The Bestiary of Thierry Mugler: Couturissime, the Tribute Exhibition

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From Montreal to the cobblestones of our capital, Couturissime pays a stunning tribute to the work of Thierry Mugler. An exhibition that we had the chance to experience, and we share our feelings below.

Thierry Mugler, the Artist

Often known for his enchanting perfumes, such as his legendary Angel, this exhibition highlights the entire creative palette of Thierry Mugler. Haute couture, staging, photography, video, perfume, dance… A visionary French creator, he has established himself among the greats, with an art that is multi-disciplinary. A perfect opportunity to discover his imaginative world from another dimension, through a hundred pieces, most of which have never been exhibited before.

A Unique Vision of Fashion

Thierry Mugler arrived at a turning point in the history of fashion in Paris. Faced with trendy cities, showcasing great craftsmanship, like New York and Milan, the designer made a name for himself among his peers, recognized by the Chamber Syndicale of Haute Couture. At a time when François Mitterrand was restoring fashion to the status of “major art“, thus transforming Paris into the fashion capital, the designer brought his fresh and innovative eye.

Unlike other designers, who create pieces suitable for everyday wear for both men and women, Thierry Mugler stands out as a creator of “event” pieces. His pieces transform human silhouettes into sacred creatures. Magazine covers, photo shoots, music videos, themed parties, stage outfits, or premieres… These pieces create the spectacle, connecting humans with animals.

For indeed, in this exhibition, we discover all the inspiration the creator found in the human silhouette, transforming and mutating it to an animal status. Fascinated by the body, textures, movement… The silhouettes of men and women seen through Thierry Mugler’s eyes appear as if they emerged from a chrysalis, taking on the traits of reptiles, birds, insects, or butterflies… Embracing the curves of bodies, tight or asymmetrical cuts alter their appearance, transforming them into beasts from another world. With a mystical, mythological, malevolent, and sometimes erotic spirit, we enter the unusual mind of this creator.

The Ball of Textures

Among the exhibited pieces, we discover two striking collections: The Insects and The Atlanteans, highlighting aquatic nymphs.

Beyond an initial stunning encounter with the atmosphere that the pieces emit, especially when placed next to each other, we are dazzled by their design and meticulous details.

We observe Thierry Mugler’s work with synthetic materials, aiming to replicate scales, feathers, alongside thousands of crystals and diamonds, and endless lengths of horsehair… Each piece radiates an incredible imagination, as well as remarkable craftsmanship. The cuts of the bodices resemble the backs of insects, while seams and sharp edges create the illusion of fish gills. Innovative techniques are visible, such as pleated organza. Beyond mastery, there is a playful aspect, where we witness true creative work.

Whether you appreciate the designs or not, one cannot help but be impressed by the work of creation and design. Each outfit is meticulously thought out, right down to the handbag shaped like a seahorse or the pointed earmuffs. The pieces adorning heads and faces push the boundaries, creating a blurred line between animal and human.

These pieces thus bring forth every animal instinct that slumbers within us.

A Disconcerting Scenography

Scenographed in part by Rodeo FX from Montreal, the exhibition aims to be immersive. We transition from one universe to another, with a very particular feeling. All the pieces from such fantastic universes, placed side by side in timeless settings, transport us to another sphere. That of Thierry Mugler. Making us feel a bit uneasy due to the accumulation of such extraordinary pieces, the journey through the exhibition is highly successful and impacts each spectator, whether they love the creator’s work or not.

It is surrounded by other great names in art that his pieces have found their brilliance, through photo series, created by Helmut Newton and David LaChapelle, among others. Additionally, through videos that accompany the visit.

If you are as passionate about fashion exhibitions as we are, we can only recommend the Yves Saint-Laurent museum in Paris. Offering varied exhibitions around the work of the couturier, you can also discover his workshop there.

As for the agenda, you can also find in Paris the exhibition “A History of Fashion” at the Palais Galliera, running until June 26.