Iconic French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, whose designs were warn by entertainment royalty from Kim Kardashian to Lady Gaga to Beyonce, is dead at the age of 73.
Mugler’s official Instagram page confirmed his passing Sunday night.
‘#RIP We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022,’ the post read. ‘May his soul Rest In Peace.’
His cause of death is not yet known.
Mugler dressed the biggest names in fashion and showbiz, even coming out of retirement in 2019 to dress Kardashian for the Met Gala.
‘He envisioned me as this California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping,’ Kardashian said at the time.
Iconic French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, whose designs were warn by entertainment royalty from Kim Kardashian to Lady Gaga to Beyonce, is dead at the age of 73
Mugler’s official Instagram page confirmed his passing Sunday night
Mugler (center) and members of Dee Lite band attend a fashion week party in the 1980s
Mugler, seen at the dress rehearsal of his show ‘The Wyld – Not of this world’ in October 2014
Mugler, seen here in Paris in July of 1992 at a fashion show
Thierry Mugler (right) and Jean Paul Gaultier attend a fashion week Party at Les Bains Douches in the 1990s in Paris
Other famous names dressed by the Frenchman include everyone from icons like David Bowie, George Michael, Cindy Crawford and Sharon Stone to modern stars like Cardi B, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Bella Hadid.
His impact continued even in the week prior to his death, as Twitter obsessed over Alexa Demie’s character Maddie seen trying on one of Mugler’s dresses in an episode that aired on January 16.
After his retirement, Mugler worked as an artistic adviser to Beyonce, including in designing the costumes for her ‘I Am…’ world tour in support of the album that unveiled the character of Sasha Fierce.
Mugler was also famous for his line of perfumes, which are sold to this day. His most recent fragrance, Angel Nova, was released in June 2020.
He made his name largely in the 1980s and early 90s, with his designs used everywhere from the runway to stage shows and even music videos such as George Michael’s 1992 hit ‘Too Funky.’
Kim Kardashian West wore Mugler as recently as the 2019 Met Gala
Kardashian, seen here with Mugler at the opening of an exhibition in Montreal, was part of a revival of his designs
Mugler, seen here with supermodel Tyra Banks
Thierry Mugler and Georges Bedran attend the Manfred Thierry Mugler Photographe exhibition at Polka Factory in 2019
The designer also helped pave the way for transgender models, as Mugler used them in his stage shows as far back as 1984.
His first perfume, Angel, released in 1992 and was said to be preferred by Hillary Clinton and Barbara Walters.
He began to look different in recent years due to a series of accidents that forced him to get facial reconstruction surgery.
According to Vulture, Mugler ‘was best known for his sculptural use of tailoring. He became famous internationally for his broad-shouldered, 40’s-inspired women’s suits and highly themed fashion shows.’
He retired from fashion in 2002 before his brand was set to be shut down, but remained an influence on fashion for the next two decades.
Mugler, seen here at one of his earliest shows in 1979 in Paris
A star-studded tribute to Mugler featuring celebrities like Daryl Hannah (left) was held in Los Angeles in 1992
Mugler launched his first fashion collection, ‘Café de Paris,’ in 1973.
One of his most famous gowns was Demi Moore’s iconic dress from the film Indecent Proposal.
He also published multiple books – his first photography book ‘Thierry Mugler: Photographer’ in 1988, and ‘Fashion Fetish Fantasy,’ a collection of photos of his creations, in 1998.
Outside of his photography, Mugler was also known to enjoy bodybuilding.
In September 2010, his brand was renamed simply Mugler and is now run by American designer Casey Cadwallader.
‘Manfred, I am so honored to have known you and to work within your beautiful world,’ Cadwallader said in an Instagram post paying tribute to Mugler, referencing Mugler’s given first name. ‘You changed our perception of beauty, of confidence, of representation and self empowerment. Your legacy is something I carry with me in everything I do. Thank you.’
Thierry Mugler and Diana Ross at a show in 1991