Lady Gaga's stylist Formichetti leaves Mugler

[April 03, 2013]  PARIS (AP) -- The French fashion house Mugler says Lady Gaga's stylist Nicola Formichetti is leaving the company where he's been creative director since 2011.

In a statement sent Tuesday to The Associated Press, Formichetti said, "I have had a great time working in Paris with Mugler over the last two years. It was a challenge to re-invigorate the house for a new generation."

Formichetti's womenwear debut attracted a new legion of fans to the Parisian house when he enlisted superstar Lady Gaga to tread the catwalk for the fall-winter 2011 show. He explored space-age themes in his designs and dropped "Thierry" from the house name.

Mugler Director General Joel Palix said Formichetti succeeded in "bringing his energy to the brand" founded by Thierry Mugler in the 1970s.

[Associated Press; By THOMAS ADAMSON]

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