Mugler H&M Collection Review
I Tested Out the Boldest Going-Out Looks From the Mugler H&M Collection
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My experience in testing out the widely anticipated Mugler H&M collection can be described in one word: transformative. As I plucked each piece out of the box, I tried to imagine how I might wear it for a night out (while simultaneously shooing away my hyperactive kitten, as I did not plan to accessorise with cat hair). My first observation? The material carries enough weight to reflect its craftsmanship. From spiral multiseaming and strong tailoring to intricate embellishments and elongated sashes and scarf details, the clothes have the touch of luxury that is signature to Mugler's house code.
I narrowed down my selections to three unique looks I felt best represented my personality, as Mugler is known to celebrate each individual's identity by way of alluring cutouts, playful flashes of colour, and corsetry that defines and celebrates curves. My picks included a flamingo-pink body-con minidress with a cutout wrap effect down the bodice, a knotted sash at the neck and hip, and a single gloved sleeve; a multi-cutout, off-the-shoulder bodysuit with a stomach cutout teamed with a micro miniskirt and seam-stitched sheer tights; and a mesh-panelled corset with superior boning and lift at the bust.
I felt constricted in form but liberated in style. And I couldn't stop thinking, "Is this how Kylie Jenner feels?"
Though I couldn't imagine a night out was in the cards for me during my initial try-on, the outfits spurred an instant, inexplicable boost of energy, leading me to reach for the heels, jewellery, and flashy purse that would act as the perfect accoutrements. With all three ensembles, I fully embraced the '80s, as most of the 38-piece collection is inspired by the late Thierry Mugler's archives from the decade, reimagined by current Creative Director Casey Cadwallader.
From a style perspective, I'm not afraid of the bold, so it wasn't daunting to try out more avant-garde trends such as a striking ab cutout or an asymmetrical sleeve situation. After all, these are silhouettes we're now seeing on the red carpet regularly, so determining their wearability feels like a natural next step for a fashion editor. But from a technical standpoint, I was impressed, and perhaps even a bit startled, by the way these designs seemed to reshape my figure, nipping me in at the waist or sharply tracing my sides so I felt — dare I say it? — runway ready. Somehow, I felt constricted in form but liberated in style. And I couldn't stop thinking, "Is this how Kylie Jenner feels?"
In my humble opinion, Mugler H&M is much more than a collection to buy into for the fashion credibility alone — it's party garb that invites you to tap into an essence you might not be so familiar with and embrace it wholeheartedly, all night long.
Ahead, see how I wore my personal favourite Mugler H&M looks, then shop the full range, which retails from £40-£750, at hm.com and in select stores and online beginning 11 May.
Mugler H&M Dress, Look 27
How I Wore It
In the name of Barbiecore fashion, I decided to play up the pink tones of this look, rather than contrast the shade with a pair of tights. Settling on this dress (£100) for a night of dancing called for comfortable wraparound heels that provide support and a hot-pink minaudière with similar rhinestone embellishment.
Mugler H&M Bodysuit, Skirt, and Tights, Look 15
How I Wore It
I truthfully loved everything about the way this look was styled on the model, although I skipped the gloves and hip cleavage by wearing my skirt (£80) a little higher on the hips. The tights (£40) are super-high quality and not at all flimsy — so much so that I didn't fear the crystals on my shoes would snag the material. I felt more secure in the bodysuit (£50) than I imagined I would, as this was one such piece that provided a lot of structure and stretch all at once, thanks to a thicker fabric. Out of all the looks I tried, this was actually the most comfortable.
Mugler H&M Corset, Look 2
Mugler H&M Corset. This product is currently not available online in the UK.
How I Wore It
My advice is to size up in the sheer-panelled corset if it's the object of your desire. Any way you cut it, you should expect to show off a fair amount of cleavage and feel quite "sucked in." While I got used to the secure fit throughout the night, I was very content with making this outfit more casual in my loose-fit work pants and a pair of high-top trainers. Even though wearing all black is not generally my vibe, this corset is definitely edgy enough to make a statement what with its mesh inserts and wavy underwire that visually frame the hips (if your bottom is low-rise).
