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
Cartier Love Bracelet in 18K Rose Gold Size 17 With Box and Papers
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Cartier Style: Cartier Love Bracelet Metal: 18K Rose Gold Size: 17 Width: ~6mm Weight: 30.5 grams
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Barry Kieselstein Cord 2004 Sterling Silver & 14k Gold Frog Flower Cuff Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Barry Kieselstein Cord Cuff Bracelet in sterling silver and14k yellow gold. The bracelet features a 3-D frog in between 2 3-D flowers with 14k yellow gold petals. Hallmarked "Barry Kieselstein Cord" and stamped "2004," "925," "14K," "Thailand," on the inside. This cuff bangle measures 29 mm wide, 58 mm long and weighs 78.5 grams. This is a pre-owned Barry Kieselstein Cord bracelet...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet Olive leaf design made out of sterling silver; marked Buccellati, Italy, 925, Sterling Size: wi...
Sterling Silver
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Leaf Cuff Bracelet
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, Italian Medlar leaf design made out of sterling silver; marked Buccellati, Italy, 925, Sterling ...
Sterling Silver
Karl Stittgen Organic Pearl and Multi Stone Gold Cuff Bracelet, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural, organic design cuff bracelet by Karl Stittgen circa 1970 featuring diamonds, druzy agate, cabochon rubies, emeralds and sapphires, baroque,...
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yel...
Meghna Jewels 13.45ct Emerald Diamond Enamel Cuff Bracelet, 18K Gold
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning enamel bracelet handmade in 18K gold & sterling silver. It is set in 13.45 carats emerald & 3.67 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
$29,000
W 1.8 in D 0.3 in L 7.25 in
Klaus Ullrich 21K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet, Germany, Circa 1960, 124g
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 21-karat yellow gold hinged bracelet, crafted in the 1960s by the pioneering late German goldsmith Klaus Ullrich, showcases the post-war modern jewelry design for which...
Gold
$5,500 / item
Lion Emerald Statement Cuff
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in yellow gold finish and sterling silver. This beautiful lion motif cuff is hand set with textured pattern & .18 carats emerald. This piece has been sold. If you're interest...
Emerald, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
18K Gold & Sterling Silver Geode Druzy Emerald Diamond Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning bracelet handmade in 18K gold and sterling silver. It is set in geode druzy, 19.45 carats emerald, 5.45 carats sapphire and 7.25 carats diamonds...
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Meghna Jewels 18K Gold & Silver Coral Rose Cut Diamond Cuff Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning statement bracelet handmade in 18K gold and sterling silver. It is set in 6.9 carats coral and 5.58 carats of uncut & rose cut diamonds in blackened finish. Clasp Closure ...
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Geode Blue Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning bracelet handmade in 18K gold. It is set in 17.75 carats natural geodes, 8.66 carats blue sapphire and 1.71 carats of glimmering diamonds. Clasp Closure FOLLOW MEGHNA JE...
Agate, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
White Jade Bangle 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 73.1 Grams Bracelet Circumference: ~6.75" (17.1cm) Inside Diameter: 2.20" Bracelet Width: 15.2 mm Stamped: "14K" Conditi...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels 3.0ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet, New
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A beautiful bracelet handmade in 18 Karat Gold and set in 3.0 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Meghna Jewels is...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, Italian Two apple leaves made out of sterling silver; marked Buccellati, Italy, 925, Sterling S...
Sterling Silver
John Hardy Classic Chain Bracelet with Black Sapphire in Sterling Silver
By John Hardy
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: John Hardy Metal: Sterling Silver Metal Purity: AG 925 Bracelet Width: 6.45 mm wide Bracelet Length: 7.5" Gemstone: Black S...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver