20 April 2023 |
Images: BFA / Sansho Scott
Irina Shayk, Eva Herzigova, and Paloma Elsesser were among the models that walked last night.
When it comes to throwing a party, H&M isn’t afraid to hold back on making it a big event. Back in 2018, when the brand launched their Jeremy Scott collaboration, they staged a huge show complete with an elaborate recreation of New York City’s Time Square. So after five years, they were overdue for a major moment. The only proper way to celebrate their latest designer partnership with Mugler was with a giant party meets runway show meets concert that included the likes of Pamela Anderson, Charli XCX, and Chloe Sevigny as celebrity guests.
Images: BFA / Sansho Scott
Last night H&M and Mugler took over the Park Avenue Armory, a space that sees its fair share of runway shows with the likes of Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Coach also showing there. But instead of your typical seated setup, Mugler’s creative director Casey Cadwallader wanted to celebrate the theatricality and flamboyance associated with the brand. Guests entered into a giant lit room with stages and LCD screens set in a semicircle. It was standing room only, the better to accommodate the 800-plus guests who were invited, and those who were savvy were able to stake out spots closest to the action.
Images: BFA / Matteo Prandoni
After an intro featuring dancers clad in black catsuits and boots, Paloma Elsesser opened up the show in a low slung mini and corset top followed shortly by Irina Shayk, who wore H&M’s version of Mugler’s signature paneled jeans. As the models criss-crossed the space, you were able to see all of the pieces on different body types and ages as the cast included Precious Lee, Jill Kortleve, Sherry Shi, and Manifred Thierry Mugler muses Eva Herzigova and Connie Fleming.
Images: BFA / Matteo Prandoni
Usually performers are kept a secret but this time around the crowd knew what to expect as Shygirl, Amaarae, and Eartheater all starred in the music video, which was released last week. Nevertheless, the crowd was hyped and sang along, as if we were at a Coachella solely populated by hot, cool people. While each performed on their own hits, they teamed up to perform a new version of the club classic “Music Sounds Better With You”, which also served as the finale song.
Images: BFA / Madison McGaw
Once the show was over, guests were able to shop the pop-up and by the time the first few groups finished, a ton of stuff was sold out. The biggest hits? Mugler’s signature skimpy catsuits and bodysuits, which were available in an array of sizes. But also worth noting were a series of pieces inspired by nineties-era Thierry Mugler vampire velvet dresses and suiting, which will be sure to make the vintage fans happy. On the accessories side, the collaboration included statement earrings, necklaces, and fake chrome nail tips to complete the hot girl vibe. You’ll also find menswear but it’s easy to see the entire line embraced as genderless dressing. Given the way the shop was cleaned out, expect this collection to be a big hit when it drops online and in select stores on May 11th.
Images: BFA / Madison McGaw
