Since taking the artistic reins just fours years ago at Mugler, Casey Cadwallader has cultivated a new vision for the storied Parisian house, one built on collaboration, inclusion, and of course, body-hugging silhouettes. Too, Cadwallader has offered a rebuttal to the traditional runway, releasing a series of experimental fashion movies the previous two seasons. Now, the American creative is back with the brand’s latest movie offering, a surreal journey warping the East and West coasts. 

“It’s important to me that the [cast] is a family and it’s growing. I dislike in fashion when someone is ‘cool,’ you use them, and you kick them out—a lot of the industry works this way,” Cadwallader explains to V. “And the [cast] are all performers: they are all people who are brave on camera who can really turn it out.”

And turn it out they did. For Spring/Summer 2022, Cadwallader tapped a dynamic bunch of musicians, artists, models, and performers as the brand took viewers on a must-see escapade to the Hollywood backlot and the streets of New York. Opening the movie was none other than Megan Thee Stallion donning a denim bustier and cut-out, contrast jeans that accent the female form just right. Cadwallder just directed the artist’s “Plan B” music video, too

Fashion-wise, the collection re-ups Cadwallader’s distinct vision for Mugler: body-hugging cut outs, vibrant catsuits, slinky bustier tops. Reconstructed, strong-shouldered blazers are imagined alongside slim cigarette trousers and gigantic hoop earrings that fall just near the elbow. 

“Making clothes in New York is not like making them in Paris, I really appreciate the differences between the two,” Cadwallader notes. “I am a weird in-between, I have the American push but now I know the European way.”

Then, the movie transitions between Tinseltown and New York where we are met with Amber Valletta, Shalom Harlow, Chloë Sevigny, Dominique Jackson, et al, confidently strutting through town in strappy mini dresses and sculpted outerwear. Valletta and Harlow even share a subtle kiss. 

After delightful posing and lots of dancing, the movie concludes with a heartfelt tribute to house founder Manfred Thierry Mugler who suddenly passed away in January. Both sporting archival Mugler sequin halter dresses—which Cadwallder noted was a favorite of Mr. Mugler—prima ballerina Maria Kochetkova and vogueing phenom Barbie Swaee round out the movie in a dance masterclass for the ages.

“It was really critical to me that Mugler became a player again on a global, cultural level,” Cadwallader explains. “Both in terms of fashion credibility but also in terms of pop-culture credibility.” Mission accomplished.