 
 At left, Thierry Mugler's 1997 Insect collection, at right, Nicola  Formichetti's fall 2012 collection for Mugler.  Photo: Getty Images 
If last night’s Mugler collection looked familiar, it’s because 
Nicola Formichetti,  presenting his third collection for the brand, was quite inspired by  the archives of Thierry Mugler.  The show’s notes specifically reference  the 1997 Insect collection pictured at left, a show that obviously  influenced the clothes, as well as the fringed nail tips, futuristic  head gear, complicated walking patterns and mixed materials.  The notes  call the archives “a place for the female ideal in superhuman  proportions.”  You might not have to be superhuman to wear the dresses  Formichetti showed last night—usually bodycon with cocoon shaped  overlays, laser cut peplums and fringe—but you probably can’t be the  girl next door either.