In a bold move signaling a new chapter for the iconic French fashion house, Mugler has appointed Miguel Castro Freitas as its new creative director, effective April 1. Castro Freitas steps into the role following Casey Cadwallader, whose seven-year tenure revitalized the brand’s avant-garde identity and redefined modern sensuality through boundary-pushing designs and viral runway moments.
Who Is Miguel Castro Freitas?
With an impressive pedigree in luxury fashion, Miguel Castro Freitas brings nearly two decades of design expertise to Mugler. A graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins in 2004, Castro Freitas cut his teeth under some of fashion’s most influential figures. He began his career at Christian Dior during John Galliano’s reign before moving on to work alongside Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent and Alber Elbaz at Lanvin. His mastery of structure and tailoring was further honed during his tenure as head of tailoring at Dior under Raf Simons and later as the head of womenswear at Dries Van Noten.
Most recently, Castro Freitas served as the creative director of Sportmax from Spring/Summer 2021 through Spring/Summer 2024, where he was lauded for his clean, architectural silhouettes and a modern approach to femininity.
A New Era for Mugler
Castro Freitas’ appointment marks an exciting new era for Mugler — a house renowned for its theatrical, high-octane designs and a legacy of empowering, sculptural silhouettes. Reflecting on his new role, Castro Freitas expressed his admiration for the brand’s founder, Manfred Thierry Mugler. “It is an honor to join the spectacular house of Mugler,” he said in a statement. “As one of the twentieth 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.”
Known for blending fashion with fantasy, Mugler’s DNA is rooted in bold experimentation and a fearless approach to gender expression and sexuality. Castro Freitas’ rich background in technical precision and fluid design suggests an evolution of this legacy while introducing fresh, contemporary narratives.
What to Expect from Miguel Castro Freitas at Mugler
Fashion insiders are already buzzing about what Castro Freitas will bring to the table. Given his track record of blending modernism with impeccable tailoring, his vision is expected to marry Mugler’s theatrical roots with a sleek, forward-thinking sensibility.
His debut collection for Mugler is scheduled to be unveiled during Paris Fashion Week in September, showcasing the Spring/Summer 2026 line. As the industry anticipates this next chapter, one thing is clear: Miguel Castro Freitas is poised to continue Mugler’s tradition of innovation while charting a bold, new path for the maison.
Stay tuned — this is just the beginning.
This story first appeared in GRAZIA USA.
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