A Message From Outer Space

Last night’s entertainment was curated by Susanne Bartsch, a close friend to Manfred Thierry Mugler, with performances upon historic 90s Mugler show sets. Silhouettes posed behind a blue screen in a club-like scene, floors below the exhibition. Theatric gestures illuminated the night, including a performance by Joey Arias and acrobat and burlesque acts by Amanda Lepore, honoring the designer's legacy in an over-the-top fashion that could only be fitting for Mugler.

Guests arrived adorned in Mugler, including Kylie Jenner, Laverne Cox, and office magazine issue 16 cover star, Julia Fox. The star-studded event was thematically organized to honor Mugler's interests in fantasy, glamour, science fiction, eroticism, and the natural world. Upon entering the exhibtion, guests were welcomed with gift bags and guided by music to the third floor's fantastical party.  

Couturissime also explores the significance of fashion photography, with works by numerous artists and Mugler collaborators on show, including Lillian Bassman, Guy Bourdin, David LaChapelle, Karl Lagerfeld, and more. Mugler himself became a prominent fashion photographer in the 1970s, shooting his own advertising campaigns. He took inspiration from a variety of sources — futurism, science fiction, comic-book heroes, medival armour, and futurstic vehicles. "The constant innovation, invention, and avant-garde architectural silhouettes in his works have marked an era,” says Thierry-Maxime Loriot, curator of the exhibition. Mugler's ethereal style carved a place in fashion history that still has a powerful effect on today’s generation of designers. Due in part because of the experimental designs, but also because of the strong message of inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment that characterizes his body of work.

Always ahead of his time, Manfred Thierry Mugler built a world which blends fantasy, extravagance, and experimentation. Mugler is seen as a sculptor of fantasies who never had enough extravagances. He used to say, "My limit is NO limit." This vibrant exhibition showcases nearly 130 outfits, most on view for the first time ever, showing firsthand his propensity for pushing the envelope.

Join guests in honoring the brilliant work by visiting the collection in Brooklyn from November 15th to May 7th 2023.