Shygirl’s performance was followed by a killer performance by Ghanaian performer Amaarae (in full patent leather look) and ended with some numbers from multi-instrumental producer and performer Earthheater (in crystal embroidered mesh) skintight jumpsuit, adorning her face with crystals). The musical guests aren’t mainstream yet, but they mark Cadwallader as an active member of the community that “supports” him. “At Mugler,” he said backstage, “we respect real talent, and we want to elevate talent. When you realize that you have the ability to bring people to where they deserve, and you can help, then you go Do.”
As for the clothes? Cadwallader draws on Mugler’s full sartorial heritage, bringing it together in a collaboration with H&M. Perhaps most notable was the introduction of appropriate menswear—although the designer knows that people of all genders are already wearing his Mugler collection. In signature bodysuits and body-hugging silhouettes, black, blue and burgundy long-sleeved wetsuits look authentic with matching leggings for everyday wear, while fan-favorite Lycra embellished jeans feature A low rise and loose fit make them even more popular. Cadwallader also brought some key Manfred Thierry Mugler archive pieces, such as a lime green lapelless suit worn by David Bowie, and an understated but shoulder-shouldered pink with silver “punk hardware” A twill skirt suit, no doubt inspired by nipple piercings.
Before we saw the pink suit on the runway, it was spotted at the girl of Pose fame grooving Actor Dominique Jackson on the dance floor. “When Casey says, ‘Hey, Dominic, you have to wear this dress, well, you line up and do what you say,'” she shared after the show. “Personally, Kathy has been such a supporter and motivator. When they called me, I was going through severe body deformity and I put on this dress and I felt incredible.”
The evening reached its peak when Eva Herzigova walked the runway in a signature Manfred Thierry Mugler vampire velvet dress. Herzigova walks the runway at Mugler 1990, where she stands in front of a group of five models and choreographs like she used to. And then there’s the fact that the dress, which is infamous in Gen Z pop culture, was worn by both Dua Lipa and Euphoria the original version starring Alexa Demie and Sydney Sweeney. That was before we saw OG Mugler muse Connie Fleming fully owning the stage. At the end of the runway, Cadwallard cheered each model as they walked away.
at a time when trans rights are especially under threat at a large global company like H&M, to have such a unique community — the queer community — is unbelievable. “The way Mugler moves around the world with a community at the center is so amazing,” Elsesser said afterwards.
