Couture and perfume king Thierry Mugler has died: Fashion world mourns

Watch: Fashion legend Thierry Mugler dies - the fashion world is in mourning

One of the great fashion designers, Thierry Mugler, has died aged 73, and the couture world is in mourning.

Known for his exquisite cuts and glamorous embellishment in the world of couture, to the public, Mugler was best known for his incredibly successful perfumes.

Angel was launched in 1992, in an unusual star shaped bottle, and is still hugely popular.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 28: Designer Manfred Thierry Mugler attends the
Manfred Thierry Mugler attends the "Thierry Mugler : Couturissime" photocall 2021 in Paris. (PA)

With a fragrance described as "delicious praline with a long-lasting base of patchouli leaf countered by bright Calabrian bergamot for a touch of freshness," the instantly recognisable fragrance has won countless awards.

It was followed in 2005 by the woody/amber fragrance Alien, in its iconic purple bottle. Both scent ranges are amongst the all-time bestsellers.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 21: Presentation of Mugler’s ‘Alien’ fragrance at Open Day Clarins & Mugler on March 21, 2119 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Josefina Blanco/Europa Press via Getty Images) (Photo by Europa Press News/Europa Press via Getty Images )
The perfume ranges have sold millions across the world. (Getty Images )

But as a designer, Mugler was also considered amongst the greats. Inspired by the glamour of 40s and 50s Hollywood, with elegantly padded shoulders and a sci-fi twist, his designs were immensely flattering to women - and men.

French-born Mugler designed stage wear for David Bowie and Lady Gaga, and worked closely with Beyonce to create her memorable looks.

In 2019, he designed Kim Kardashian's "wet dress" for the Met Gala. He also designed for Grace Jones, Diana Ross, George Michael and even Cardi B.

Kim Kardashian, left, and Kanye West attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the
Kim Kardashian, left, and Kanye West attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition, 2019. (AP)

Tributes posted on Mugler's social media pages stated, "We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022," and described him as "a visionary whose imagination... empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day."

Read more: Piers Morgan hits out at Kim Kardashian's extreme cut-out gown

Mugler began designing in 1973, swiftly becoming known for his "avant-garde, architectural, hyperfeminine, and theatrical approach to haute couture".

After retiring from his brand in 2002, he returned in 2013 as creative director, having said, "Fashion is beautiful, 3-D art on a human being. But it wasn't enough, which is why I went on to create in other ways."

(FILE) Cardi B And Fashion Nova Are Giving Away $1,000 Per Hour Amid Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. Fashion Nova and Cardi B are donating $1,000 every hour for the next 42 days until they've given away $1 million to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA - FEBRUARY 10: Singer Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) wearing Mugler with Gismondi1754 jewelry arrives at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Sipa USA)
Cardi B in Mugler on the red carpet. (PA)
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 02:  Lady Gaga walks the runway during the Thierry Mugler Ready to Wear Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 show during Paris Fashion Week at Gymnase Japy on March 2, 2011 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michel Dufour/WireImage)
Lady Gaga walks the runway during the Thierry Mugler Ready to Wear Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 show during Paris Fashion Week (PA)

Celebrity tributes have poured in. Beyonce shared an image with the caption "Rest in Peace", while designer Christian Siriano wrote: "Another icon lost today. Rest well in ultimate beauty Thierry Mugler. You opened many many doors. Fashion is having a hard month."

Last week, Vogue's much-loved creative director, Andre Leon Talley, died, also at 73.

FRANCE - JULY 15:  Haute Couture fall -winter 1999 -2000 Fashion show In Paris, France On July 15, 1999 - Thierry Mugler.  (Photo by Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Haute Couture fall -winter 1999 -2000, Thierry Mugler. (Getty Images)

Model Georgia May Jagger, who starred in an Angel campaign, wrote, "I cannot believe this is true sending love to you all. Thierry was a force of creativity and kindness," and singer Diana Ross posted an image of herself with the designer on Twitter, adding, "I will miss you Thierry Mugler, this was a wonderful time in our lives."

Kourtney Kardashian posted an image of herself and her sisters all dressed in Mugler couture,

Model Bella Hadid write, “No no no no no,” with a sad emoji, while Heidi Klum posted a broken heart emoji, and the word “Icon”.

NEW YORK CITY, NY - JUNE 22: Beyonce (wearing Thierry Mugler) performs onstage during the Beyonce
Beyonce wearing Thierry Mugler during the "I AM..." World Tour, 2009 (Getty Images)

Kylie Minogue wrote, “Deepest condolences. A true visionary. Thank you for your art Manfred.”

Diana Ross's daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross wrote, "I remember him as joyous and beautiful. He loved my mother. And allowed me to take part in his incredible world. What an honor it is to have a small piece [of] history with a true fashion icon. Rest In Peace, Manfred Thierry Mugler."

Diana Ross and Thierry Mugler (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Diana Ross and Thierry Mugler (Getty Images)

Kristin Davies, star of ...And Just Like That also paid tribute, sharing a Mugler quote: “I made clothes because I was looking for something that didn’t exist. I had to try to create my own world.”

“Another horrible loss,” she added. “Visionary Thierry Mugler, fly high”.

Read more: French Designer Manfred Thierry Mugler Dies At 73

Elle Magazine's Editor in chief Ninа Gаrciа, wrote:

“He wаs а visionаry in the truest sense of the word. His designs helped to define а fаshion erа аnd inspired а new generаtion of designers who weren’t аfrаid to tаke risks.

"He wаs the first person to combine аrt, fаshion history, music, аdvertising, technology, аnd celebrity culture into а new form. Thierry Mugler, mаy your memory be а blessing.”

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