French Fashion Designer Thierry Mugler Dies at 73

French fashion designer Thierry Mugler died at the age of 73, his representatives announced on Monday.

Mugler was known for sophisticated designs with broad shoulders and sharp tailoring, inspired by 1940s and 50s glamour.

"We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022," a post on Mugler's official Facebook account confirmed.

A tribute posted on his Instagram page described him as "a visionary whose imagination... empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day."

His agent told the AFP news agency that he died of natural causes.

Mugler's designs were worn by stars including David Bowie and Lady Gaga. He created many stage costumes for Beyoncé and in 2019 designed Kim Kardashian's famous "wet dress" for the Met Gala.

Later on, his brand became famous for perfumes, such as Angel and Alien.

Born in 1948 in Strasbourg, France, Mugler was a talented performer and by the age of 14 was a dancer with the Ballet du Rhin. He was also an acrobat and fashion model.

He opened his first boutique in Paris during the 1970s.

"I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but fashion took off for me very quickly in Paris as soon as I showed my sketches," he recently told Women's Wear Daily.