The twenty-look collection includes two designs physically made in final fabric.
I was encouraged to merge the DNA of the Maison with my interpretation of the modern Mugler vision.
Research, Concept
My concept is based on a modern woman who lives a double life. The fictitious character works her 9 to 5 as a daytime mortician who transforms in her evening hustle as a cabaret contortionist.
Research was gathered from archival garments of Mugler’s atelier and visuals/literature of Musée des Arts Decoratifs and Bibliotheque National.
Draping & Structure
Mugler is known for intense silhouettes of dramatic hips, structured shoulders and a cinched waist.
Based on custom dress form padding, I created over 400 sketches and tracings to get a feel for the silhouette of physical toiles and draping.
Hand-Embroidery
Thierry Mugler’s rich textile inspiration is paired with a contemporary garment choice.
Two crystal-cut glass balaclavas were embroidered one bead at a time with elastane thread, each taking between 32 and 36 hours of labor.
3D Water Droplet
Books, films and media with mortician-esque themes often occur on a dark and stormy night.
I developed a product to create a 3D rain droplet with identical properties to water. Each droplet is adhered carefully one-by-one with a hairpin.
This technique supports the character’s journey from the morgue into the glittering magic of the night.
