DALLAS, Apr 13, 2007/ FW/ --- American designer Thomas Engelhard has been on the creative helm of Thierry Mugler since July 2005, signing his first collection for the house during the Spring 2006 menswear season. Now on his fourth collection, Engelhard is proving to be more than a worthy heir to the House of Mugler.

Since designer Thierry Mugler launched his eponymous label in 1974, the house’s DNA had been defined by iconography and drama, basing his designs on body aesthetics and each piece create to be ‘performed in,’ probably due to his background as a dancer.

Dominating the fashion scene during the 1980s, Thierry Mugler’s vision was unswerving and uncompromising. Jackets were cut, padded and stitched; creating a cartoon-like ideal, a theme that ran through his superhero menswear.

Taking that philosophy to heart, Thomas Engelhard created the ‘Comix’ collection for Spring / Summer 2007 (now available in stores). His muses were the cape crusaders of the 1950s and 1960s.

Continuing that vision of the Mugler DNA, Engelhard looked towards the future for the Thierry Mugler Fall 2007 collection, sending male models in paratrooper jumpsuits. Using zippers and suspenders to re-shape the body, Engelhard’s ideals is also of that a superhero that does not live in comic books, but lives in the real world.

Staying true to the spirit of the house, Engelhard also ‘cut, padded and stitched’ the jacket. But, except for a few pieces that were just meant for the runway, a high percentage of the exits shown were wearable and would be a nice addition to a man’s wardrobe.

Though there are detractors on where Engelhard is bringing the House of Mugler, one must remember that this is already the 2000s and the 1980s had come and gone. For a venerable house like Mugler to survive, it has to adapt and adjust to the times.

Thomas Engelhard understands that; so, while he stays true to the maison’s DNA, he is also pushing the label forward by creating new silhouettes that are ‘reminiscent’ of Mugler, but new and not outdated in terms of today’s fashion style.

Thierry Mugler

Thierry Mugler

Thierry Mugler

Thierry Mugler