Fashion as sculpture, as avant-garde expression, as spectacle: Thierry Mugler’s career pushed the boundaries of what fashion design and clothing could mean. In the 1980s and ’90s, the late French designer's couture shows were theatrical and futuristic, similar to those of his contemporaries Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix.
Mugler (1948–2022), 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, costuming and innovative shows came from his background in ballet, having danced as a teenager with the Opéra national du Rhin in his hometown of Strasbourg, France. 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 couture clothing on 1stDibs.
Thierry Mugler Runway Rose Brooch One of a Kind
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
If you own an archival 1995 Thierry Mugler look, this brooch is the ultimate finishing touch — the detail that makes your outfit truly iconic. I have never seen another surviving exa...
Vintage Thierry Mugler " MOUCHE " Bug Eye Spring /Summer 1997 France Sunglasses
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Thierry Mugler oversized bug eye frame with light grey lenses. A true fashion statement from a Spring / Summer 1997 runway dream to your eyes. Please consider that this...
DOLCE & GABBANA Size XS Navy Wool Hats
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dolce & Gabbana beanie is crafted from premium navy wool in a cozy knit. Featuring a sleek design with only subtle logo tags. Made in Italy. Good Pre-Owned Condition. Signs of wear. ...
$250
Size: none; one size fits most
Victorian Black Velvet and Silk Rose Mourning Bonnet w Velvet Ties - O/S, 1880s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Worn during the Victorian lady’s two-year mourning period, this petite hat telegraphed propriety and solemnity without sacrificing style. Featuring a stiff skullcap adorned with silk velvet bows and gathers, it is accentuated by silk ribbon roses. Best of all, despite its small size it can be perched on the head without the use of hat pins thanks to its velvet bonnet ties. Stiff Victorian half hat...
$295
Size: none; size 21" or 6 3/4 US
Black Sequin Cocktail Fascinator Hat with Tulle Cage Veil - S, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A knockout accessory for New Years Eve or a black tie event, this cocktail hat is as petite as a fascinator but packs the punch of a wide brim. Both glitzy and understated, it balances a glittering sequin skull cap with an alluring cage veil for an unforgettably sophisticated look. Rigid oval calot cap with pavé black sequins; attached tulle birdcage veil...
PACO RABANNE Museum Worthy Showpiece Angel Wings Sequin Hat
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
PACO RABANNE Museum Worthy Showpiece Angel Wings Sequin Top Hat Each sequence carefully overlapped to mimic the texture of feathers. No label .Sourced from France many years ago R...
GUCCI Havana TORTOISE BUTTERLY Sunglasses Gradient Brown GG076S
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Gucci sunglasses feature Havana brown tortoiseshell acetate butterfly frames with gradient light brown lenses. The elegant fork temples are detailed with engrave...
Black Marabou Hat
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Very nice and light weight marabou hat In excellent vintage condition The hat band stretch a little bit Circumference size 57/58 CM Please note that vintag...
$1,200
Size: One size fits all w pins
1940s Laddie Northridge Rare Ethereal Black Singed Ostrich Feather "Cloud" Hat
Located in Gresham, OR
1940s Laddie Northridge Rare Ethereal Black Singed Ostrich Feather "Cloud" Hat: Laddie Northridge was a couture custom hat maker (occasionally producing matching bags and clothing) ...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Floral Embroidery Pony Hair Bucket Hat
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Donatella Versace designed this chic bucket hat for her Fall/Winter 1999 Gianni Versace collection. Constructed of brown and black tiger print pony hair, this coat is covered in tiny...
multi colored studs hat
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This hat is knitted and embroided with synthetic color studs. The side flaps are made of black suede leather. Its in good vintage condition Size is 57 cm/22.44 inch
CHROME HEARTS brown green tortoise SCREAM Shield Sunglasses
By Chrome Hearts
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chrome Hearts Scream shield sunglasses feature a bold brown tortoise acetate frame paired with striking green lenses. The wraparound shield silhouette delivers st...
Incredible 1960s Vintage Antenna Fur Rhinestone Hat
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic 1960s hat by "Milady," by "O'Neils. Super soft fur material, with intricate middle piece. Two dangling rhinestone "antennas" at front. In great condition. Approximately Siz...
Norma Kamali OMO Rhinestone Beret Black Wool Vintage 80s Rare Retro Designer Hat
By Norma Kamali, OMO Norma Kamali
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Add a touch of glamorous vintage sparkle to your wardrobe with this authentic Norma Kamali OMO beret-style hat, likely produced in the 1980s. Crafted from soft black felted wool, the...
Thierry Mugler Couture SS 1997 Prototype Hairpiece Rare Runway Worn Scarf
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
The one of a kind Runway worn Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Couture ‘LES INSECTES’ Prototype Hairpiece. A singular vision of theatrical glamour, this prototype hairpiece from Thierry Mugler...
F/W 2001 Thierry Mugler Silver Transparent Ad Rectangular Sunglasses
By Thierry Mugler Couture, Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a pair of silver transparent Thiery Mugler sunglasses, designed by Manfred Mugler. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, a version of these sunglasses were high...
Vintage Thierry Mugler " GUEPE " Bug Eye Spring / Summer 1997 France Sunglasses
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Thierry Mugler oversized bug eye frame with spotless lenses. A true fashion statement from a Spring / Summer 1997 runway dream to your eyes. Please consider that this i...
Vintage Thierry Mugler " GUEPE " Bug Eye Spring / Summer 1997 France Sunglasses
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Thierry Mugler oversized bug eye frame with spotless lenses. A true fashion statement from a Spring / Summer 1997 runway dream to your eyes. Please consider that this i...