The Veteran Designer Will Succeed Case Cadwallader and Present His First Show for Spring 2026
Mugler has announced Miguel Castro Freitas as its new creative director, taking over from Casey Cadwallader, who will be stepping down at the end of March after a transformative seven-year tenure. The change comes after speculation fueled by Mugler’s absence from the Paris Fashion Week calendar for Fall 2025.
“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,” stated Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum, global brand president of Mugler fashion & fragrances. Castro Freitas, a Portuguese national, has a distinguished background in fashion, having graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2004 and subsequently working at high-profile fashion houses including Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Sportmax, and Lanvin.
“It is an honour to join the spectacular house of Mugler. 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,” Castro Freitas remarked about his upcoming role.
During Cadwallader’s leadership, Mugler was reintroduced to a new generation, celebrating themes of empowerment, inclusivity, and identity. “Mugler is like no other, and it was exciting to lean into all that it could mean in today’s culture. I am forever grateful to my team, collaborators, and friends, whose support and talent made this vision come to life,” Cadwallader expressed.
Under the stewardship of L’Oréal, which acquired Mugler in late 2019, the brand has focused significantly on its fragrance business, with popular scents like Angel and Alien, although it also maintained a vibrant presence in the fashion world. Adrian Corsin, managing director of Mugler Fashion, commended Cadwallader’s dedication: “Casey has given the utmost dedication and passion to reigniting Mugler. His shows, casting, and creations captured the energy of the moment and honored the house’s storied legacy.”
Freitas is set to start on April 1, with his debut show scheduled for September during the high-stakes Spring 2026 season at Paris Fashion Week. This season is expected to feature several high-profile debuts, signaling a period of significant change in the fashion industry.