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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.