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.
Iconic Archival Thierry Mugler FW 1993 Sculptural Siren Coat
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This extraordinary archival Thierry Mugler coat from the Fall/Winter 1993 collection exemplifies the designer’s singular mastery of architectural tailoring and hyper-feminine power d...
F/W 1992 Thierry Mugler Documented Sculpted Panel Grey Wool Coat Dress FR42
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Thierry Mugler’s Fall/Winter 1992 collection, this grey wool coat dress features sculpted paneling and a sharply tailored silhouette. The design includes exaggerated lapels, str...
Thierry Mugler 1990 Dramatic Jacket Sculptural Fitted Trench Coat
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The jacket is a quintessential example of Thierry Mugler's visionary approach to fashion, where structure and drama collide in harmonious opulence. A white version was worn on the a...
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 44
Thierry Mugler Black Wool Asymmetrical Coat with Silver button Snaps 1990s 44
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Thierry Mugler black wool asymmetrical coat with silver snap back buttons, 1990s, marked size EU44 (Italy). Unique coat with all the details only Thierry Mugler...
1990's Thierry Mugler Dramatic Black Velvet Trim Coat
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Thierry Mugler vintage long black double breasted coat from 1993. This flared coat features a tailored bodice, standing collar, velvet buttons, pleated back, and pointed lapels and p...
Late 1980s Thierry Mugler Navy Wool Double Breasted Coat Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This 1980s navy blue wool coat dress is quintessential Thierry Mugler strong power dressing with its hyper feminine hourglass shape, narrow waist and broad shoulders. The double brea...
THIERRY MUGLER Long Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in CACHAN, FR
Very beautiful long jacket with a zip and belt on each side to cinch the jacket. Very good exterior condition. Just discoloration of the lining at the armpits and small snags in the ...
1990s Thierry Mugler Navy Wool Coat with Belt
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
This early 1990s Thierry Mugler jacket is in rare dead stock vintage condition with the original garment tags attached. It is A-line tailored in a classic navy blue in a 50% wool / ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent wool coat, 1997, made in France Size FR 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent wool coat, 1997, made in France Size FR 40 This elegant vintage coat from the legendary house of Yves Saint Laurent...
Spectacular Thierry Mugler FW 1996 Runway Black Bombshell Vinyl Coat
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Iconic black Thierry Mugler’s Fall/Winter 1996 Collection Bombshell vinyl trench coat. This stunning jacket exudes a hypnotic blend of dominance and sophistication. Its sculptural s...
Spectacular Thierry Mugler Black Fur Maxi Coat
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Thierry Mugler Couture black fur maxi coat from fall/winter 2000 collection. Design of this spectacular coat is inspired by Mugler’s iconic hairy looks from “Les Chimeres” FW 1997 a...
Fabulous Thierry Mugler FW 1990 ‘Music Hall’ Runway Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Fabulous Thierry Mugler runway jacket from fall/winter 1990-1991 ‘Music Hall’ collection. Dramatic design that features sharp velvet insertions pointed to hips, curved pleated bands...
Thierry Mugler FW 1992 Blue Smoking Jacket Velvet Details
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Blue Smoking Jacket with black velvet details from Thierry Mugler fall winter 1992 Ritz Haute Couture Collection. Seen on Karen Mulder on the runway. Classic design with deep V-neck...
Iconic Red Thierry Mugler Les Infernales FW 1988 Vampire Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Red Vampire Suit from Thierry Mugler Les Infernales Fall Winter 1988 Collection. This flaming she-devils ensemble is definitely one of the most recognisable and iconic Mugler design...
Thierry Mugler Couture Black Velvet Gown FW 2001 High Slit Maxi Dress
By Thierry Mugler Couture, Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Fabulous Thierry Mugler Couture Black Velvet Gown with Red Satin details, Fall Winter 2001/2002 Les Fauves collection. Asymmetric one-shoulder design, high leg slit emphasized by re...
Thierry Mugler Couture SS 2001 Beaded Evening Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Thierry Mugler Couture elegant evening dress from spring summer 2001 collection. PVC collar with glass beads embroideries. High leg slit. Open b...
