Mugler names Miguel Castro Freitas new designer to succeed Casey Cadwallader

The house of Mugler has appointed Miguel Castro Freitas to be its new creative designer, succeeding Casey Cadwallader, the Paris-based brand announced Tuesday.
 
If Cadwallader’s departure was expected, the appointment of Castro Freitas is something of a surprise, though he does join Mugler with an impressive CV. Mugler skipped the latest catwalk season in March, sparking speculation that it was about to part ways with the American-born Cadwallader.

 
A Portuguese national, Castro Freitas graduated in womenswear fashion design at Central Saint Martins in 2004. In a busy career he has done creative stints includes at Dior under John Galliano, Yves Saint Laurent under Stefano Pilati and Lanvin under Alber Elbaz. Most notably, Miguel was Head of Tailoring at Christian Dior led by Raf Simons and at Dries Van Noten as Head of Womenswear working with Dries Van Noten. 
 
“It is an honor 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 in a release.

Miguel Castro Freitas, who will oversee all creative for Mugler fashion, brings with him his extensive design experience having held roles at the most renowned luxury fashion houses,  the release added. He will join Mugler on 1st April 2025 and will present his debut Mugler runway collection for Spring-Summer 2026 during Paris Fashion Week in the fall. 
 
Though never a giant fashion label, Mugler remains a unique and storied marque, founded by one of the greatest designers who made Paris their home in the past half century. Manfred Thierry Mugler was famed for using drag queens and porn stars in his shows, and for revolutionizing fashion videos, like George Michaels legendary Too Funky. And for revolutionizing fashion with robotic chic and bio-mechanical couture designs in the 1990s.
 
A reputation burnished by a remarkable retrospective in the Decorative Arts Museum of the Louvre in which opened in 2021, just prior to founder Thierry Mugler’s death in January 2022. Mugler also created one of the great iconic scents of the nineties Angel, granting him a comfortable retirement after he left his house in 2002. 
 
“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. On behalf of the team, we are thrilled to unveil this new chapter with Miguel,” insisted Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum, Global Brand President of Mugler Fashion and Fragrances. 
 
Mugler was acquired in 2019 from Clarins by the French beauty and scent giant L’Oréal, which also owns a significant minority stake in Jacquemus.
 
“Working under some of the industry’s most prolific designers, Miguel boasts an incredible talent in tailoring and “flou”, combined with a vision that is all his own. His love and knowledge of Mugler’s couture codes and heritage will be a limitless source of storytelling to propel the house into the future,” pedicted Adrian Corsin, Managing Director of Mugler Fashion.

 
Cadwallader joined Mugler as Creative Director of Mugler fashion in 2018. During his seven-year tenure he revitalized the House’s brand image and curated a new creative transformation. He was highly respectful of the House’s inclusive codes, while breaking new ground with modernist fabrics.
 
Castro Freitas is in effect the fourth successor to Thierry Mugler. The first two were Nicola Formichetti and David Koma, the first lasting four seasons, the second four years.
 
“It has been my honor to lead Mugler. Mugler is like no other, and it was exciting to lean into all that it could mean in today’s culture. I am forever grateful to my team, collaborators and friends, whose support and talents made this vision come to life,” said Cadwallader. Whose collections and punchy runway shows, often tapping into transgressive roots of the brand’s DNA, won critical acclaim.
 
“I would like to personally thank Casey for his incredible contribution to Mugler. 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,” said Lahana-Aidenbaum.
 
Added Corsin: “Casey has given the utmost dedication and passion to reigniting Mugler. His shows, casting and creations captured the energy of the moment and honored the House’s storied legacy.”