark broad-shouldered designs.
1972: Move to Paris and Design for Parisian Boutiques
Thierry Mugler's full-skirted raincoat gained recognition in 1972. At 24, he transitioned to Paris, designing for the boutique Gudule and later for various ready-to-wear fashion houses across Paris, Milan, London, and Barcelona.
1973: Debut Collection: "Café de Paris"
In 1973, Thierry Mugler debuted his first personal collection, "Café de Paris", which showcased a sophisticated and urban style, marking a significant step in his career.
1976: Tokyo Fashion Show
In 1976, Thierry Mugler showcased his designs in Tokyo at an event organized by Shiseido.
1977: Punk-Inspired Collection
Thierry Mugler's spring 1978 line, presented in 1977, featured a distinct punk influence.
1978: First Paris Boutique and Rise to Prominence
Thierry Mugler opened his first boutique in Paris' Place des Victoires in 1978. He quickly gained recognition for his avant-garde designs, embracing 1940s-inspired glamour and sci-fi themes, becoming a prominent figure in the broad-shoulder movement.
1986: Experimentation with Salon Presentations
During the 1980s and 1990s, Thierry Mugler earned global recognition for his distinctive designs. He experimented with toned-down salon presentations in 1986 and 1987, a departure from his usual extravagant shows.
1987: Experimentation with Salon Presentations and Reduced Shoulder Padding
During the 1980s and 1990s, Thierry Mugler earned global recognition for his distinctive designs. He experimented with toned-down salon presentations in 1986 and 1987, also reducing shoulder padding in his designs.
1987: Costume Design for Eurovision Host
Thierry Mugler designed the dresses worn by Viktor Lazlo while hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 1987.
1988: Publication of First Photography Book
Thierry Mugler ventured into photography, publishing his first book, "Thierry Mugler: Photographer," in 1988.
1990: Clarins Acquires Stake in Thierry Mugler Couture
In 1990, Clarins, a cosmetics company, acquired a 34% stake in Thierry Mugler Couture through a deal to produce the brand's fragrances.
1992: Direction of Short Films, Advertisements, and Music Videos
Expanding his creative pursuits, Thierry Mugler directed various projects, including short films, advertisements, and video clips. His work extended to costume design for stage productions, including a notable production of "Macbeth" for the Comédie Française. In 1992, he directed the music video for George Michael's "Too Funky."
1992: Launch of Angel Perfume and Direction of George Michael's Music Video
Thierry Mugler launched his renowned perfume, Angel, in 1992. In the same year, he directed and designed the outfits for George Michael's music video "Too Funky".
1992: First Haute Couture Collection
Thierry Mugler presented his inaugural haute couture collection in 1992 at the behest of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
1992: Release of "Angel" perfume
Thierry Mugler's first perfume, "Angel", was released in 1992. This gourmand fragrance featured a blend of praline, chocolate, and patchouli. The bottle, designed by Brosse Master Glassmakers, was shaped like a faceted star. "Angel" has garnered a devoted following, with notable fans including Diana Ross, Barbara Walters, Eva Mendes, and Hillary Clinton.
1993: Design of Demi Moore's Dress in Indecent Proposal
Thierry Mugler designed the iconic black dress worn by Demi Moore in the movie "Indecent Proposal" in 1993.
1995: 20th Anniversary Haute Couture Show
The fall 1995 haute couture collection, which marked the 20th anniversary of Thierry Mugler's brand, was staged at the Cirque d'hiver venue in Paris. The show, featuring over 300 designs, an elaborate set, numerous supermodels, and a performance by James Brown, was dubbed the "Woodstock of Fashion".
1996: Release of "Angel Men"
In 1996, Mugler introduced "Angel Men" (also known as "A*Men"), a masculine counterpart to the popular "Angel" fragrance. "Angel Men" features notes of caramel, coffee, vanilla, patchouli, and honey.
1997: Clarins Increases Stake in Thierry Mugler Couture
Clarins increased its ownership of Thierry Mugler Couture to 83.5% in 1997, acquiring shares from various stakeholders. This move gave Clarins control over the Thierry Mugler brand name.
1999: Publication of Second Photography Book: "Fashion Fetish Fantasy"
In 1999, Thierry Mugler released his second photography book, "Fashion Fetish Fantasy," a collection of photographs showcasing his designs.
2002: Collaboration with Cirque du Soleil
In 2002, Thierry Mugler collaborated with Cirque du Soleil, directing "Extravaganza," a segment within their show "Zumanity." He also designed the costumes and characters' identities for the performance.
2002: Thierry Mugler Retires from his Brand
Thierry Mugler retired from his eponymous brand in 2002.
2002: Departure from Fashion
Thierry Mugler stepped away from the fashion world in 2002, seeking new avenues for his creative energy beyond clothing design, while retaining his interest in perfume.
2003: Closure of Mugler's Ready-to-Wear Line
Clarins shut down the ready-to-wear segment of the Mugler brand in 2003 due to financial difficulties, although the profitable perfume division continued operations.
2003: Mugler retires from his brand
Thierry Mugler retired from his brand in 2003.
2005: Release of "Alien" and launch of "Thierry Mugler Perfume Workshops"
Thierry Mugler launched his second major fragrance, "Alien", in 2005. That same year, he also introduced the "Thierry Mugler Perfume Workshops," offering the public a chance to delve into the world of perfumery and oenology under the guidance of experts.
2006: Mugler collaborates on fragrance project for "Perfume" film
In 2006, Thierry Mugler collaborated with IFF to create a unique fragrance project for the launch of Tom Tykwer's film "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer." Mugler developed a special box set containing fifteen distinct fragrance compositions.
2007: Launch of "Mirror, Mirror" fragrance collection
Continuing his exploration of metamorphosis, Mugler released "Mirror, Mirror" in 2007. This collection featured five fragrances designed to "enhance one's presence."
2008: Launch of Thierry Mugler Beauty
The Mugler brand expanded into high-end cosmetics with the launch of Thierry Mugler Beauty in 2008.
2009: Artistic Advisor to Beyoncé
Thierry Mugler took on the role of artistic advisor for singer Beyoncé in 2009, designing costumes for her "I Am... World Tour."
April 2010: Mugler's Physical Transformation
An article in the New York Times in April 2010 highlighted Thierry Mugler's physical transformation. He now preferred to be called Manfred and had undergone a significant body change, embracing bodybuilding and tattoos.
September 2010: Nicola Formichetti Appointed Creative Director, Rebranding to MUGLER
Nicola Formichetti became the creative director of the Thierry Mugler brand in September 2010, rebranding it as MUGLER.
2010: Release of "Womanity" fragrance
The House of Mugler released the fragrance "Womanity" in 2010.
January 2011: Relaunch of Menswear Collection
The MUGLER brand, under Formichetti's leadership, relaunched its menswear collection in January 2011 in collaboration with Romain Kremer.
April 2013: Formichetti Leaves MUGLER
After more than two years as MUGLER's creative director, Nicola Formichetti announced his departure from the fashion house in April 2013 to join the Italian brand Diesel.
December 2013: David Koma appointed as artistic director of House of Mugler
In December 2013, David Koma was announced as the new artistic director for House of Mugler.
2013: Thierry Mugler Returns as Creative Advisor
Thierry Mugler returned to his brand as a creative advisor in 2013.
2015: Release of "Angel Muse"
Mugler released the fragrance "Angel Muse" in 2015.
2016: Mugler directs Eurovision Song Contest performance
In 2016, Thierry Mugler directed the music video and staging for San Marino's Eurovision Song Contest entry "I Didn't Know", performed by Turkish singer Serhat.
December 2017: Casey Cadwallader appointed as creative director of Mugler
Casey Cadwallader was named the new creative director of Mugler in December 2017.
2019: Mugler designs for the Met Gala
Despite retiring in 2003, Thierry Mugler made an exception to design under his name "House of Mugler" for the Met Gala in 2019, drawing inspiration from Sophia Loren in the film "Boy on a Dolphin" to create the "wet couture dress".
2019: Design for Beyoncé's World Tour and Kim Kardashian's Met Gala Appearance
In 2019, Thierry Mugler designed costumes for Beyoncé's "I Am... World Tour" and a unique piece for Kim Kardashian's appearance at the Met Gala.
2019: Mugler discusses his post-fashion life
Openly gay and a dedicated bodybuilder, Mugler became more private after leaving the fashion world. Choosing to go by his given name, Manfred, he focused on bodybuilding. In 2019, he explained that he saw "Thierry Mugler" as a label and brand, and he was ready to explore new avenues.
2019: "Thierry Mugler: Couturissime" exhibition launches and Chris Klein begins painting Mugler's designs
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts launched the 'Thierry Mugler: Couturissime' exhibition dedicated to Thierry Mugler in 2019. That same year, visual artist Chris Klein started creating paintings inspired by Mugler's designs.
January 2022: Death of Thierry Mugler
Manfred Thierry Mugler passed away in January 2022.
January 2022: Thierry Mugler passes away
Thierry Mugler passed away from natural causes at his residence in Vincennes, near Paris, in January 2022. He was 73 years old.
2022: Mugler Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection video released
During the pandemic, Mugler opted for video shows instead of runway shows. The Mugler Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection video, co-created with DIS magazine's spin-off, Torso Solutions, featured Megan Thee Stallion, Chloe Sevigny, Bella Hadid, and Eartheater. The video concluded with a tribute to the late Thierry Mugler, featuring prima ballerina Maria Kochetkova and vogueing superstar Barbie Swaee.
February 2023: Release of "Angel Elixir"
The most recent flanker in the Angel fragrance line, "Angel Elixir," was released in February 2023, with a campaign featuring actress Hunter Schafer.
2023: Mugler returns to Paris Fashion Week
In 2023, Mugler returned to Paris Fashion Week with an in-person show after an almost three-year hiatus. The runway featured models Adut Akech, Paloma Elsesser, Eva Herzigova, Ziwe, Arca, and Memphy. The show incorporated a blend of digital and physical elements, with an image displayed on a large TV screen positioned beside a staircase in the middle of the runway.
