Thierry Mugler: Couturissime, a retrospective exhibition honoring the influential designer, Thierry Mugler, is set to take place in Paris. Originally published in July 2021, this article revisits the exhibition, which aims to celebrate his multidisciplinary artistry and his significant contributions to various fields, including fashion, photography, music, perfumery, and gay rights. Going beyond a traditional retrospective, the exhibition also highlights the collaborations between Mugler and his creative alter-ego, Manfred.
Initiated, produced, and circulated by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) in 2019, the exhibition, entitled “Thierry Mugler: Couturissime,” is scheduled to run from September 30, 2021, to April 24, 2022. It will take place in the newly renovated Christine and Stephen A. Schwarzman Fashion Galleries of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
Thierry Mugler, who rose to fame as a runway designer from the 1970s until 2002, established himself as one of the most bold and innovative couturiers of his time. He is renowned for creating iconic power-shouldered looks that defined the silhouette of the ’80s. Mugler was also ahead of his time in recognizing the influence of MTV culture, and his collaboration with George Michael in the 1992 video “Too Funky,” featuring exclusively Mugler clothes, played a significant role in popularizing couture worldwide. In addition, Mugler’s inclusion of transgender models in his shows in the 1990s played a crucial role in promoting acceptance of non-binary sexual diversity.
The exhibition will span two floors and represents Mugler’s return to Paris, where he first gained fame almost fifty years ago. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of items, including ready-to-wear and haute couture silhouettes, stage costumes, photographs, and previously unpublished archives dating from 1973 to 2014. Through this showcase, attendees will gain insights into Mugler’s universe and his collaborations in the realms of entertainment, music, and cinema. Curated by Thierry-Maxime Loriot, the exhibition will also feature digital performances by professionals in the entertainment and audiovisual industry. Additionally, a dedicated room will highlight Mugler’s photography, as he was one of the pioneers in photographing his own campaigns, capturing his “Glamazons” in extraordinary locations such as Greenland, Moscow’s skyscrapers, the Sahara Desert, and the rooftop of the Paris Opera House.
In summary, Thierry Mugler: Couturissime is an unmissable retrospective that pays tribute to the visionary work of the late designer. It explores Mugler’s profound impact on the world of fashion and various other artistic realms, solidifying his legacy as a true creative force. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Mugler’s universe and witness his groundbreaking collaborations and contributions to the world of art and design.
Useful links:
– Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – Thierry Mugler: Couturissime
– Musée des Arts Décoratifs – Thierry Mugler: Couturissime
