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.
1990s Thierry Mugler White Cotton Mini Dress with Belt Detail
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
This 1990s white mini-dress was made in France by Thierry Mugler and after much research we are attributing to the S/S 1996 collection. Mugler would design different 'hardware' each ...
Mugler White Crepe Dress with Snap Front and Peekaboo Back, 1980s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Let's face it- Mugler just makes everything SEXY! What could have been a simple white rayon crepe day dress has been transformed into the skin-showing back, low v-neck and hip accent...
Thierry Mugler White Crepe Couture Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Mugler -(Made in France) White crepe Couture dress with pearlized cascading ornaments. Indicated size 40FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest:...
Thierry Mugler S/S 1994 White Pleated Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in New York, NY
Thierry Mugler S/S 1994 White Fan Pleated Dress; with pleated gathering to central metal ring at midriff, satin-covered lightly-boned corset to interior. Fi...
White knit bustier dress ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White knit bustier dress . Knit composition: 80% rayon, 18%nylon, 2% elastane. Invisible zip closure on the left side. Front lenght = 94cm Side lenght = 110cm SIZE 34 (Fr) XS / SAMPLE
1990s Thierry Mugler Anchor Brooch Collared White Plunging Wrap Dress FR40
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 1990s Thierry Mugler white wrap dress features a plunging halter neckline, structured collar, and asymmetrical draping. A silver anchor brooch at the hip adds signature Mugler h...
White jersey bustier dress with laces ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White jersey bustier dress with laces. No fabric composition tag but probably rayon. Strap, buckle and snap on the bottom front. Silicone strap inside the top edge . Invisible zip cl...
White cotton mini bustier dress ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton mini bustier dress. Rayon lining. Invisible zip closure on the middle back. SIZE 34/ XXS
Asymmetrical and wrapped white cotton dress Thierry Mugler Jeans
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Asymmetrical and wrapped white cotton dress . One inside button closure on the waist and bow on the other side. Boned only on the bustier side. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) M
Thierry Mugler S/S 1999 White Cut-Out Cocktail Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Caserta, IT
- Thierry Mugler Paris, Made in France, size FR 38 - Sleeveless midi sheath, knee-length, body-skimming silhouette - Structured white technical fabric, acetate/polyester blend, fully...
