20 Years Later, Zoolander’s Mugatu Is Still a Fashion Icon

Why does being bad have to look so good? Think of Cruella de Vil and her Dalmatian-print coats; Miranda Priestley and her impeccable Prada suits; even Regina George and her Y2K-style miniskirts and graphic tees. You can’t deny that those who rule with terror somehow make it look stylish. But there’s one bad guy who’s always remained one of my fashion icons: Zoolander’s Jacobim Mugatu. As one of the main antagonists of the movie—which was released 20 years ago today!—Mugatu is out to brainwash Zoolander in a wacky plot to assassinate the president of Malaysia. And, we’re somewhat sorry to say, he does so with fabulous flair. His style defies the spooky, all-black wardrobe you think a villain should wear and instead favors quirky, colorful, and downright cartoony pieces. He's in a wacky league of his own. 

Considering Mugatu is a renowned fashion designer—he even claims to have invented the piano necktie—it makes sense that he would have bold style in the film. With extravagant outfits brought to life by the film’s costume designer, David C. Robinson, Mugatu embodies flamboyant fashion from his first moment on screen. “I’m sorry, did my pin get in the way of your ass,” he scowls as he fits a model and stabs her with a pin. His attitude may be foul, but his Breton-striped top —a subtle nod to Jean Paul Gaultier, perhaps?—and bug-eyed sunglasses are truly delightful. 

Photo: Alamy

He’s only in a handful of scenes in the film all together, but his costumes make an impression. When he meets with Zoolander at his brand’s headquarters, he sports a tight-fitted corset over top a Mugatu-logo’d sweater. As Mugatu would say himself, logomania is “so hot right now.” (I mean, have you seen Fendace?) When Zoolander is later hypnotized by our villain, I found myself being hypnotized by his fuzzy mohair sweater, silver corset, and glittery pants. My new going out look!

For the movie’s grand finale—where Mugatu is showing his new fashion collectsion made out of literal trash—his look is the true spotlight-stealer. He sports a blazer that is embellished with tiny little red cockroaches, and his neck tie is made out of a wrap-tie that you would see on a garbage bag. (Even his assistant, a leather-clad Milla Jovovich, is dressed like a runway model as she tries to capture Zoolander.) Mugatu is the poster boy for making being up to no good look good, and it’s the fashion energy I’m bringing into fall. As I try to live out the rest of this year to the fullest, I will be accessorizing all of my questionable choices with extreme, over-the-top ensembles like Mugatu. All I need now is an poodle lap dog.