Mugler just handed the creative wheel to Miguel Castro Freitas, an under-the-radar talent who’s already got a hefty design résumé under his belt. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you’re not alone. But don’t underestimate the Portuguese-born creative director whose two decades of experience (think Dior, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Dries Van Noten, and more) make him a force to watch.
He’s the guy stepping in for Casey Cadwallader, the outgoing creative lead who spent seven years revitalizing Mugler, connecting with a new generation through powerhouse silhouettes and head-turning runway spectacles. Plenty of people thought they’d glimpse Mugler’s next move during Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2025, but the brand ghosted the schedule, fueling all kinds of speculation. Now we know why: L’Oréal’s official announcement confirmed that Castro Freitas would take up the reins, ushering in a new chapter for this brand that’s never exactly done things by the book.
Mugler has always carried a certain fearless energy. Thierry Mugler himself practically invented boundary-pushing fashion shows, took big risks with materials like rubber and PVC, and championed body-inclusive casting before the industry made it a thing. Later, under Cadwallader, the label tapped into a fresh wave of show-stopping moments with figures like Beyoncé, Cardi B, and Dua Lipa sporting Mugler’s structured, curve-celebrating designs. And though fragrance sales still keep the business humming, there’s no denying the label’s loud-and-proud fashion DNA is what keeps devotees on the hook.
So why is Miguel Castro Freitas the one to steer Mugler’s future? For starters, he’s honed razor-sharp tailoring skills at some of the most storied houses in Paris. And while he’s not big on social media or headline-grabbing theatrics (yet), those who’ve seen his work say he’s got a knack for marrying craftsmanship with a modern vision—exactly the kind of alchemy Mugler needs to maintain us all guessing.
Mark your calendars because Castro Freitas’s first show for Mugler is set for September during Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 when plenty of new creative directors will be making their big debuts. There’s no doubt that eyes will be locked on how he preserves Mugler’s heritage of powerful proportions and daring drama while finding his owndesign language.If the house’s rebellious DNA has taught us anything, it’s that when Mugler makes a move, it’s never boring. And something tells us Miguel Castro Freitas is fully prepared to prove just that.
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