In the mesmerizing whirl of Paris Fashion Week, Casey Cadwallader ascends as a modern sorcerer of style, unveiling a collection that harmoniously dances with contradiction. He’s a designer for Mugler who confidently strides through the enigmatic pathways of creativity, much like the legendary Thierry Mugler. The Spring/Summer 2024 collection, adorned with aquatic elegance, stands as a testament to Cadwallader’s evolution and Mugler’s legacy.
His designs aren’t bound by the clutches of nostalgia; they carve new territories of aesthetic mastery. The aftermath of the rapturous applause for his H&M collaboration was a revelation. The intersection of avant-garde aesthetics and mainstream appeal is where Cadwallader finds his rhythm, confirming that his designs aren’t confined to the gilded corridors of haute couture, but find companionship in the pulsating hearts of fashion enthusiasts globally.
Mugler Spring/Summer 2024 unfurls as a canvas where Cadwallader’s imagination plunges deep into the aquatic realms. He had once tread cautiously around Thierry’s esteemed bestiary but, this time, the plunge into the oceanic abyss is audacious and resplendent. “I’d channeled my love of octopuses and jellyfish into high-voltage, highly theatrical designs,” he admitted, his voice tinted with a mixture of pride and amusement.
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The runway was an aqueous dreamscape where models like Mariacarla Boscono and Paris Hilton, clad in exquisite conceptions of oceanic allure, evoked the splendor of sea creatures. A resin body plate, chiffon trails and spiral-cut denim painted with ombré and polka-dot patterns inspired by sea slugs – every piece narrated an underwater tale. Angela Bassett, the epitome of grace, painted an ethereal picture, her gown unfurling like a giant jellyfish under the tranquil gaze of lights.
Reflecting on his journey, the whispers of a contrarian have grown into assertive proclamations. Cadwallader isn’t here to replicate an era long gone but to stitch the timeless allure of Mugler into the fabric of contemporary sensibilities. The sheer excitement encapsulated within the walls during the Spring show was nothing short of magical. “The energy is so critical for Mugler,” Cadwallader stated, and indeed, it’s an energy that not only sustains but propels the brand into unprecedented echelons of creativity.
The fusion of graphic tailoring with silky, wind-caressed fabrics was a spectacle of visual poetry, a tribute not just to Mugler’s historical grandeur but a fearless declaration of the brand’s evolution. Amidst the lights, glamour, and awe, one thing was lucid – Cadwallader’s Mugler isn’t just a brand; it’s an experience, a sensory journey where the tactile elegance of fabric meets the visual ecstasy of design.
The H&M collaboration, though a venture into the mainstream, wasn’t a dilution but a distillation of Mugler’s essence to its purest form. “I want it to keep leveling up – go more eveningwear, go more fluid, go more silk,” expressed Cadwallader. This isn’t a departure, but a courageous journey onward, and the Spring/Summer 2024 collection is an ode to this perpetual transcendence.
Read more: H&M x Mugler full collection
©Photo: Mugler