Mugler first teased their Spring Summer 2021 Collection via a short film they released in October of 2020. The film showcased the brighter, more colorful options of the line, more grandiose, shot against breathtaking views and cityscape locations. The film was reminiscent of a big budget art-house production. With the release of Part 2, Mugler pulled back from the colors and landscapes and brought it down to a solitary runway for a minimalist yet engaging show.

Mugler’s Spring Summer film features the clothes being displayed on models walking the runway, but mostly in reverse. The models emerge from the darkness and make their way back and forth, also exhibiting feats of athleticism such as cartwheels through the use of POV cameras and stunt doubles, all shot in Long Island City, NY.

Created by NY-based duo TORSO, the show is a commentary on the art of the runway and the traditional fashion show construct, challenging its linearity. The show features several prominent figures and models, including Bella Hadid, “Euphoria’s” Hunter Schafer, “POSE’s” Dominique Jackson, and Irina Shayk, among others like Omahyra Mota, Alek Wek, and Soo Joo Park. 

The Casey Cadwallader-helmed collection itself focuses on creating illusory experiences with patterns and shapes, largely with form-fitting garments. The use of trompe l’oeil fabrications helps accentuate the body and create futuristic looks that are more traditional in silhouette but fashion forward in execution. Solids are mixed with light wavy prints in colors like black, white, sky blue, acid yellow, vermillion, and cherry red.

The individual pieces themselves play with cut-outs and mixes of sheer paneling with solid fabrics. The combinations created are a good representation of the aesthetic choices in the collection, with one featuring an acid green halter dress with sheer sky blue gloves and red tights. The nude garments with glimmering crystal appliqué’s particularly stand out.

There’s a nod toward changing up our ideas of what traditional fashion is supposed to be and look like that Mugler goes for with their collection. But the beauty is in the nod, rather than completely diving headfirst into outré design. 

Check out Mugler’s Spring Summer 2021 collection through their film below: