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
CHANEL Vintage Byzantine Inspired Gripoix Cuff Bracelet, 1990
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL by KARL LAGERFELD vintage Byzantine inspired gold tone cuff bracelet embellished with multicolored (green, red and blue) MAISON GRIPOIX faux gem glass cabochons and faux pearl...
Gilt Metal
Edouard Rambaud Vintage Jewelled Cuff Bracelet
By Edouard Rambaud
Located in Nice, FR
EDOUARD RAMBAUD vintage textured gold toned cuff bracelet adorned with a gorgeous flower embellished with multicolored crystals. Embossed EDOUARD RAMBAUD Paris. Indicative measurem...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Vintage 1993 Iconic Coco 31 Rue Cambon Paris Coin Wooden Cuff Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL vintage 1993 iconic and rare wooden cuff bracelet featuring gold toned coins with COCO profile alterning with crowned CC 31 RUE CAMBON PARIS. Seaso...
Christian Lacroix Vintage Crescent Moon Link Bracelet
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone bracelet featuring large crescent moon resin links. Marked CHRISTIAN LACROIX CL Made in France. Indica...
2005 Dark Purple Box Leather Hermes Collier de Chien Cuff
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Classic and ever so collectable, the Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet cuff is a must have piece of jewelry. This deep, dark purple box leather cuff has gold...
Gilt Metal
CHRISTIAN LACROIX (Attributed to) Black and White Runway Bracelet Spring 2008
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX (attributed to) chunky bracelet in black and white fabric. Runway model from the Spring 2008 Ready-To-Wear runway show. Unsigned. Documented (see photo attached)....
Red Leather Hermes Collier de Chien Bracelet Cuff
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Classic and ever so collectable, the Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet cuff is a must have piece of jewelry. This red box leather cuff ...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Black Resin Logo Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT black resin cuff bracelet embossed with YSL logos all over. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT. Size reads : M. Indicative measurements : inner measurements approx. 6....
JACQUES AN LANH Vintage Sculptural Brass Cuff Bracelet
Located in Nice, FR
JACQUES AN LANH vintage sculptural brass cuff bracelet. Embossed AN LANH Paris. 20th century artist referenced in the book : Bijoux Contemporains, Une Passion (Chantal Bizot et Nad...
Brass
Gilded gold with Swarovski crystals embellishment bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This vermeil finished gilded gold hardware bracelet is designed in "Branches", and embellished with Swarvoski "diamond" crystals scattered in an...
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Flamenco Cameo Bracelet
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage rare bracelet featuring multicolored trimmings in a gold tone setting with Flameco dancer cameo and heart charm. T-bar closure...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD Pair of Jewelled Orchid Cuff Bracelets
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT by TOM FORD pair of orchid cuff bracelets featuring a deep purple glass cabochon, pink and clear crystals, green enamel leaves in a light gold tone setting. YVES ...