Forever Grateful to Thierry Mugler

I am deeply saddened to hear that Thierry Mugler passed away on January 23rd, 2022. His fashion shows were some of the most magnificent spectacles to take place in the 20th and 21st century. Thierry's work sought to make men and women feel sexier and more confident in their bodies with his designs' unique blend of high fashion and elements of science fiction and fantasy. His costumes enchanted audiences on the stages of Cirque de Soleil and the Comédie-Francais with the new life, and decorated the performances of superstars such as David Bowie, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, and Céline Dion.

Hearing of Thierry's passing has caused me to reflect on when I had the privilege of meeting him at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art during its fashion exhibit, Montreal Courture, which took place in 2019. I was honoured with the opportunity to display my work as part of this exhibit. It was a huge project that was organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Art team, who I would like to thank for making the exhibit possible. I would especially like to thank Nathalie Bondil, the former director and chief curator of the MMFA and currently the exhibition director at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. Nathalie conceived the idea of having Montreal designers present their work as part of this exclusive exhibit with Thierry Mugler. It is thanks to her that I had this incredible opportunity. I would also like to thank Thierry-Maxime Loriot, who was the artistic director for Montreal Courture. Thierry-Maxime worked extremely hard with Cirque de Soleil to integrate the work of all the different designers into the memorable and aesthetic experience it was. The results were absolutely stunning. Thank you.

I am also grateful for having had the opportunity to meet the talented fashion designers working in Montreal who I exhibited with: Philippe Dubuc, Denis Gagnon, Ying Gao, Helmer Joseph, Marie-Ève Lecavalier, MARKANTOINE, Atelier New Regime, Fecal Matter, and Marie Saint Pierre.

I extend my deepest thanks to Thierry. He left a mark on the world, a beautiful mark that brought his one of a kind designs to the world of fashion and made the world a more beautiful and seductive place. I find his work incredibly inspirational. His unique philosophy is often on my mind as I try to follow in his footsteps, though I know I could never impact fashion design in the ways that he has. The passing of Thierry Mugler is a tremendous lost for his loved ones, to whom I wish to extend my condolences, and to the world of fashion and art.

Thank you, Thierry, for inspiring the world with you vision.