Montreal, Rotterdam, Munich, Paris, and, finally, New York. The Thierry Mugler “Couturissime” exhibition has been touring around the world for the past 3 years and has finally come to a conclusion, to what many call its ‘home’, the Brooklyn Museum. Happening from November 18, 2022, to May 7, 2023, the exhibition, curated by Thierry-Maxime Loriot, is a tribute celebrating Mugler’s vision and legacy by featuring a selection of 130 looks, photographs, sketches, fragrance samples, and videos.
In the words of Loriot, “The constant innovations, inventions, and avant-garde architectural silhouettes in the work of Mugler have marked an era. His singular style found a place in the history of fashion that still has a powerful influence on today’s generation of couturiers, not only because of its designs but also because of the strong message of inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment in his body of work.”
After the recent passing of the designer back in January, the New York exhibition became the only venue of the series that did not get a chance to be approved by the artist himself. That made it incredibly special and important to keep it as authentic and close to what Mr. Mugler envisioned it, to use it as a homage to his life and his work and best represent the way he dreamed and created.
It is true, as soon as you step inside the Couturissime exhibition, you are instantly hit by the energy of the designer, from the beautifully selected portraits of Madonna, Naomi, and Celine Dion, to other iconic shots of Helmut Newton and videos by David Bowie, the space creates a true hub of fashion and pop culture. Fashion interested or not, when you walk through the show, it is like taking a trip through the designer’s creative universe.
Celebreties Honoring Mugler
Another factor making the exhibition stand out is the guests who gathered to celebrate the
opening of the show, and by wearing the creations of the late designer, they created a live showcase of the unique garments. The opening party graced the fashion scene with dramatic appearances, often latex, sequins, and corsets. Celebrities and current fashion icons like Kylie Jenner and Julia Fox attended the event designated to celebrate Mugler’s life and impact on the industry, with many honoring his work by wearing haute couture archive pieces of the designer.
Kylie Jenner Celebrating Mugler
Once again, the spotlight was on none other than miss Jenner, who chose not one, but two looks for the opening night on November 15th, attending the event alongside Casey Cadwallader, Mugler’s creative director. Of course, Kylie chose drama for her appearance, rocking her first look with a black strapless gown accentuating her figure with a signature style corset, feather opera gloves, and the centerpiece - the vintage diamond crown. We already know she LOVES pulling out vintage pieces every time she steps on a red carpet, and this occasion was no different.
Kylie Jenner in Vintage Mugler
Stepping inside the exhibition, the Kylie Cosmetics founder changed into the second look of the night, featuring another figure-hugging look - a sheer, embroiled catsuit. To calm it down, Kylie paired it with a voluminous white cape lined with subtle black detailing. As she walked through the show, you could easily mistake her for another mannequin, as she posed and shared on Instagram later with her fans - "Wowow, what a beautiful night celebrating the opening of the Thierry Mugler Archive Exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum," Kylie shared on the social platform. She adds, "Such an honor to wear a piece of fashion history. Thank you to the Mugler team, and make sure to stop by to see the exhibition while it's there, celebrating the life and art of the forever iconic Thierry Mugler."
Other celebs joining the opening event of the Coutourissme exhibition include Laverne Cox, who went for an all-black latex look, Susanne Bartsch, whose outfit was all about the feathers, and Shannon and Shannade Clermont, who matched their outfits in new season Mugler sheer catsuits.
Now that the craziness of the opening night at the Brooklyn Museum is over, and you find yourself in New York, make sure you give the show a visit to experience the fascinating universe of the French designer who marked the ‘80s fashion scene with dramatic silhouettes, innovating techniques and bold vision.