Fashion as sculpture, as avant-garde expression, as spectacle: Thierry Mugler’s career pushed the boundaries of what fashion design and clothing could mean.
Mugler, who went by Manfred in later years, founded his brand in 1973 with his first personal collection. By the late 1990s, he was more famous for his fragrances, thanks to the brand’s best seller Angel. But vintage Mugler dresses and gowns have recently returned to red carpets, worn by stars like Kim Kardashian, Cardi B and Hailey Bieber.
Mugler’s penchant for performance, drama and costuming came from his background in ballet, having danced as a teenager with the Opéra national du Rhin in his hometown of Strasbourg, France. In the 1980s and ’90s, his couture shows were theatrical and futuristic, similar to those of his contemporaries Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix.
In one of Mugler’s shows, the then-pregnant legendary supermodel Pat Cleveland (part of the coterie of glamorous muses associated with designer Halston) was suspended from the ceiling and then glided down the runway surrounded by clouds of smoke.
Mugler would become known for his immaculate tailoring as well as for his increasingly avant-garde designs that featured sharp cuts, sexy and fetishistic elements, an integration of metal and uniquely treated materials like PVC and leather. Recent years have seen Mugler’s archival designs, especially from his 1995 haute couture show, take center stage, coinciding with the resurgence of camp in fashion and the return of bodycon dresses.
The French cosmetics company Clarins SA acquired Mugler’s brand in 1997, and its founder stepped back from the label in 2002. The house’s roster of clients has included some of the most visionary figures in fashion, from David Bowie and Diana Ross to Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, and the founder’s influence on over-the-top fashion can be seen in the work of designers such as Jeremy Scott and Alexander McQueen.
Find vintage Thierry Mugler corset tops, suits, sunglasses and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Red Rhinestone Adorned Bustier Corset, Fall 1992
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Iconic haute couture Thierry Mugler rhinestone, sequins and beads adorned red bustier corset from Fall 1992 collection. Same bustier in blue was worn by Lady Miss Kier during "Best ...
Thierry Mugler SS 1988 Abstract Pop Art Bustier Corset
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1988 Été Africain Multicolour Abstract Pop Art Print Bustier Corset. Hook and eye closure at the back. Sculptural silhouette with built in boning. Com...
Iconic Thierry Mugler Gold Corset FW 1990 Holy Grail Showstopper Mueseum
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
In the theatrical universe of Thierry Mugler, fashion was spectacle, sculpture, and seduction fused into one. This extraordinary corset from the Fall/Winter 1990 “Music Hall” collec...
Thierry Mugler Silk Corset Dramatic Sculptural Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning extremely rare Thierry Mugler Collectors piece. Dramatic pure Silk bustier, assuming Spring 1985 Collection. A masterpiece of sartorial artistry by the legend Mister Mugler...
Late 1980s Thierry Mugler Velvet Lace-Up Pointed Strapless Bustier Corset Black
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the late 1980s, this black velvet Thierry Mugler lace-up corset is a major addition to any wardrobe or collection. Designed by Manfred Thierry Mugler,...
Thierry Mugler Tweed Bra Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This beautiful rare tweed bra / bustier transforms a traditionally soft, domestic textile into an object of sculptural seduction. Cut with the Thierry Mugler’s unmistakable architect...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Yellow Cheetah Print One Piece Swim Body Suit
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace one-piece from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection is cut in a fitted silhouette with a scoop neckline, wide straps, and a high-cut leg. It is printed throughout in...
Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress from the 1930's. Sheer chiffon bodice with double ruffle collar and wonderful hand embroidered florals throughout. ...
Rare Iconic John Anthony 2-piece gold-lame ensemble
By John Anthony
Located in New York, NY
This rare Iconic John Anthony 2-piece gold-lame blouse and matching jacket takes one back to the Halston-Warhol-Studio 54 days! The long sleeve wrap blouse has a hidden tie in...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2004 Pink & Brown Mixed Animal Print Structured Corset
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
From the S/S 2004 collection of Roberto Cavalli, this structured corset is composed of multi-panel construction combining a leopard-spot print with a graphic abstract print in pink, ...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway White Butterfly bathrobe
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
90's vintage Gianni Versace cotton bathrobe with the iconic butterfly print. This robe was seen on the runway as well as in the commercial photos of that season. The iconic print was re-iditioned in 2018. The robe...
Art Deco Pink Silk Crepe and Black Tulle Slip Dress
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Pink Silk Crepe and Black Tulle Slip Dress from the 1920's. Shell pink China silk in a full straight cut which falls from the shoulders. Black cotton tulle trim on front yok...
Vintage 1970s Christian Dior Knitted Bolero Shrug Bed Jacket UK 8-10 US 4-6
By Christian Dior
Located in Nashville, TN
A romance in the softest shade of baby pink, this original 1970's knitted acrylic bed jacket by Christian Dior, is the perfect piece to keep the chill away. The rounded neckline is...
1950S Black Nylon/Lace Bullet Bra
christian dior by john galliano – spring 2001 poker star lingerie set
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
An exceptionally rare Christian Dior by John Galliano two-piece lingerie set from the iconic Spring 2001 collection. Featuring the highly sought-after Poker Star print, this set inc...
$109Sale Price|50% Off
Size: 70B / 32B
NEW La Perla Nude Top Boned Corset Corsage Bustier Strapless Shapewear 32B 70B
By La Perla
Located in Switzerland, CH
NEW LA PERLA CORSAGE CORSET TOP WEAR THIS AMAZING CORSET WITH ANY SHEER TOP, DRESS OR UNDER A JACKET OR CARDIGAN! SO VERSATILE! FOR A PERFECTLY SHAPED BODY La Perla Tulle bustier ...
VALENTINO Roma c.1990's Black Silk Floral Lace Hem Classic Slip Skirt
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Thiensville, WI
Valentino Roma black silk floral lace hem classic slip skirt. Thin banded waist. Left side seam invisible zipper closure. Gathered waistline. Black floral lace detail at hem with sca...
Art Deco Shell Pink Pleated Silk and Lace Trimmed Slip Dress
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Shell Pink Pleated Silk and Lace Trimmed Slip dress in unusual large size. Hand made Valencienne lace trimmed neckline and sleeves. Original monogram. 1920's France. Width 5...
Beautiful Thierry Mugler Corset Iconic Mister Pearl Bodice
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare spectacular Corset created by the One And Only Mister Pearl for Thierry Mugler. A true example of the grande Art of Corsetterie. Gorgeous ...
1990s Thierry Mugler Lace-Up Sheer Beige Satin Mr. Pearl Pin-Up Corset Bustier
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a truly fabulous beige Thierry Mugler by Mr. Pearl corset, designed by Manfred Mugler. From the late 1990s, this form-fitting corset...
Late 1990s Thierry Mugler Lace-Up Sheer Black Satin Mr. Pearl Corset
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a truly fabulous black Thierry Mugler by Mr. Pearl corset, designed by Manfred Mugler. From the late 1990s, this form-fitting corset features b...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage 1998 Black and Green Reptile Skin Like Bodysuit Size M
By Mugler, Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
MUGLER vintage 1998 long-sleeve black and green reptile skin like bodysuit. V-neck collar. Snap crotch. Label reads MUGLER. Made in Italy. Size tag reads : M. Please refer to meas...
Thierry Mugler Black Vinyl Corset FW 1995 Sculptural Dramatic
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Iconic Thierry mugler corset, Fall Winter Collection 1995. Worn on the legendary Runwayall show by Simonetta Gianfelici and is part of the Mugler Couturissime Exhibition. Shiny black vinyl peplum corset with dramatic exaggerated hips. Closes with press buttons on the front and has to small pockets. Inside soft black velvet. This is an extremely rare Collectors piece and part of Fahion History. Thierry Mugler pushed the boundaries of Haute Couture by adopting materials like vinyl and latex whoch weren't commonly used by the Couture's industry. The 1995 Fahionshow was a true Spectacle and is a legendary milestone in Fahion. The corset can be combined with lingerie or worn on top of a blouse or jacket. Thierry Mugler FW 1995...
Sensational Thierry Mugler Corset Iconic Mister Pearl Bodice
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Holy Grail. Iconic Muesum Worthy Collectors Piece Extremely rare spectacular Corset created by the One And Only Mister Pearl for Thierry Mugler. Kylie ...
Mugler Vintage Nude Tone Mesh Bodysuit with Black Crack Design Size S
By Mugler, Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
MUGLER vintage long-sleeve nude tone mesh bodysuit featuring a black crack design all over. Mandarin collar. Front zippered closure. Snap crotch. Label reads MUGLER. Made in Italy....
Thierry Mugler gold silk pleated strapless corset, ss 1985
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
▪ Thierry Mugler gold pleated strapless corset ▪ Overlay refined with knife-pleats ▪ Built-in corset ▪ Plunging neckline ▪ Metal snap buttons and h...
Mugler Vintage Long-Sleeve Black Mesh Bodysuit with Crack Design Size M
By Mugler, Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
MUGLER vintage long-sleeve black mesh bodysuit featuring a crack design all over. Back zippered closure. Buttoned collar. Label reads MUGLER. Made in Italy. Size tag reads : M. Pl...
Thierry Mugler Couture Vintage Leather Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Thierry Mugler Couture Vintage Leather Bustier Top Thierry Mugler leather cropped bustier top featuring concealed zip closure at side. About ...
Thierry Mugler metallic silver bustier corset, fw 1978
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
Thierry Mugler metallic silver polyester bustier corset with scalloped edge Fall-Witner 1978
Thierry Mugler Couture Vintage Leather Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Thierry Mugler Couture Vintage Leather Bustier Top Thierry Mugler leather cropped bustier top featuring concealed zip closure at side. About ...