The fashion world lost another of its most influential personalities yesterday with the death of French fashion designer and couturier Manfred Thierry Mugler.

His death was announced in a post on Mugler’s official Instagram account: “It is with deep sadness that the House of Mugler announces the death of Mr. Manfred Thierry Mugler. A visionary whose imagination as a designer, perfumer and image maker has empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day.

Once a ballet dancer, Mugler was a key player in the high-octane fashion scene of the 80s and 90s. He was the main proponent of the broad-shouldered, cinched-waist silhouette that dominated the era, and found muses that matched his vision: Texas model Jerry Hall was in his circle, as was pop star Grace Jones. “Thierry Mugler. His talent was everything,” costume designer Arianne Phillips said on Instagram.

For younger generations, Mugler will likely be remembered for his hugely popular Angel and Alien fragrances, his work with Beyonce during her Sasha Fierce period, and for his perfectly cultivated “muscle man” physique. Most recently, Mugler dressed Kim Kardashian at the 2019 Met Gala. Those who attended his shows will remember him as a true fashion changer – a gifted couturier with a knack for evoking glamor and a keen understanding of the best way to accentuate the female form.

Beyond its groundbreaking womenswear, Mugler has also launched a line dedicated to men, specializing in zoot-style pointy-shoulder suits. He designed clothes for David Bowie and he both dressed and directed the cast for George Michael’s So cool music video in 1992. Through it all, he stood up for the LGBTQ+ community both on his catwalks and in his campaigns.