Legendary French fashion designer Manfred Thierry Mugler, known for his dramatic and avant garde designs, died Sunday. He was 73.
The late designer whose dramatic designs were worn by celebrities like Madonna, Lady Gaga and Cardi B, has died. He was 73.
He died Sunday, his official Instagram account said. “May his soul Rest In Peace,” it said in a post that was all black with no image. It did not give a cause of death.
The designer’s fashion house also confirmed the news of Mugler’s death “with deep sadness” Sunday evening.
“A visionary whose imagination as a couturier, perfumer and image maker empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger everyday,” the House of Mugler official Instagram account said.
Thierry Mugler, who launched his brand in 1973, became known for his architectural style, defined by broad shoulders and a tiny waist. The use of plastic like futuristic fabric in his sculpted clothing became a trademark.
He defined haute couture over several decades, dressing up Diana Ross and Beyonce at galas, on red carpets and runways.
His designs weren’t shy about being outlandish, at times resembling robotic suits with protruding cone shapes. Mugler also had a popular perfume line, which he started in the 1990s.
The celebrated fashion designer’s death comes five days after the Jan. 18 death of André Leon Talley, the visionary former creative director of Vogue magazine.
Born December 21, 1948, in Strasbourg, France, Mugler launched his first fashion collection called “Café de Paris” in 1973.
Mugler became internationally recognized as a designer during the 1980s and 1990s. He designed one of the most famous gowns of the 90s, which appeared in the 1993 romance/drama “Indecent Proposal,” starring Demi Moore.
Moore donned the timeless black cut-out velvet backless number while giving the classic line: “The dress is for sale, I’m not.”
Diana Ross shared a picture of her and Mugler on Twitter, writing, “I will miss you Thierry Mugler this was a wonderful time in our lives.”
Mugler was openly gay and a longtime bodybuilder. Following his departure from fashion he became reclusive, went by his first name (Manfred), and began extensive bodybuilding.
In 2019, he said “Thierry Mugler” was a label and a brand, and as such he wanted to move on to other things.
Thierry Mugler died of natural causes on 23 January 2022, at the age of 73.
