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24 January 2022 10:23 AM

Fashion designer Thierry Mugler dies aged 73

"A visionary whose imagination as a couturier, perfumer and image-maker empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day."

By Alastair James

Words: Alastair James; Image:

French fashion icon Thierry Mugler has died aged 73, his representatives have announced.

Known for his bold designs and collaborations with stars such as George Michael, Beyoncé, and Kim Kardashian, Mugler was an icon in the fashion world.

An Instagram post uploaded to Mugler’s account on Sunday (23 January) reads: “We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

“A visionary”

On the official Mugler account a post described Mugler as “A visionary whose imagination as a couturier, perfumer and image-maker empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MUGLER (@muglerofficial)

The BBC reports that Mugler died of natural causes.

Singer Diana Ross tweeted she would miss him, while RuPaul’s Drag Race stars such as Aquaria and Detox commented on Instagram with the former saying Mugler’s passing was “devastating” adding, “Rip to an absolute legend”

Beyonce Knowles also paid tribute on her website with a picture of Mugler and the words “Rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, Kylie Minogue wrote on Instagram: “Deepest condolences [heart emoji] A true visionary. Thank you for your art Manfred.”

Mugler also designed the costumes for George Michael’s 1992 hit ‘Too Funky’.

Born in Strasbourg in 1948 Mugler was originally a dancer with the Ballet du Rhin based in Alsace.

By the 1970s he’d opened his first boutique in Paris. He soon became known for bold and extravagant designs that defined an era of “power dressing”. By 2002 he retired from his label but would go on to make one-off outfits for Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, and Cardi B.

The iconic perfume, Angel, created by Mugler was sold to Clarins and remains a bestseller.

According to his agent, Jean-Baptiste Rougeot, the designer had been due to announce new collaborations this week.

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