THIERRY MUGLER (FASHION MEMOIR)

Muscular and macho, a mystery behind his signature shades, Mugler has always loved to shock. In his teen years, Mugler was a dancer at the Ballet du Rhin, which inspired his passion for movement and theatrical effect. At the same time, he was a student at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs which developed his knowledge of design. At twenty he got a job at Gudule, the first of Strasbourg's "swinging" boutiques, and two years later was working as a freelancer for couturiers in Paris, Milan, and London. In 1973 he created his first independant collection that was the first intimation of the super-cool, ultra-feminine style that was to become his own.Whether she manifests herself as an astronaut, rodeo girl, Russian peasant, lady vampire, or blue angel, la muglerienne is versed in Freud, Les Liaisons Dangereuses and comic strips. So daring is his vision that such popular icons as Verushka, Dee-Lite, Diana Ross, Ivana Trump, Darryl Hannah, Jerry Hall, and Patty Hearst have willingly participated in his mega fashion shows. Then came the Muglerman, with impeccably cut clothes to echo the male figure, with pronounced shoulders and waist and tapered trousers. In addition, Mugler has designed for the stage and screen, has created a perfume called "Angel" which is only outsold by Chanel No. 5, and is a highly respected photographer. He is truly a superstar in a leather jacket.