Laverne Cox is quite the lover and collector of archival Thierry Mugler. Mugler used renowned milliner Philip Treacy to create his iconic hats and headpieces throughout his fashion career. I have created multiple Phillip Treacey/Mugler recreations for Laverne over the years and this was our first piece together! Styled by  Christina Pacelli, Laverne wore this classic Sarah Sokol Millinery saucer for Observer Magazine in February 2021. 

Laverne Cox, an acclaimed actress and advocate known for her bold fashion choices, has developed a notable fascination with Thierry Mugler's iconic designs, leading to a passion for collecting authentic recreations of his work. Cox's admiration for Mugler stems from his avant-garde approach to fashion, characterized by dramatic silhouettes, innovative materials, and a visionary aesthetic that blurs the lines between fashion and art. Mugler's creations, often featuring architectural shapes and theatrical embellishments, resonate deeply with Cox's own love for fashion as a form of self-expression and empowerment. Cox's admiration for Mugler extends to his influence on gender-fluid fashion, as his designs often challenged conventional norms and embraced a spectrum of identities. For Cox, collecting Mugler's work is not just about acquiring garments but also about honoring a designer whose creations have inspired generations and continue to shape the future of fashion.

Cox's collection of authentic Mugler pieces goes beyond mere appreciation; it reflects a dedication to preserving and celebrating the designer's legacy. Each item in her collection is meticulously selected for its historical significance and craftsmanship, capturing the essence of Mugler's groundbreaking contributions to haute couture. From intricately structured dresses to statement-making headpieces, Cox's wardrobe showcases the diversity and ingenuity of Mugler's design repertoire. For this reason I am honored to make hand crafted perfection for her collection. 

In the realm of high fashion headwear, Philip Treacy stands as a prominent collaborator whose exquisite millinery skills complemented Mugler's visionary designs. Treacy's craftsmanship added an extra layer of sophistication and artistry to Mugler's headpieces, incorporating intricate details like feathers, beads, and crystals that further elevated their aesthetic appeal. Together, Mugler and Treacy crafted headwear that not only captivated on the runway but also became iconic symbols of haute couture. Their partnership bridged the realms of fashion, art, and craftsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the world of avant-garde fashion and ensuring that Mugler's hats and headpieces remain celebrated for their innovation and artistic expression.

To honor this fashion and millinery legacy, I used couture millinery techniques to create this striking velvet saucer. A luxurious velvet is used to cover the saucer, a choice that compliments the classic shape and makes it extremely wearable. By crafting it with time-honored hat making techniques, the result is a stand-out piece of couture fashion. I love making recreations of Treacy/Mugler’s work because I feel like I am paying my respects to the greats of this craft and carrying on the traditions of a beautiful art form. Even moreso, I love creating hats and headpieces for clients such as Laverne Cox who truly appreciates and admires craftsmanship in fashion.

In a whirlwind collaborative effort, we worked through the night to create this matching wig cap, a harmonious blend of couture millinery techniques and Cowan's daring artistic vision. The piece made its debut on the runway before finding its way to adorning Badu's illustrious head, a perfect match for her fearless, trailblazing style. It was an absolute honor to adorn such an icon, especially someone who loves hats as much as she does. 

Erykah Badu's love affair with hats is more than just a fashion statement; it's a defining element of her iconic style and artistic persona. Throughout her career, Badu has consistently showcased a profound affection for hats, using them not merely as accessories but as extensions of her creative expression. In interviews, Badu has discussed her affinity for hats, describing them as integral to her personal style evolution and creative process. She views them not just as fashion choices but as symbols of artistic freedom and empowerment. This passion for headwear has also extended into her collaborations with designers, where she has been known to curate collections or even inspire new trends with her bold and imaginative hat choices.

The wig cap itself is a true work of art, meticulously handcrafted with an eye for intricate detail. Golden chains and metallic embellishments cascade across the surface, interwoven with luminous crystals that catch the light like a constellation of stars. Vintage watch faces and gears are seamlessly incorporated, breathing new life into these timekeeping relics as unconventional adornments. The fabric wig cap which all the watches are sewn onto creates a comfortable base making the hat a surprisingly wearable piece of art. 

Photographed by the talented Ruth Ossai, Badu emanates an aura of enigmatic allure, her signature bold makeup and sculpted hair framing her features with striking effect. Under the art direction of Badu herself, the shoot captures the essence of her iconic persona, celebrated through the lens of stylist Andrew Mukamal's discerning eye.

Behind the scenes, a talented glam squad brings Badu's vision to life. Chuck Amos and Yasmin Amira Davis work their magic on her hair, perfectly complementing the wig cap's intricate design. Makeup artist Frankie Boyd creates a sultry, smoldering look, while manicurist Yuko Wada adds the finishing touch with intricate nail artistry.

Posed in front of a vibrant backdrop crafted by designer Danielle Selig, Badu shines as a true fashion luminary, her fearless spirit and timeless allure amplified by the Sarah Sokol Millinery gold watch wig cap—a true embodiment of the seamless fusion between couture millinery and avant-garde fashion.