Photo: Robi Rodriguez/Courtesy of Mugler
Portuguese designer Miguel Castro Freitas has been named Mugler’s new creative director, the brand announced on Tuesday. That’s right — another new creative director has entered the fashion villa. (And yes, he’s also a white man.)
Castro Freitas will oversee all creative for Mugler fashion starting April 1, with his debut collection set for Paris Fashion Week Spring 2026. He succeeds Casey Cadwallader, who was rumored to be departing the L’Oréal-owned brand back in February.
“It is an honor to join the spectacular house of Mugler. As one of the 20th 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,” Castro Freitas said in a statement.
Unlike many of the recent new designer hires (Loewe’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Gucci’s Demna and Maison Margiela’s Glenn Martens), Castro Freitas is a fresh, mostly unknown face in the industry. But he comes with an impressive resume: A 2004 Central Saint Martins graduate, he started his professional career at Dior under John Galliano, and has since held design positions at Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Sportmax and Dries Van Noten.
“Working under some of the industry’s most prolific designers, Miguel boasts an incredible talent in tailoring and ‘flou,’ combined with a vision that is all his own,” said Adrian Corsin, managing director of Mugler Fashion, in a statement. Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum, global brand president of Mugler Fashion and Fragrances, added: “Miguel lives and breathes the Mugler spirit. His deep understanding of Mugler’s DNA and his vast creativity and talent made him a natural choice.”
As for Cadwallader, there’s no word yet on his next steps post-Mugler.
“It has been my honour to lead Mugler. Mugler is like no other, and it was exciting to lean into all that it could mean in today’s culture,” he shared in a statement. “I am forever grateful to my team, collaborators and friends, whose support and talents made this vision come to life.”
“I would like to personally thank Casey for his incredible contribution to Mugler. Over the last seven years, his unique vision has helped introduce Mugler to a new generation, all the while celebrating core themes of empowerment, inclusivity and identity. On behalf of the team, we wish Casey the utmost success in his next ventures,” stated Lahana-Aidenbaum.
Source: Fashionista.com
