Mugler to release a documentary for its 50th anniversary

Inside The Dream, in the footsteps of Thierry Mugler: this is the title of the one-hour documentary about Mugler, which will be released on Canal+ at the end of September, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Maison. A one-hour immersion into the magical world of Mugler, offering the public a VIP backstage pass to discover the behind-the-scenes of the SS24 show directed by Casey Cadwallader, the current creative director of the brand. The documentary doesn’t just focus on the present but also looks back at the key moments that brought the brand to its current international fame, such as the creation of the Angel perfume and the most iconic red carpets where top stars from the world of culture appeared dressed in Mugler. It’s a tribute to both Maison Mugler and its ever-growing heritage over the past 50 years, to Manfred Mugler, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 73, and also to Casey Cadwallader, who, since 2017, has breathed new life into the brand while respecting its codes and DNA.

Indeed, in 50 years, the Mugler house has built a solid background, the result of change, renewal, and trial and error, ultimately leading to a brand with an authentic and unmatched character. It all started in the 1970s, when Thierry Mugler (later known as Manfred Mugler), fresh from Alsace, arrived in Paris with a feathered hat and a lot of boldness, launching his eponymous brand. From his first collection, the tone was set: the waist was emphasized, the shapes highlighted, the neckline plunging, femininity divine. His success grew steadily: a decade later, invited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, he unveiled his first Haute Couture collection. Another decade later, the new Mugler perfume company was launched, and Manfred remained its creative director until 2013. In 2003, after a buyout by Clarins, the couture side of Mugler was eliminated, leaving only the perfume of a brand that had originally been dedicated to fashion. However, Manfred Mugler continued to be in contact with the world of creation, producing without interruption and without hesitation: he moved from photography to costume design for shows, creating stage productions here and there.

Nevertheless, Mugler’s fashion did not die with the attempt to shut down its department, nor with its creator, who passed away in 2022. In the meantime, a series of talented creative directors have succeeded one another, each bringing a personal approach to the Maison and the Mugler woman, while always respecting its codes. The first to take the reins of Mugler was Rosemary Rodriguez in 2008. Nicola Formichetti followed in 2011 and stayed for two years. In 2013, David Koma arrived, but he left in 2017 to focus on his own brand. The latest, but by no means the least, to step through Mugler's doors and take on the role of creative director is Casey Cadwallader, a New Yorker with over two decades of experience at several fashion houses (including Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, Loewe, and Acne Studios). He has quickly restored Mugler to its status as a leading Parisian brand, reviving its position as a pop culture reference, notably creating stage costumes for Beyoncé and Dua Lipa. More importantly, he succeeded in giving back  Mugler an inclusive character by moving away from the French luxury industry's constant glorification of thinness.

The documentary is therefore naturally a way to highlight the achievements of the man who, in recent years, has greatly contributed to honoring the Mugler name. This phenomenon has become increasingly common: streaming platforms are no longer filled only with mini-series of entertainment that everyone will forget about next month, but also with series and documentaries paying tribute to the fashion houses that have written a chapter in the history of French and global fashion. Disney+ is one of the main players: in recent years, the platform has offered content on Cristobal Balenciaga, Diane Von Furstenberg, and more recently, Karl Lagerfeld, making fashion knowledge and heritage accessible in a fun and enjoyable way, even for those less passionate about the industry. As for Inside The Dream, in the footsteps of Thierry Mugler, it will be available on Canal+ starting September 25.