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 cuff bracelet
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
THIERRY MUGLER - Beaten golden bronze cuff bracelet with a wide lapel and a back opening. A Collection circa 1980, under the artistic direction of Thierry Mugler. Condition: Good co...
Gilt Metal
Hearts and Marquise Diamond Cuff Bracelet 0.76 Carat 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Rutherford, NJ
A little bit of self-love, a lot of sparkle. When the brilliance of Hearts & Marquise cut diamonds meets luscious 18kt yellow gold, you’ll have found yourself an exquisite treat. I...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Shield Cuff Solid 18 Karat Gold
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Fluid and bold solid 18 karat gold cuff. Pairs with Shield Ring. Also available in Silver and White Gold by special order.
18k Gold, Gold
Gucci Women's YA112416 Twirl Diamond Cuff Watch
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
New with tags GUCCI Women's YA112416 Twirl Watch with White Dial and diamond bezel, diamonds weighting in total 2.60 carats: Quartz movement Scratch resis...
Diamond, White Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
22 karat gold bracelet from the brand Zolotas Jewelry
By Zolotas
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
22 karat gold bracelet from the Zolotas brand, in an open design with a rough finish 22 karat Yellow gold 2 white natural Mobis Pearls weight: 110.8
Pearl, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,200
H 5 in W 2.75 in D 2 in Dm 2.5 in L 5 in
Robert Lee Morris Modern Long Matte Gold Window Pane Cuff
By Robert Lee Morris
Located in New York, NY
This one of a kind spectacular and dramatic matte gold plated cuff is a statement bracelet. Created as a publicity piece, it fed into the voracious appetite of the fashion magazine e...
Gold, Brass
Tubogas Bangle in Rose Gold with Natural Zircons Enamel and Champagne Diamonds
By Maximilian Hemmerle
Located in München, DE
This contemporary Tubogas bangle in rose gold is set with two natural zircons and accented with champagne diamonds and red enamel. Created in Italy and Germany, it represents a power...
Diamond, Zircon, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Gucci Running G 18k White Gold Cuff with Diamonds
By Gucci
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Clean lines with an elegant feel, the 18K white gold cuff, featuring a diamond-encrusted Double G at either end, adds a classic touch to Gucci's f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,699
W 0.34 in L 7 in
Curata Italian Solid 14k Yellow Gold Curb-Link Cuff Adjustable Bangle Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal Purity: 14k Country of Origin: Italy Metal Weight: 10.8 grams Measurement: 8mm wide - Adjustable Certificate of Authenticity The Italian Solid 14k Yellow Gold Curb-Link Cuff...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Othmar Zschaler Modernist Cuff Bracelet, 18k Gold & Lapis Lazuli, 1970'
Located in Bruxelles, BE
A stunning and rare cuff bracelet showcasing an extraordinary abstract design, masterfully crafted in silver, gold, and vibrant lapis lazuli by the renowned Swiss goldsmith Othmar Zs...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Silver
Sea Foam Cuff with Pearls and Diamonds, by Michelle Massoura
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
Drawing inspiration from the rising foam in the sea, this cuff slips easily on the wrist and features lustrous freshwater pearls and glimmering diamonds. Circumference: 16cm / 6.2in ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Gucci Icon Blossom Rose Gold Cuff Bangle
By Gucci
Located in Delray Beach, FL
This gorgeous Gucci Icon cuff bangle is professionally crafted in 18K rose gold. It features the iconic Gucci double 'G' motif and is embellished with white enamel blossom detailing....
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Gold and Enamel Miniature Bracelet, Bost, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
The strap of woven gold with stylized patterns arranged alternately and decorated at the ends with oval medallion surrounding with blue enameled gold and a hinged openwork cover to p...
Gold, Enamel