Mugler Staged a Hyperfantasy Film With CGI Models and Paris Landscapes
Fashion

Mugler Staged a Hyperfantasy Film With CGI Models and Paris Landscapes

The Mugler universe under Casey Cadwallader is unapologetically sexy and fiercely inclusive, a continuation of founder Thierry's once-radical approach to casting by having drag queens walk his shows. The creative director's latest collection is no exception, which was shown today as a short film in leiu of a runway.

Following his Fall 2020 outing in Paris last season, which featured an array of plus-size models sporting body-hugging leathers and sheer bodysuits, his Spring 2021 lineup played with sculptural shapes and proportions in trompe l'oeil fabrics and curvy lines.

This time, the spliced suits and lingerie details were sported by both new and familiar faces, including androgynous Korean model Xu Meen, transgender models Raya Martigny and Kai Isaiah Jamal, South Sudanese beauty Ariish Wol and longtime muse Debra Shaw

The brand released an accompanying short film directed by Florian Joahn to coincide with the launch — a surreal, physical and virtual hybrid of avatars and real-life models in scenes depicting the streets of Paris and Greek myth references. Bella Hadid makes an appearance as a flying CGI Pegasus, while London artist Shygirl is seen providing the soundtrack.

"It's really a flex on Mugler brand culture," Cadwallader said in a statement. "It's about sensing the power of these incredible people, their determination and confidence performed in every frame."

Interestingly, the film is a prelude to the full Spring 2021 runway show that will take place next February in Paris, which will drop in stores shortly afterward. From there on, Mugler will continue to present collections in the season they're in, essentially showing in a see-now-buy-now format.

The collection preview shown in the video today, which you can see below, is available now on Mugler.com.

Photos courtesy of Mugler/ Carlijn Jacobs