«Wow shows, futurism, feminity, revealing cleavage, narrow waist, accentuated shoulders” – these words immediately come to our mind when we think about a change maker in the world of fashion – Thierry Mugler.The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) has immortalized an exhibition with the works of the famous provocative designer, reminding the public how talented this person was. The exhibition features 180 outfits, many of which are on display for the first time since their debut on the catwalk.
In the second half of the 20th century when designers from all around the world were inspired by world trends (at that time, the Hippie movement was flourishing), Thierry Mugler was swimming against the tide. He created ”glamazon”, a completely different, strong and sexy metropolitan woman who looked astonishing. Tight-fitting dresses, wasp waist, over-size hats – all this to emphasize an unconventional woman.
Mugler has always been distinguished by his love of creating spectacular shows. All this originates in his childhood attachment to ballet. He believed that “fashion was insufficient and it was necessary to show it through musical and theatrical performances.” That is why his podium was a place for scenes from Hollywood movies, comics using specific music.
As many famous couturiers, he designed costumes for the stage. The most famous project was the French production of “Macbeth” in 1985 with the famous heavy dress made of metal rivets.
One of the most legendary, provocative and shocking shows of the fashion world of Thierry Mugler was held in 1984, in which the top model Pat Cleveland in the image of the Virgin Mary, descended to the podium from the rooftop.
He was not afraid to experiment with innovative materials: glass, latex, rubber, metal etc. It seems that this person could make ideal clothes out of any thing without any restrictions.
One of Thierry’s high-profile projects was the clip “Too funky” in collaboration with George Michael. A clip that reveals the world of fashion, both through the glamour of the catwalk and the hell behind the scenes through lustful outfits and unique people. He united the most symbolic top models of that epoque: Eva Herzigova, Tyra Banks, Linda Evangelista.
Among the outfits highlighted in the clip, we can see the famous Harley Davidson corset from the “Cow-Boy collection” with a motorcycle steering wheel.
For the cult show “Les Insectes”, Mugler drew inspiration from nature, turning models into fantastic female-insects, beautiful, but at the same time dangerous and breathtaking.
One of the most legendary, expensive and difficult to perform outfits is the dress “La Chimère” – a real masterpiece of the museum level.
