Fashion designer Manfred Thierry Mugler, whose often dramatic designs were worn by celebrities like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Cardi B, has died at 73. His official Instagram account announced his death on Sunday, saying “May his soul Rest In Peace.” The post was all black with no image and just that caption. No cause of death was given in the post.
Mugler, whose brand launched in 1973, became known for his architectural style, defined by broad shoulders and a tiny waist. His trademark was using plastic-like futuristic fabric in his sculpted clothing. Mugler defined haute couture for more than several decades, dressing up some of the biggest names in the world, from Diana Ross to Beyonce, at galas, red carpets, and runways. Mugler was never afraid of his designs being outlandish, his designs at times resembling robotic suits with protruding cone shapes. He also started a popular perfume line in the 1990s.
The fashion world mourns the loss of a true icon with many showing sympathy over Mugler’s death. This includes model, Bella Hadid, posting “Nonononono,” and an image of a sad face at the news of his passing. Actress January Jones also responded with a heart mark, posted from their Instagram. Besides clothes though, Mugler created films and photographs, and was a dancer, acrobat, and avid bodybuilder. He stressed he always wanted to explore the human body as art. He once told Interview Magazine, “I’ve always felt like a director, and the clothes I did were a direction of the everyday.”
