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 Couture 2001 Archival Leather Corset Top Bustier
By Thierry Mugler, Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy piece of Fashion History Rare Archival Thierry Mugler Couture Pre-Fall 2001 Les Fauves Collection. Showstopper! In the electrifying world of Couture, where artistry me...
Rare Thierry Mugler S/S 1994 Sculpted Lambskin Leather Claw Corset Bustier
By Thierry Mugler
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional and highly collectible Thierry Mugler bustier from the Spring Summer 1994 collection, showcasing the designer's unmistakable vision of the female body as a powerful, s...
Thierry Mugler Leather Bustier and Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Thierry Mugler - Red lamb leather jacket and bustier top ornamented with a lace and tiny metallic bars. Missing size label, it fits a 38FR. Additional information: Condition: Very g...
Thierry Mugler Couture Dramatic Silk Corset Top Bodice Bustier
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
Breathtaking Thierry Mugler Couture 02/03 Silk Corset. A vision of bold sensuality and architectural elegance. This is piece is unworn and comes with the original tag from FW 2002/20...
THIERRY MUGLER FW 79 Iconic and Rare Double Breast Leather Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Milano, MILANO
Fall Winter 1997 iconic and rare double breast leather jacket with diagonal cuts by Thierry Mugler. Ribbed collar. Snap buttons at front, hem and cuffs. Fully lined. The composition ...
Thierry Mugler Silk Corset Dramatic Sculptural Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning extremely rare Thierry Mugler Collectors piece. Dramatic pure Silk bustier, assuming Spring 1985 Collection. A masterpiece of sartorial artistry by the legend Mister Mugler...
Thierry Mugler 1986 Sculptural Corset Top Dramatic Peplum Bodice
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Fabulous rare Thierry Mugler corset top - a masterful creation with amazing sculptural dramatic tailoring. A rare piece from his 1986 Collection...
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1983 Vintage Leather Cutout Wrap Bra Crop Top
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1983 Vintage Leather Cutout Wrap Bra Crop Top FR 40 Azzedine Alaia vintage leather wrap bra top featuring wraparound design, belted at the waist for an adjustable...
Thierry Mugler FW 1998 Silk Corset Bustier Top Bodice
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A couture dream of seduction through structure, this ivory silk corset from Thierry Mugler Fall/Winter 1998 - the legendary Lingerie Revisited Collection, often referred to as the He...
2000s Thierry Mugler Khaki Ruched Strapless Corset Boned Bustier Top FR38
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This early 2000s Thierry Mugler strapless bustier top is crafted from lightweight khaki fabric and is designed with vertical boning. The top features a sweetheart neckline, elegant r...
2002 f/wGucci by Tom Ford Silk Lace-Up Top new w/tag
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, HK
2002 f/wGucci by Tom Ford Silk Lace-Up Top New with tag Size 42, fits XS-M
Alaïa 1980s Drop Waist Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Piece Description: Vintage Alaïa white drop-waist dress from the 1980s. This mid-length piece features a deep neckline and a relaxed, drop-waist silhouette that reflects Alaïa’s sign...
Versace Vintage Tunic Knit Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vintage Versace tunic knit dress exudes a timeless and sophisticated style. The form-fitting silhouette with a sleeveless design creates a flattering and elegant look. The intri...
Alaia 1991 Butterfly Mini Body
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alaia 1991 Butterfly Mini Body This exquisite Alaia mini bodysuit is a true vintage gem, hailing from the renowned designer's iconic 1991 collection. With ...
Alaïa 1985 Black Wool Dress with Vinyl Belt Distressed Condition
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A rare archival piece from Azzedine Alaïa’s early Paris years, this 1985 wool dress exemplifies the designer’s sculptural tailoring and provocative edge. Crafted in black wool, the ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Cyber dot red ensemble 95FW
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Jean Paul Gaultier iconic red cyber dot two pieces top and leggings from 1995 f/w. Cropped long sleeve top that closes high on the neck, comes with a zipper closure. High waisted le...
