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.
Spectacular Archival Thierry Mugler SS 1991 Suit Skirt Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This stunning Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1991 skirt suit is the epitome of power dressing, a striking testament to the Designer’s signature fusion of architectural precision and fe...
Thierry Mugler Scuptural Jacket Architecture Collection
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
In this extraordinary creation from Thierry Mugler’siconic mind tailoring becomes seduction. The tweed jacket, at once architectural and sensual, transforms the female form into a l...
Thierry Mugler 1993 Jacket Rare Sculptural Dramatic Collar
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare Thierry Mugler 1993 Cruise Collection jacket. A stunning blend of structure and elegance, embodying Mugler's signature futuristic aesthetic....
Thierry Mugler Glam Jacket Shooting Star Crystal Glam Black Dramatic Sculptural
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Fabulous Thierry Mugler jacket with gorgeous big crystal jewel details. Theirry Mugler 1995 Cruise collection. Dramatic black jacket with iconic Thierry M...
Spectacular Thierry Mugler Jacket SS 1991 Super Star
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This extraordinary Thierry Mugler jacket from the Spring/Summer 1991 "Super Strar Diana Roll" Collection is pure Mugler mythology: erotic, architectural, and unapologetically powerfu...
ICONIC Thierry Mugler FW 1998 Crystal Jacket Ensemble Famous Helmut Newton
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The Iconic Thierry Mugler FW 1998 jacket famously captured by the legend Helmut Newton! Extremely rare and documented piece, Museum Worthy. Black jacket and long black skirt...
Vintage 1990’s Thierry Mugler Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in COLLINGWOOD, AU
Very rare vintage 1990’s Thierry Mugler jacket. Beautiful teal coloured wool fabric with zip front closure and classic Mugler sculptural details. Stunning silhouette and flattering ...
Thierry Mugler Couture Silk Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
This Thierry Mugler couture skirt suit is an exercise in beautiful seduction - masterful tailoring and gorgeous shape. The silhouette is unmistakably Mugler: razor precision, a fitte...
Thierry Mugler Sculptural Ensemble Sharp Metal Details
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler’s genius was his ability to transform tailoring into theater, and this black skirt suit is a perfect example of his sculptural Couture. The silhouette is pure Mugler: ...
Mugler par Thierry Mugler purple short jacket, vintage 1990s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Genova, IT
Mugler purple jacket 90s ABOUT An extraordinary jacket by Thierry Mugler, it is a short, narrow waisted model with rounded shoulders and a futuristic line. The color is a beautiful...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage pink space age curved lapel metal buckle blazer IT9AT S
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Hong Kong, NT
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage pink space age curved lapel metal buckle blazer IT9AT S Reference: TGAS/C01614 Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: 1980s Material: 100% ...
rare THIERRY MUGLER Vintage black wool geometric velvet peplum jacket IT40 S
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare THIERRY MUGLER Vintage black wool geometric velvet peplum jacket IT40 S Reference: TGAS/D00732 Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Material: Wool Color: Black Patter...
THIERRY MUGLER 1998 Vintage off white cotton border collar peplum blazer FR40 L
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Hong Kong, NT
THIERRY MUGLER 1998 Vintage off white cotton bordered collar peplum blazer FR40 L Reference: TGAS/E00494 Brand: Thierry Mugler Collection: Cruise 1998 - Ru...
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER COUTURE black wasp waist power padded shoulder blazer jacket
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER COUTURE black wasp waist power padded shoulder blazer jacket Reference: TGAS/F00843 Brand: Alexandre Vauthier Designer: Alexandre Vauthier Collection: Couture Mate...
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER COUTURE SS2025 Runway navy stand collar Power officer blazer
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER COUTURE SS2025 Runway navy stand collar Power officer blazer Reference: TGAS/F00822 Brand: Alexandre Vauthier Designer: Alexandre Vauthier Collection: Spring Summe...
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER black pop stand collar cropped blazer short tuxedo jacket
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER black pop stand collar cropped blazer short tuxedo jacket Reference: TGAS/F00846 Brand: Alexandre Vauthier Designer: Alexandre Vauthier Material: Feels like wool, ...
