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.
Stunning Thierry Mugler Ensemble FW 1993 Black Film Noir Jacket Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful Thierry Mugler Fall/Winter 1993 two piece ensemble: A gorgeous sharp vision, polished to a dangerous gleam, it stands at the crossroads of Film Noir and Old Hollywood power...
Gorgeous Thierry Mugler Crystal Glam Ensemble Sculptural Black Jacket Skirt Set
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare and glamorous Thierry Mugler Ensemble. A stunning creation of the one and only Manfred Thierry Mugler, early 90s Collection. Gorgeous super feminine blazer jacket wit...
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 Hiver Buick Collection FW 1989 Black Dramatic Bullet Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Iconic 'Trotteurs Enjoliveurs' Jacket from the Hiver Buick collection FW 1989. Adorned with chrome ornaments inspired by the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado. Fabulous dramatic Thierry Mugler piece. Black fitted jacket with amazing silver metal bullet details. Zigzag shaped neck cutout. Closes with snap buttons on the front, no shoulderpads. Typical Mugleresque feminine dramatic silhouette. Highlights are the silver metal bullet shaped details. (Skirt displayed on the mannequin is not included) Thierry Mugler Made in France marked vintage size 42...
Thierry Mugler Black Suit Sculptural Jacket Skirtsuit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning Thierry Mugler skirtsuit, two piece set (jacket and skirt). Black sculptural suit made of high quality wool. Fabulous Thierry Mugler construc...
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...
Skirt-suit with double-breasted jacket and snaps Thierry Mugler
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Skirt-suit with double-breasted jacket and snaps. JACKET: Snap closure and snap on collar. Raglan sleeves. Shoulder-pad. Cut-work. Fabric composition: 100% wool. no lining composit...
THIERRY MUGLER F/W 1998 Collectors Runway Ensemble - Documented by Helmut Newton
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Fall Winter 1998 Runway Rhinestone Ensemble / Suit Set - Documented by Helmut Newton Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection / year: Fall / Winter 1998 Material: Jacket: Wool / Rhinestones. Skirt & Shorts: Chiffon 100% polyester. Color: Black Size: FR40 Made in France Complete look from Thierry Mugler’s Prêt-à-porter Fall Winter 1998 collection titled “Lingerie Revisited". Photographed by Helmut Newton for Thierry Mugler's Fall Winter 1998 look-book. This ensemble was also featured in a Neiman Marcus campaign for Harper's Bazaar, September 1998 on actress Estella Warren. The jacket is made from black wool. It features a squared notched lapel, V- neckline and lightly padded shoulders. A dramatic hourglass silhouette emphasised by lines of rhinestone embellishments in the shape of corset seam-lines . The rhinestones are also featured on the cuff of each sleeve. Completed by a chiffon skirt and shorts set. A lighter variation of the runway look which was presented in a more structured fabric. The chiffon is a clear continuation of Thierry Mugler’s “Lingerie Revisited” theme, balancing structure with sensuality. A very special collectors item. Both wearable and an investment piece that will continue to increase in value. Size Information: Marked size FR40 Jacket: Shoulders 46.5cm Bust 46cm Waist 36.5cm Length 61cm Skirt Waist 34.5cm Hip 48cm Length 108cm Shorts Waist 34cm Hip 41cm Length 35cm Front rise 32.5cm This Thierry Mugler blazer is in very good vintage condition with some wear to the zipper, and some light discolouration to the lining. The skirt and shorts are in excellent condition. Please contact us with any questions. Additional Photographs : From Thierry Mugler’s 1998...
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 ...
Black jacket with cut-work and silver metallic snap closure Thierry Mugler
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black jacket with cut-work and silver metallic snap closure. The fabric composition said cotton but it doesnt feel like cotton, more likely wool or rayon. Lining in acetate or rayon....
1990s Thierry Mugler Black Fitted Peplum Jacket suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Thierry Mugler Black Fitted Jacket suit. Suits fit size 4. Jacket bust measurement: 36” / Skirt measurement: Waist: 26”/ Hip : 34”
Mugler jacket by Thierry Mugler circa 1985
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
MUGLER - A Collection circa 1985, under the artistic direction of Thierry Mugler. Fitted jacket entirely embroidered with golden sequins. Size 38FR indicated. Made in France. Con...
