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.
F/W 1988 Thierry Mugler Purple Les Infernales Lighting Bolt Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Thierry Mugler purple 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 ...
F/W 1988 Thierry Mugler Purple Futuristic Les Infernales Sculptural Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Futuristic Thierry Mugler vibrant purple jacket from the Fall Winter 1988 “Les Infernales” collection and variations of it were seen on the runway. This rare jacket features a struct...
Purple wool double-breasted jacket Thierry Mugler
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple wool double-breasted jacket. The fabric composition tag has been cut but the lining is probably in acetate. Snap closure on the waist under the silver metal buckle. Cut-work. ...
Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler SS 1995 Purple Jacket Sculptural Cutout
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1995 Collection The structured piece is the embodiment of Mugler’s signature aesthetic: bold, futuristic, and exquisitely sensual. The sharply sculpted ...
Purple-blue wool single- breasted jacket Thierry Mugler Paris
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple-blue wool ( could be mix with cashmere or alpaca but no fabric composition tag) single- breasted jacket . Snap in the middle front. Shoulder-pads. Cut-work bust and waist. Rag...
Iconic Thierry Mugler Sculptural Jacket FW 1988/89 Black Purple
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy piece of Fashion History The stunning iconic Thierry Mugler creation from the legendary Les Infernales (SHE DEVILS) Collection FW 1988/1989. Extremely rare documented ...
Rare Mugler Purple Illusion Jacket Drape Pattern
By Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Fabulous rare Mugler Jacket. Sculptural shape with fitted waist and deep V-neck. Illusion drape pattern, stunning purple colours. Closes with metal press buttons at the front. Except...
NEW Gianni Versace Couture FW 2000 Purple Fur Jacket Coat 42
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
A great piece by GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE This gorgeous jacket is made out of finest amethyst-colored fur From the famous FW 2000 collection Softest, ligh...
Rare Thierry Mugler FW 1985 Fabulous Dramatic Jacket Collar Belt Purple Lilac
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful rare Thierry Mugler jacket, FW 1985 Collection. Stunning Collectors piece, well documented on the '85 Runway Show. This jacket is pure sculptural intent - a masterclass in ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage purple suede fur lined double breasted jacket FR36 S
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage royal purple suede fur lined double breasted gold buttons shawl jacket FR36 S Reference: MELK/A00440 Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Material: Leather Color: Pur...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Blue Rubber Like Stars Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage blue rubber like jacket embellished with silver toned stars. This jacket features : - Soft blue rubber like fabric. - Textured silver toned stars embellishement on bust and pockets. - Classic collar. - Long sleeves. - Shoulder pads. - Blue lining. Label reads MTM MUGLER TRADEMARK...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Worsted Wool Peplum Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black worsted wool peplum jacket with a supple structure. This jacket features : - A deep V-neckline and wide lapels, creating a dramatic, elongated effect -...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Architectural Asymmetric Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black architectural asymmetric jacket A quintessential expression of Thierry Mugler's iconic design language, this vintage jacket showcases the designer's fas...
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...
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Blue Cropped Biker Jacket with Portraits Details
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage rare blue cropped lightweight biker-like jacket featuring multicolored portraits details. This jacket features : - Biker motorcycle jacket design in blue color. - Gorgeous multicolored vintage portraits (males and asiatic females) details on collar, lapels and cuffs. - Long sleeves. - 2 zippered pockets. - Snap button closure. - Zippered pockets and cuffs. - Silver toned buttons embossed JPG. - Enameled zipper cursors marked JPG. - No lining. Label reads JPG PARIS...
Gianni Versace Vintage Leather Blazer with Chains
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage soft supple black leather blazer embellished with silver toned chains. Front buttoning. Black resin signature Medusa head buttons on front and cuffs. Fully l...
