Thierry Mugler: Fashion Fetish Fantasy

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: Beyond the bland, banal and often sleazy worlds of fashion and fetish there exists a hidden and beautiful world exemplified by Mugler's work and friends (whom he acknowledges with exquisite charm and tact on page 188). All these people 'get it' at a level of subtlety and taste that the lesser practitioners will never understand. They understand the power of bodily eroticism, the magic and mystery of masks and concealment, the attraction of helplessness (try to walk in those shoes and you will understand, too) coupled with the dangerous appeal of domination and submission.
FFF is to EXTREME as vintage wine is to mere plonk. Of course EXTREME had to be assembled as a Met show/book toying with cultural anthropology with the mainstream in mind, but although excellent (and so rated by me and others) EXTREME pales into insignificance by comparison with FFF. FFF combined extremes of other kinds: extreme eroticism, extreme physical transformations, extreme emotional danger. It is hugely to the credit of everyone involved, including models, photographers and the celebrities who comment with dazzling power, that it all comes off as beautiful and powerful, never beyond the bounds of taste. When you read those names, and consider what they have done in their own worlds, you will find yourself thinking (at least I did), that these are people whose persons and work you have admired, whom you would like to know in person, with whom you could have unusual and interesting times. They include Pedro Almodovar, David Bowie, John Epperson, Tippi Hedren, Ute Lemper, Julie Newmar, Jennifer Tilly (yes!), Bruce Vlanch and Raquel Welch, all relentless pushers of the cultural envelope.
Tension is the great sexual aphrodisiac and FFF is all about sexual tension expressed with body, face and hand adornment that is at the very limit of what can be done. My copy is not for sale, ever.

Rating:
Summary: Mugler makes the clothes that make you say "Oooohhh, AHhhh."
Review: This collection of images and commentary on the creative work of Thierry Muglerserves you some killer imagery of famous people wearing infamous couture..Hardly a single item you would sport at a PTA meeting but, then, would you want to ever GO to a PTA meeting? An unbridled imagination, combined with the technical and architectural skills required bringing his visions to life, are made obvious as you slowly turn the pages ( with scrupulously clean hands, thank you ) and imagine a world where you play the starring role with Mr. Mugler as your wardrobe master..Don't try to attempt to recreate these garments at home. These get-ups come from a PROFESSIONAL!! Wear them at your own risk and don't turn your back on any houseguests who express an interest in this book.It is tough to find and sports a hefty price tag. I keep three copies in the house..and they are all tagged with a Low-Jack!! Glorious production values, high quality paper, and a front cover that defies adequate description make this title a MUST for the dreamer on your holiday shopping list..

Rating:
Summary: Exquisite
Review: To refer to Mugler merely as a fashion designer would be off target and a great injustice. He has, over the years, managed to transcend the limitations of conventional clothing design and develop his work into an amazing and dazzling art form. This book exemplifies the way photography, art, design and adornment can be brought together and crafted into something unique.

Mugler's designs are staggering, drawing on influences too diverse to adequately list. These are fantasies of the imagination; marine and insect worlds, avian and feline; couture fetish, European old aristocracy, the African and Oriental, along with Metropolis style sci-fi. The photos are beautiful, reminding me of Pierre et Gilles. There are stark graphic locations captured in a superb minimal style, and also many dynamic shots from fashion shows. It is a book of images that renders its few words almost unnecessary.

On the back cover is a quote - "Fashion doesn't suffice. I try to pass on a feeling, a sensation... I always tell stories. Stories about women. From the spy to the madonna, to the heroine, the goddess, the small Parisian, the secretary. I create clothes women will wear in these imaginary adventures." Mugler breathes life into dreams. An inspiring and wonderfully produced book.

Rating:
Summary: dazzling!
Review: Wonderful eye-candy - page after page of beautifully innovative photography of Mugler's imaginative creations. Much more than just a fashion book. Highly recommended!