Thierry Mugler showcased his fall 1997 Les Chimères ("Mythical Creatures") couture collection on 10 July 1997. The show closed with a dress that has been described as one of the most expensive couture creations ever. It was presented on the runway by the model Adriana Karembeu This masterpiece was created in collaboration with Jean-Jacques Urcun and Mr Pearl, the renowned South African corsetiere. The dress took two years to make, and each scale of the reptilian armour was individually painted