At the Mugler Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show at Paris Fashion Week, a show held on September 26, 2024, creative director Casey Cadwallader presented a collection celebrating Mugler’s 50th anniversary with a provocative and futuristic vision.
The runway show deviated from Mugler’s usual theatricality, putting the spotlight on the clothes. The result was an exploration of the maison’s historical heritage, reimagined for a contemporary audience.
Cadwallader’s collection offered a dark yet artistic aesthetic, mixing apocalyptic undertones with futuristic elements. Drawing heavily from Thierry Mugler’s vast archives, the collection was a study in contrasts. It featured sharp tailored garments, sensual dresses, and slouchy shoulders, as well as mesh suits, plastic coats, and corseted men’s suits. The designs balanced angular silhouettes with intricate details, such as shimmering fabrics and edgy hairstyles, creating a powerful narrative of inner strength and emancipation.
Military-inspired uniforms and contrasting panels added a utilitarian touch, while the incorporation of accessories such as the new “Fang” bag-a bat-shaped bag with innovative metal clasps-emphasized the collection’s modernity. The emphasis on structured, futuristic shapes was unmistakable, but softened by subtle nods to nature, reflecting an interplay between strength and beauty.
This season marked a crucial change for Mugler. Cadwallader moved away from the brand’s previous high-energy runway shows to focus on the art of clothing. Key categories such as denim, tailoring and menswear were presented alongside innovative uses of fabrics, including hand-painted velvet jacquards and engineered materials inspired by natural forms.
Floral motifs were reinterpreted with a modern twist, infusing the designs with a sense of meditative beauty. This juxtaposition of organic inspirations and crisp, structured tailoring created a dialogue about femininity that was both strong and tender.
The Mugler Spring/Summer 2025 collection was more than just a fashion show: it was a celebration of the brand’s heritage and a bold step into its future. Fusing historical references with contemporary innovation, Cadwallader managed to create a collection that honors Thierry Mugler’s iconic codes while pushing the boundaries of design. The interplay between soft floral patterns and sharp tailoring embodied a vision of women’s empowerment that seemed both timeless and forward-looking.
