Mugler has a new creative director

Mugler creative director Casey Cadwallader has officially stepped down and is set to be replaced by Portuguese designer Miguel Castro Freitas. The news broke this morning (March 25), following yesterday’s announcement that Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez are headed to Loewe. Are major fashion announcements our new daily wakeup call? So far this week, yes. 

After seven years as creative director, Cadwallader will leave the French brand at the end of this month. “Over the last seven years, his unique vision has helped introduce Mugler to a new generation, all the while celebrating core themes of empowerment, inclusivity and identity. On behalf of the team, we wish Casey the utmost success in his next ventures,” read a statement from Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum, global brand president of Mugler fashion and fragrances.

His replacement, Miguel Castro Freitas, cut his teeth working under John Galliano at Dior – who hand-picked him to join the Dior team after he graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2004 – before working under Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent and alongside Alber Elbaz at Lanvin. He later rejoined Dior during Raf Simons’ tenure, where he was head of tailoring, before moving to become head of womenswear at Dries Van Noten. His first role as creative director was at Sportmax, the tailoring-driven Italian label and Max Mara offshoot, where he remained for three years. 

Castro Freitas will assume his post at Mugler on April 1. “Miguel lives and breathes the Mugler spirit. His deep understanding of Mugler’s DNA and his vast creativity and talent made him a natural choice,” said Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum.

“It is an honour to join the spectacular house of Mugler. As one of the 20th century’s great couturiers, Mr Mugler reimagined the power and limits of fashion. Alongside the teams, I am thrilled to bring my own vision, story and emotion to this monumental heritage,” said Castro Freitas.

Founded in 1973 by Thierry ‘Manfred’ Mugler, the French brand became known for its spectacular, futuristic collections and catwalk shows – which are referenced today as some of the greatest and most inventive of all time. Mugler was a champion of diversity, consistently tackling ageism, racism and including trans and queer models on the runway too. Cadwallader furthered this inclusive vision during his time at the brand – an ethos we hope to see continued by Castro Freitas in turn.