Celebrities and the world of fashion are mourning the loss of legendary French fashion designer Manfred Thierry Mugler, who died Sunday at age 73.
Mugler, known for his dramatic and avant garde designs, often dressed A-list stars including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and Cardi B.
Beyoncé, a frequent collaborator with Mugler, shared a tribute on her website: “Rest In peace Thierry Mugler,” read the top of her site, with a black and white photo of the designer. Below, Beyoncé featured a collage of looks designed by Mugler that she wore over the years, including looks from her 2009/2010 “I Am…” World Tour, for which Mugler served as costume designer and a creative adviser.
Mugler was also responsible for Kim Kardashian’s memorable wet dress look from the 2019 Met Gala.
On Monday, Kardashian shared a series of photos with Mugler on Instagram as well as some of her wearing his designs.
“Your vision, your transformations, your magic! I am so honored to have known you, spent time with you and be a muse for you. There was so much more for you to show the world and that we had planned to do together, but you already gave us so much,” Kardashian captioned the post.
Kardashian wrote she would never forget her time with the talented designer and cherished how much he taught her about couture.
“You always said beauty will save the world – and you really believed it was a better place because of the beauty all around! Thank you for the beauty. I love you so much,” she wrote.
Diana Ross shared a throwback photo of herself with Mugler from 1990 in Paris, in which she showed off a sheer jumpsuit with strategically placed hanging beads. Mugler frequently designed red carpet looks worn by the singer.
“I will miss you Thierry Mugler,” she tweeted. “this was a wonderful time in our lives”
Tracee Ellis Ross, Diana Ross’ daughter, shared video clips on Instagram from the two times she modeled for Mugler shows, when she was 18 and 19 in the early ’90s.
“I desperately wanted to be a model. But, Super Model-dom was way out of my reach until my mother got a phone call from the incredible (Mugler),” she recalled. “My mother agreed to walk in the show as long as they allowed me to model in the show as well.”
Ross called Mugler a “defining force in fashion” and a “true dreamer.”
“He designed for a future where women were in charge and on top,” she continued. “His clothes were sculptural, sexy and fierce. 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 history with a true fashion icon.”
Kourtney Kardashian shared a throwback “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” promo picture, which featured herself with mom Kris Jenner and sisters Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner – “all in Mugler” designers, Kourtney Kardashian noted with a broken heart emoji.
Jean Paul Gaultier told The Associated Press on Monday that Mugler, his old acquaintance, has now “gone to revamp the angels and demons up there. The sky was his color.” Much has been said over the years of the tensions between the two fashion greats, rumors that Gaultier has said belong to the past.
“Enormous talent,” Gaultier added. “Always in search of perfection with his unique style!”
Iman, who modeled in many of Mugler’s fashion shows, paid tribute to her “true friend” Monday on Instagram.
“In my career I can honestly say I’ve had two collaborators who’ve changed the trajectory of not only my career but my life….Peter Beard and Thierry Mugler!” the model captioned her post which included various video clips of herself walking the runway.
“Mr. Mugler was not only a designer who believed in me but also in my womankind… the black model!” Iman continued. “He was not only an ally for me in front of the crowd but also behind my back & ours.”
Iman concluded: “Let’s remember our heroes and allies not only when they die, but let’s honor them and shout their names when they’re alive!”
Christian Siriano paid tribute to “another icon lost,” a nod to André Leon Talley, the visionary former creative director of Vogue magazine who died at age 73 just five days prior on Jan. 18. The industry also lost Virgil Abloh last November – the trailblazing Louis Vuitton director died at age 41 following a private battle with cancer.
“You opened many many doors,” Siriano wrote to Mugler. “Fashion
is having a hard month.”
More:André Leon Talley, fashion industry icon and former creative director of Vogue, dead at 73
Contributing: Associated Press
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