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 1990s Black Silk Sheer Rose Belted Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into the world of timeless elegance with the Thierry Mugler 1990s Black Silk Sheer Rose Belted Jacket. Crafted in France, this exquisite piece showca...
Karl Lagerfeld Black Shirt Dress circa 1990's
By Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Iconic Karl Lagerfeld button down! Featuring a structured collar, two breast pockets and shoulder pads, this piece is as functional as it is versatile. The sleeves are fully ruched which adds such a fun flare to the otherwise classic and effortless style. Wear this buttoned up as a mini dress with some Versace pumps...
Chanel Black Sleeveless Coco Mark Zip Dress With Silk Cape circa 1994
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Black Sleeveless Coco Mark Zip Dress with Silk Cape circa 1994 is a truly iconic piece that embodies the elegance and sophistication of 1990s high fashion. Crafted with meticu...
Chanel Black Long Sleeve Mini Dress circa 1992
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Black Long Sleeve Mini Dress from circa 1992 epitomizes timeless elegance and sophisticated style. Crafted from luxurious black fabric, the dress features a sleek, fitted silh...
Chanel Black Ruched Waist V-Neck Long Sleeve Dress circa 1980s
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel Black Ruched Waist V-Neck Long Sleeve Dress from the circa 1980s epitomizes timeless elegance and sophisticated style. Crafted from black comfortable fabric, it features a flattering V-neckline that accentuates the décolletage, while the long sleeves add a touch of refinement. The defining element of this vintage piece is the ruched detail at the waist, which creates a beautifully contoured silhouette, emphasizing the wearer's curves. Down the back, a row of exquisite gold-tone Coco Chanel motif buttons adds a signature touch of opulence and classic Chanel charm. This dress embodies the iconic 1980s fashion aesthetic, blending femininity with structure. It can be effortlessly styled with high-end accessories such as a Chanel quilted clutch...
Altuzarra Black Lambskin Leather Midi Shirt Dress
By Altuzarra
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Altuzarra Black Lambskin Leather Midi Shirt Dress is a stunning example of contemporary luxury fashion. Crafted from high-quality lambskin leather, this midi-length shirt dress exude...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Black Asymetric Bias Cut Ruffled Cocktail Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black asymetric bias cut ruffled cocktail dress featuring MANFRED THIERRY MUGLER's typical sculptural cut, sensuality and aesthetic. This dress features : - A...
1990s THIERRY MUGLER Black Dress with Cut Out Asymetrical neckline
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy Vintage Thierry Mugler black dress with asymmetrical neckline. Perfect cocktail dress for summer. Slit on the side. Tag size: 3...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Worsted Wool & Velvet "Claw" Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black worsted wool and velvet "claw" skirt suit. This striking suit perfectly embodies Thierry Mugler's visionary approach to tail...
Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Manfred Thierry Mugler distilled the drama of midnight velvet and the intrigue of bare skin into this impossibly rare devoré cocktail dress: a piece that feels less like clothing and...
Thierry Mugler 1990’s black sculptural dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in PARIS, FR
Archival Thierry Mugler 1990’s black stretchy dress, size L, amazing shape.
Black satin cocktail dress THIERRY MUGLER
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black satin cocktail dress. Snap closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. Gather on the middle front. Shoulder pad. Pocket on both side. SIZE 38 (Fr) but fit S
