Miguel Castro Freitas is the new Creative Director of Mugler

This change marks a new chapter for the fashion house, renowned for its avant-garde approach and lasting legacy in the industry.

French fashion house Mugler has announced Miguel Castro Freitas as the successor to Casey Cadwallader as its new creative director. Born in Portugal and trained at Central Saint Martins, Castro Freitas began his career under the mentorship of John Galliano at Dior. Over the past two decades, he has gained extensive experience at prestigious fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, and Dries Van Noten, where he led the womenswear line.

Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum, Global President of Mugler, highlighted that Castro Freitas “lives and breathes the spirit of Mugler,” emphasising his deep understanding of the brand’s DNA and his remarkable creativity. In response, the designer expressed his honour at joining the house, stating his desire to bring his vision and passion to Mugler’s monumental legacy.

This appointment follows the departure of Casey Cadwallader, who modernised the brand over seven years while staying true to its core themes of empowerment and inclusivity. Under his leadership, Mugler became a favourite among high-profile artists such as Beyoncé and Cardi B and was praised for its diverse and inclusive casting.

Castro Freitas’ debut collection for Mugler will be unveiled in September, during the Spring/Summer 2026 season—an important period that will see several key industry debuts. His appointment signals a commitment to continuing Mugler’s legacy of innovation, blending tradition with modernity under his creative direction.