The iconic fashion house, Mugler, has recently announced a collaborative collection with the high-street brand, H&M.
Mugler’s Creative Director, Casey Cadwallader, designed the collection to celebrate “freedom, self-expression and diversity”, something made evident through their creative launch campaign - a music video.
The video in question, directed by Torso and styled by Haley Wollens, featured an array of
models all dressed head-to-toe in the upcoming collection and strutting across our screens.
Working with producer Ashland Mines, the video featured a reworked version of Stardust’s 1998 track ‘Music Sounds Better with You’ which was created by Amaarae, Shygirl, Eartheater and Arca as the campaign anthem. In the video, their unified looks are an ultimate girl band moment.
The self-proclaimed “fearless, fascinating, fantasy” designer brand was most notable during the 1990s, and it seems this collection draws inspiration from that golden era. From leather and grunge aesthetics to the mix of denim and cutouts, each piece feels both timeless and avant-garde - but ensures to encapsulate the Mugler aesthetic we’re used to.
"Casey and the Mugler team have been incredibly generous in offering up so many of the
house's classics and signatures, which shoppers will recognise from the runway and red
carpet." H&M's Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson said, in a statement. "The collection
encapsulates the H&M ethos of sharing great fashion and democratizing design. Every piece is an icon."
In fact, there are several archive remakes included in this drop. One of the most iconic pieces from Mugler’s almost 50-year history was the Harley Davidson corset featured in their spring/summer 1992 collection. That corset structure is seen through many of the pieces in their H&M collaboration, bringing an element of drama and empowerment
that was reflected in the unapologetic music video.
Including womenswear, menswear and accessories, each piece is indisputably Mugler - despite the lower price tag. A key takeaway from what we’ve seen so far is to expect mesh, cutouts, and catsuits.
Almost 1980s-style exaggerated shoulders can be seen in many of the items, but paired with
elements like panelling and aforementioned corsets and cutouts they quickly appear modern and sexy. These enlarged silhouettes are also featured in other ways, such as a mini dress with harsh angles and puffed-out hips which appear editorial without being convoluted.
Black is a key colour of the collaboration and features in a range of timeless pieces like blazers and pantsuits. However, there are many pops of blue and pink for those more daring in their colour preferences, including a variation of the iconic Mugler mesh jeans and unique accessories like a large silver M belt.
With a new generation of A-Listers spotted in Mugler, like Hunter Schafer and Megan Thee
Stallion, this collaboration could easily solidify the brand as a must-watch and begin moving its audience towards a younger generation.
Prices range throughout, with a full-length mesh bodysuit priced at £49.99 and a leather coat at £499, so if you’re looking to begin your designer collection or have had your eye on Mugler’s items for a while then this could be the perfect opportunity - without breaking the bank.
Mugler H&M will launch globally on May 11th, 2023.
Edited by Olivia Booth