Thierry Mugler's Most Iconic Looks as Designer Dies Aged 73

Today the fashion world is mourning an icon as French designer Manfred Thierry Mugler has died at the age of 73.

A legendary force within the fashion industry, Mugler's creations consistently pushed boundaries and cemented him as one of the most innovative designers and zeitgeist creators of the last century.

On Sunday, his official Instagram account shared a post with the caption: "#RIP We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr. Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022. May his soul Rest In Peace."

It's impossible to narrow down his creations into a shortlist, but here are some iconic Mugler looks over the years as the world mourns the loss of a true visionary today.

Iconic Mugler Looks Over the Years

The Motorcycle Corset

This striking bustier defines Mugler's skill as a sculptor and was first worn in the George Michael music video for "Too Funky" in 1992 and had also been worn by Beyoncé.

Les Insectes, Jerry Hall

Model Jerry Hall was one of Mugler's muses, and this 1997 collection drew inspiration from insects and comic book villains.

Jerry Hall
Jerry Hall on catwalk while a Mugler's fashion show 1997 in Paris. Michel Dufour/Getty/WireImage

Cyborg

Mugler's famous 1995 robot suit took six months to create.

Mugler's Cyborg
Visitors view a piece called "Robot Couture," a silver cyborg outfit by designer Thierry Mugler piece at the "Love and War: The Weaponized Woman" exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) 12 September 2006... ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

The Bodysuit

One of Mugler's most recognizable and adaptable creations.

Mugler
MUGLER: FALL/WINTER 98/99 HAUTE COUTURE Getty Images
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid walks the runway during the Mugler Womenswear Spring/Summer 2020 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 25, 2019 in Paris, France. Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

The Chimera Gown

"La Chimère" is one of the most expensive dresses in fashion history.

Mugler
MUGLER: HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION, AUTUMN-WINTER 97/98 Pierre Vauthey/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga burst onto the music scene wearing Mugler in 2008.

Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga performs at the HP Pavilion on October 10, 2008 in San Jose, California. Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

Beyonce

Mugler helped to define Beyoncé's Sasha Fierce era.

Cardi B, Birth of Venus

Cardi B wore this iconic Birth of Venus dress from the Mugler 1995 winter couture show at the 2019 Grammys.

Cardi B
Offset of Migos (L) and Cardi B attend the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The Power Suit

Mugler's 1988 She-Devils collection revolutionized workwear for women.

Mugler
Some iconic Mugler looks. Getty Images

Beyoncé is leading the tributes to Mugler today with a post on her website. Diana Ross also shared a touching tribute to the designer.

Georgia May Jagger, who became the face of Mugler's women's fragrance Angel in 2014, commented on Instagram: "I cannot believe this is true sending love to you all. Thierry was a force of creativity and kindness."

Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, paid tribute to a "visionary."

"He was truly a visionary. His designs shaped a fashion era and influenced a new generation of designers that weren't afraid of taking risks. He was a pioneer in mixing art, fashion history music, advertising, technology & celebrity culture into a new form. RIP Thierry Mugler."

Writer Cora Harrington said: "Mugler is one of those designers who is so iconic that references to him appear everywhere. He is THE blueprint. Like so many other greats, there is an aesthetic language he developed that we take for granted today because it's so ubiquitous. It's woven into the fabric of fashion."

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