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
Ammonite 22 Karat and 18 Karat Gold Cuff Bracelet Tourmaline Tanzanite Garnet
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Ammonite is another stunning, magical fossilized gem. The accent stones in this cuff bracelet are tourmaline, kyanite and garnet in 22k and 18k gold. This cuff is comfortable and o...
Tourmaline, Garnet, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Gold
22 Karat Gold Spiral Cuff Bracelet
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22 Karat Yellow Gold Spiral Cuff Bracelet by ROMAE Jewelry - Inspired by an Ancient Design. Our stunning solid gold "Eupraxia" bracelet features a timeless "figure-eight" spiral repe...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$44,337 / item
W 2.84 in D 2.37 in L 2.72 in
Contemporary Beatrice Barzaghi Awarded 9 Ct Diamond Pave Gold Clamper Bracelet
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Contemporary Beatrice Barzaghi Awarded 9 Ct Diamond Pave Gold Clamper Bracelet Introducing the extraordinary Gemini Clamper Bracelet by Beatrice Barzaghi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
$33,585 / item
22 Karat Gold Woven Cuff Bracelet
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22 Karat Yellow Gold Woven Cuff Bracelet by ROMAE Jewelry - Inspired by Ancient Roman Designs. Our Clementia cuff bracelet is based on an ancient Etrus...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cleto Munari Limited Edition 18K Gold and Ebony Cuff Bracelet, 2018
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Ebony bracelet by Italian artist and editor Cleto Munari Made from a single piece of wood, nails and hinge in 18k gold. Width : 6 cm Length : 17 cm approx. Gross weight : 140 g 2018 ...
18k Gold
$20,000 / item
Ralph Masri Modernist Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Elegant 18kt white gold bracelet with diamond pavé (3.15cts) and sapphires (1.65cts) on the edges from Ralph Masri's Modernist collection, inspired by mid-century Modernist architect...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
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
22Karat Gold handcrafted flexible bangle with a pair of tourmaline Flower
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A beautiful bangle handcrafted in 22 karat gold with a nice pair of tourmaline hand carved flower on both the ends. The bangle fits and sits well on mostly all wrist sizes. Matte finish gold...
Tourmaline, Gold, 22k Gold