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 Military Green Wrap Dress 1980s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous forest green wool military influence dress by Thierry Mugler. It has a small stand up collar, long sleeves with cuffs and 2 bodice patch pockets. The dress skirt wraps ac...
Wrapped green cotton dress THIERRY MUGLER
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wrapped Green cotton dress with snap closure on the middle front and fabric belt ( belt's lenght = 110cm) The fabric composition tag has been cut but the lining ( only inside the s...
$1,895
Size: Small / Small Medium
1970s Halston Kelly Green Silk 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 70s Shirt Dress w/ Pockets
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic classic 1970s HALSTON 3/4 sleeves silk shirt dress ! Buttons up the front. Pockets at each side of the waist. The perfect dress for anytime of year. Very well made with heavy at...
1980s Thierry Mugler Khaki Faux-Wrap Tie Accent Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beige Thierry Mugler collared tie dress designed by Manfred Mugler. From the 1980s, this fabulous dress features three-quarter-length sleeves, a plunging neckline, and t...
Thierry Mugler Khaki Safari Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in New York, NY
Statement Thierry Mugler Khaki Cotton Poplin Safari Dress with massive shoulder pads which tapers down to the hem. Front placket is closed with snaps ...
$959
Size: Recommended Size; UK 6
2000s Thierry Mugler Khaki Olive Green Vintage Fuzzy Wool Long Sleeve Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Sheffield, GB
An exquisitely tailored early 2000's Thierry Mugler Olive Green soft and fuzzy fitted wool dress, featuring 3/4 sleeves, wrap over drapery at the front, concealed zip up the back and...
1990s Céline Iridescent Forest Green Set - Wrap Bodice & Godet Skirt
By Celine
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A rare and sophisticated two-piece ensemble from 1990s Céline Paris. This set is crafted in a luxurious forest green cotton poplin with a iridescent finish that shifts in hue dependi...
1987s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Green Cotton Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent green dress featuring a jacquard pattern, a separated belt, back button opening, front pockets. 100% cotton In good vintage condition. Made in France. Label size...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage Size 6 Green Linen Button Up Pleated Shirt Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE shirt dress in a green linen woven fabric featuring a pleated style, short cuffed sleeves, midi length, and button closure. Made in France.Exce...
J Mendel Hunter Forest Green Sexy Plunging Early 2000s Asymmetrical Mini Dress
By J Mendel
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy J MENDEL early 2000s hunter / forest green plunging silk mini dress ! Features the perfect color that looks great on any skin tone any time of year. Left shoulder features a Gre...
