Mugler Fall Winter 2024-25 Fashion Show

Casey Cadwallader, the creative force behind Mugler's Fall Winter 2024-2025 collection, orchestrated a spectacle that paid homage to the brand's iconic past while carving out a bold, new vision for the future. Drawing inspiration from Mugler's history of showmanship and theatricality, Cadwallader aimed to captivate and electrify his audience.

Fresh off the heels of a viral sensation featuring Zendaya donning a couture robot suit from Mugler's archives, Cadwallader sought to infuse the runway with the same sense of excitement and innovation that defined the brand's legacy. Embracing the mantra of "créateur de choc," he set out to create a fashion show that would leave a lasting impression.

In a departure from the subdued atmosphere often found in contemporary fashion presentations, Cadwallader embraced extravagance and drama. Rejecting the notion of everyday wear, he delved into Mugler's archives, drawing inspiration from the vampiric glamour of the 1980s. The result was a collection brimming with pulse-pounding evening looks, eschewing denim and Lycra in favor of decadent textures and sumptuous fabrics.

The runway was transformed into a stage for Cadwallader's three-act vision, complete with multiple curtain drops, spotlighted silhouettes, and a generous dose of dry ice. Models such as Precious Lee, Paloma Elsesser, Kristen McMenamy, Eva Herzigova, and Farida Khelfa brought his creations to life, commanding attention with every stride.

Collaborating with contemporary artist Ambera Wellmann, Cadwallader introduced striking prints inspired by Wellmann's surrealist paintings, adorning second-skin mini dresses and pants. The collection culminated in a crescendo of texture, with fringed fabrics, plongé nappa leather, and woven patent-leather tweed creating a tactile feast for the senses.

As the final curtain rose to reveal the backstage hustle and bustle, Cadwallader offered a nod to Mugler's legacy of juxtaposing heaven and hell. It was a reminder of the human effort behind the spectacle, adding depth and humanity to the show's theatricality.