Lady Gaga's stylist joins Diesel: Nicola Formichetti is leaving Mugler

He styled the singer's meat dress, designed by Franc Fernandez, in 2010
Was fashion director for her sold-out Monster Ball tour
Condemned fat models in an interview in 2011... then denied saying it
Rumoured to be moving to Italian denim brand Diesel

PUBLISHED: 12:13 EST, 3 April 2013 | UPDATED: 08:28 EST, 4 April 2013

Lady Gaga's stylist, fashion director and partner in eccentricity Nicola Formichetti has joined Diesel as artistic director, leaving his role as creative director at Mugler after just two years.

The designer - who announced his departure from French fashion house Thierry Mugler earlier this week - has been chosen by the brand's founder Renzo Rosso to oversee the denim company's international development.

Renzo told WWD: 'I finally met somebody as crazy as I am. I have replaced myself and can go on vacation. I have to spend my time running the [OTB] group and really can't go back. Nicola is here to develop Diesel, the most important part of the group.'

Nicola Formichetti with his friend and collaborator Lady Gaga, for whom he styled the controversial meat dress in 2010

He added that Nicola would be in a charge of 'a total view of the Diesel brand - product, communications, marketing and interior design. I want him to do bigger things, different things', adding: 'This is the right man to take! the next step for a young company and a brand for people who are young of mind.'

An official announcement is expected to be made today. Nicola is said to be focusing on making a move from 'high fashion and couture to streetwear and activewear' and his new ideas will be implemented within the next five to 10 years.

The 35-year-old Italian designer - best known for his work as Lady Gaga's stylist - claims he has always been a fan of the pioneering denim company since his days as an 18-year-old student in London.

Nicola Formichetti is leaving Mugler for Diesel, claiming he wants to 'do something else, even bigger, more global'

He explained: 'I didn't have the money to buy in those days, but their stores were the place to be. They did great parties and shows and spoke to an audience that was into music and art.

'They did ads with guys kissing. It was very anti-fashion and very appealing to me.

Renzo Rosso of Diesel

This comes after rumours began circulating yesterday that Nicola would be partnering with Diesel after he said he 'wanted to do something else, even bigger, more global' after his two-year tenure at Mugler.

Formichetti produced his first collection for the label in Autumn/Winter 2011-12, and the show featured a catwalk appearance from his close friend Gaga.

His parting of company with the brand is the result of a 'mutual agreement', and the designer has been lauded by director general Joel Palix for bringing Mugler to the attention of 'a new audience'.

Palix, who is presiden! t of Clar! ins Fragrance Group and director general of Mugler, said in a statemenrt: 'Nicola has accomplished our original mission of bringing his energy to the brand.

'With his talent for communication and understanding of modern imagery and design, Nicola has been instrumental in attracting a new audience which is undeniably crucial for the future strategy of the house. He will be a historical part of the Mugler legacy and known as the force that catapulted us forward.'

Formichetti's collaboration with Lady Gaga began in 2009 at a shoot for V Magazine; Formichetti called their connection 'instant love'.

He acted as fashion director for the singer on a number of live performances, and their first music video collaboration was for the hugely successful Bad Romance. Formichetti is also credited as stylist for her album The Fame Monster and fashion director for her Monster Ball Tour.

In 2010 he styled her music video Telephone, and then Alejandro, later putting her in the controversial meat dress, designed by Franc Fernandez.

He landed himself in hot water in 2011 when, talking about his experience in the fashion industry in the July edition of W, he discussed a shoot he styled for Dazed & Confused and said he didn't like working with fat people.

Nicola Formichetti tags his 'Mugler Moments' - involving Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber - on Instagram

He was quoted saying: 'I was only used to dressing models and skinny kids. And I turned up and it was, like, three fat guys. I just left. That was the last time I tried to work with fat people.'

He was quoted saying: 'I was only used to dressing models and skinny kids. And I turned up and it was, like, three fat guys. I just left. That was the last time I tried to work! with fat! people'

An immediate attack of negative press lead to Formichetti launching a Facebook campaign to defend his name and deny the comments.

On it he wrote: 'Don't believe everything you read on line please. "I don't work with fat people" why would someone say such a thing?!

'I know I should just leave it butI really hate when writers just write whatever they want'

Following his departure from Mugler, Formichetti will continue as creative director of Uniqlo and Gaga stylist, while continuing with his own fashion line Nicopanda.

Mugler will release a 'new strategic plan' soon, and have said they plan to 'build on its highly successful legacy in fragrance and its new momentum in fashion'.