H&M’s latest designer partnership with the iconic fashion house, Mugler represents a groundbreaking alliance that celebrates individuality, inclusivity, and the avant-garde spirit. Led by Mugler’s creative director, Casey Cadwallader, the Mugler H&M collection introduces a fusion of womenswear, menswear, and accessories that embody the essence of Mugler’s trailblazing legacy. With its grand launch at Commercial Bay, Auckland, this collection will have fashion-forward individuals flocking en masse to H&M’s flagship stores across the globe.
The international launch
Our editor-in-chief Sarah Murray flew to Sydney to experience the collection ahead of its launch. The launch itself was filled with Sydney’s fashion elite who were treated to cocktails and champagne, and not only given an exclusive look at the new collection, but an exclusive shop too. Many were leaving with giant bags while others partied the night away.
Sarah’s selects from the collection:
“There are so many great pieces which stay true to the Mugler creative direction, but my absolute favourite has to be the archive reproduction of the 1981 ‘Vampire dress’. Modelled by supermodel Jerry Hall (no less) in the campaign the black velvet mini dress is the perfect ‘revenge dress’ or little black dress everyone wants – or needs!”
A legacy of rule-breaking glamour
Mugler has long been a favourite among celebrities who are drawn to its bold and unique designs including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and more recently, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian. The collaboration between H&M and Mugler serves as a homage to the house’s extraordinary history. Founded by French designer Manfred Thierry Mugler in 1973, Mugler has consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion, embodying freedom of expression and daring style. Even before it became a prevalent theme in fashion, Mugler championed concepts such as body positivity, gender fluidity, transformation, and self-confidence. Since Casey Cadwallader’s appointment as creative director in 2018, the brand has experienced a revitalisation, presenting awe-inspiring designs that are instantly recognisable.
The Mugler aesthetic
At the heart of the Mugler H&M collaboration lies the unmistakable Mugler silhouette. With its emphasis on strong, broad shoulders, a defined waistline, and a celebration of the body’s curves and lines, the collection pays homage to the confidence and empowerment that defines the brand. This contemporary interpretation of Mugler’s vision incorporates a range of designs, including limited-edition archive remakes curated by Cadwallader. These carefully chosen pieces reflect the brand’s influence on the dramatic and glamorous fashion scene of the ’80s and ’90s, offering fans the chance to own a piece of fashion history.
Fluidity and transformation
While the Mugler H&M collection caters to both men and women, it remains true to the brand’s core ethos of gender-fluid styling. Mugler has long embraced the concept of transformation, encouraging individuals to explore their identities through fashion. With this collaboration, H&M and Mugler aim to create a global community of fans who can embrace and express their true selves through the power of clothing. The collection celebrates the beauty of the non-binary, blurring traditional boundaries and inviting individuals to define their own unique style.
Mugler H&M is available to shop from 11 May 2023 at Commercial Bay, Auckland.
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