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
rare CHROME HEARTS 925 sterling silver handcuff bangle skull keychain
By Chrome Hearts
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare CHROME HEARTS 925 sterling silver handcuff bangle skull keychain Reference: TGAS/D01160 Brand: Chrome Hearts Material: Silver Color: Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Lock Extra De...
$1,287
W 0.87 in L 7.88 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Gold Quilted Braided Monderist Chunky Cuff
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Textured Glow Chunky Quilted Monderist Bangle Cuff Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticea...
Gold Plate
ART 1960s Green Glass and Faux Pearl Vintage Buddha Bracelet
By Arthur Pepper
Located in Wilmslow, England
This dramatic and vibrant bracelet dates from the 1960s and was made in the United States by ART - a company founded by Arthur Pepper in the late 1940s. Condition Report: Excellent...
Gilt Metal
1960s Hattie Carnegie Prong Set Crystal Cuff with French Jet Beads
By Hattie Carnegie
Located in London, GB
This striking late 1960s to early 1970s cuff bracelet was designed by renowned jewellery designer Hattie Carnegie. Crafted from gold-toned metal and encrusted with dozens of circular...
Authentic Cartier Love 6 Diamonds 18 Kt Rose Gold , Size 15 , Box + Certificate
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier Small Love 6 Diamonds 18 Kt Rose Gold , Size 15 , Box + Certificate Part of the 'Love' collection. we have spotted this elegant Cartier bracelet on many celebs and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Trifari 1960s Gold Plate, Enamel and Rhinestone Vintage Cuff and Earrings Set
By Trifari
Located in Wilmslow, England
This eternally stylish jewellery set was created by Trifari in the 1960s. Condition Report: Very Good - A tiny element of crazing to the enamel work in a couple of small areas. Th...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Schreiber and Hiller 1930s Art Deco Vintage Statement Cuff
Located in Wilmslow, England
This striking cuff dates from the 1930s. It was created in Germany and is an exceptionally rare example of the work of the Schrieber and Hiller company. Condition Report: Very Good ...
Base Metal
Art Deco 1920s Sterling, Paste and Red Glass Vintage Bracelet
Located in Wilmslow, England
This stylish bracelet evokes the Art Deco era and is made from plated sterling. Condition Report: Very Good - A tiny element of darkening due to age to a couple of the paste stones....
Sterling Silver
18kt Lattice Cuff Bracelet with hinge
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
Elegant 18kt Yellow Gold Lattice band cuff with twisted rope edge Finished with a hinged opening. A style statement! The Cuff can be made to fit any w...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Prada Fall 2016 Gunmetal Silver Rose Cuff Bracelet, Unisex, New
Located in London, GB
Rarest, work of art Prada rose bracelet or bangle from the Fall 2016 collection. Unworn with card tag, quilted satin dustbag and presentation box. Impossible to find in this condit...
Sterling Silver
Estate " H Gold" Tri Color Interwoven Rolling Stretch Bracelet 18YG, RG, WG 87Gm
Located in New York, NY
Estate"H Gold" Tri color Interwoven Rolling Stretch Bracelet 7" This iconic three-strand bracelet is handmade from a continuous piece of flexible, lightweight, 18k gold. It wraps aro...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Gold
Art Deco 1930s Gilded Metal and Blue Glass Vintage Cuff
Located in Wilmslow, England
This stylish bracelet dates from the 1930s. It was most likely created in Czechoslovakia. Condition Report: Excellent The Details... This gilded metal bracelet features three row...