THIERRY MUGLER

Born in Strasbourg, France in 1948, Thierry Mugler started his career in the arts as a dancer but later started designing in 1967. He launched his first line Café de Paris in 1973, and founded his own label for women two years later, to be followed by designs for men in 1978. Mugler's work over the next two decades had a style that was very much of its time: strong, angular, sometimes almost cruel. Shoulders were wide and padded; waists were wasp-like. Prints were banished: Mugler's clothes came in solid, dominating colours. Collars had exaggerated points or flamelike cutouts. The insect kingdom was a constant influence, as were the people of film noir. In his most extreme runway garments, PVC was often used, as were space and robot themes.

In 1992, Mugler directed the video for George Michael's "Too Funky," featuring a parade of Mugler fashions including the famous motorcycle dress. In 1997 he started a lucrative partnership with the French cosmetics and skincare company Clarins, launching a range of Thierry Mugler fragrances, including Angel and A-men