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 1990 Thierry Mugler Black Draped Fringe Sleeveless Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black Thierry Mugler top from the Spring/Summer 1990 'Été Hawaii' collection is cut in a fitted sleeveless silhouette with a high collar. It is...
1997 THIERRY MUGLER black fringed back RUNWAY dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Thierry Mugler black cocktail dress from 1997. Draped and gathered to create a wrap effect around the body, the dress emphasizes natural lines while maintaining Mugler’s signature sc...
Thierry Mugler Black Knitted Sheer Mesh Tank Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Thierry Mugler black knitted vertical stripe sheer mesh tank top. This sexy tank top is rare! - Made in Italy. - Size M. - 90% Nylon, 7% Polyamide, 3% Elasthanne....
ALBERTA FERRETTI black silk SHEER FRINGED Sleeveless Shirt 42 M
By Alberta Ferretti
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alberta Ferretti sleevless sheer fringed top in black silk (100%), rayon (45%), cotton (43%) and polyester (12%) with crochet detail in the middle. Keyhole and button ...
S/S 1997 Thierry Mugler 'Les Insectes' Black Fringe Tassel Runway Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
An archival piece from Thierry Mugler’s iconic Spring Summer 1997 'Les Insectes' collection, and as seen on the runway. This sculptural jacket is defined by dramatic cascading fringe...
Thierry Mugler Black Knitted Vertical Stripe See Through Tank Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Thierry Mugler black knitted vertical stripe see through tank top. This sexy tank top is rare! - Made in Italy. - Size M. - 90% Nylon, 7% Polyamide, 3% Elasthanne...
Rare Vintage Thierry Mugler Black Fringe Collar Avant Garde Boiled Wool Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare vintage THIERRY MUGLER Avant Garde boiled wool knit blazer jacket! Features amazing fringe around the entire collar that hangs loosely. Buttons up the front bodice. Functional pocket at each side of the waist. Super soft comfortable boiled wool knit that has plenty of stretch. Can easily be dressed up or down. Great with jeans, or perfect with trousers, a skirt, or over a dress. In great condition. Made in Italy. Marked Size Medium (lots of stretch) Measurements: (plenty of stretch) 40-44 inch...
Black jersey body-suit with fringes and V neckline ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black jersey body-suit with fringes and V neckline. Shoulder pad. Snap closure on the middle bottom of the body-suit. Cut-work. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back....
Issey Miyake Black Sleeveless Top Size 2
By Issey Miyake
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring black, sleeveless, collar, pleated detail with side ties design, measure 9" long. Made in Japan.
$200Sale Price|73% Off
Jeff Gallano Black Knitted See Through Fringe Sleeves Top
By Jeff Gallano
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Jeff Gallano black knitted see through fringe pullover sleeves top. Featuring a v neckline. A special design pattern top with fringes on the below. A stylish top which ...
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...
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...
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...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Sculptural Cut-Out Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black sculptural cut-out dress. A striking example of Thierry Mugler's visionary approach to feminine tailoring, this vintage dress perfectly captures the hou...
MUGLER Vintage Black Bustier Corset
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black bustier corset. This bustier features : - Black fabric (mixed wool) - Boning - Side hidden zippered closure - Red acetate lining Label reads MUGLER. Ma...
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 -...
