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.
S/S 1991 Thierry Mugler Black Cutout Panel Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
1990’s Thierry Mugler Black jacket with triple rows of rectangular cutouts on the chest, upper arms, and center back. Square neckline. Shoulder pads. Snap front closure. Condition:...
S/S 1989 Thierry Mugler Runway Sculptural Black Pointed Cutout Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
An extravagant jacket by Thierry Mugler from the Spring Summer 1989 "Les Atlantes" collection. This documented black jacket features a unique cutout pointed edge design. The jacket f...
F/W 1988 Thierry Mugler Black Les Infernales Lighting Bolt Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Thierry Mugler black zig zag lightning bolt jacket from the Fall Winter 1988 “Les Infernales” collection and as seen on the runway. As famously seen on Samantha Jones played by Kim ...
1990's Thierry Mugler Black Crystal Star Sculpted Blazer
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
A glamorous vintage Thierry Mugler blazer jacket featuring iconic crystal star embellishments and unmistakable sculptural tailoring. This exceptional piece showcases its dramatic sil...
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...
S/S 1996 Thierry Mugler Sculptural Runway Museum Skirt Suit Ensemble
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Own a piece of fashion history with this extraordinary documented Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1996 skirt suit. Black and white jacket with a large folding ...
Thierry Mugler Black Sculptural Jacket FW 1988/89
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The jacket stands like architecture rather than clothing, an unmistakable signature of Thierry Mugler at the height of his sculptural imagination. Cut in deep, beautiful black, the p...
Iconic Thierry Mugler LES INFERNALES 1988/89 BLACK Sculptural Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy piece of Fashion History The famous jacket from the Thierry Mugler LES INFERNALES (She Devils) Collection FW 1988/ 1989. Thierry Mugler’s 1988...
Thierry Mugler SS 1989 Les Atlantes Jacket Black Dramatic Sculptural Archive
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Fabulous black Thierry Mugler Jacket, Spring Summer 1989 Collection Stunning and super dramatic sculptural jacket from Thierry Mugler's iconic LES ATLANTES Collection 1989. A rare Collectors piece and example of the Designer Legend's iconic signature looks: Phenomenal tailoring, extraordinairy shapes and a beautiful feminine sculptural silhouette. Asymmetrical pointy high collar, fin-like shaped details on the sleeves and a silver metal detail at the waist. Deep sexy V-Neck and closes with one press button at the waist. LES ATLANTES "The Thierry Mugler Spring/Summer 1989 show, entitled 'Les Atlantes,' took place at Paris Fashion Week. Inspired by the deep seas, a group of models in jumpsuits with fish gills on the hips emerged as futuristic sea creatures. Jacket necklines were cut in the shape of waves, fins were attached to sleeves, and peplum waists were made from transparent plastic. A swimwear section rendered in silver, shades of blue, and water print, was complete with fish gill detailing and fin-shaped bracelets. Sleeves of dresses came attached to the bodice, whilst pulling down hems revealed jagged pockets reminiscent of shark teeth...
Thierry Mugler SS 2000 Black Jacket Blazer Fitted Fabulous
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler jacket, Spring Summer Collection 2000. Black blazer with shiny accents. Fantastic sculptural silhouette with fitted waist. Very beautiful piece. Elegant Femme Fatale ...
Iconic Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Runway Piece Black Sculptural Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Few designers have mastered the art of sculpting the female form quite like Thierry Mugler, and this 1997 jacket stands as a testament to his architectural...
THIERRY MUGLER Couture Vintage Black Cut Out Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER Couture vintage spring/summer black supple jacket featuring cut-outs on front, forearms and back embellished with brushed silver tone arrowhead details. This jacket i...
