Fashion as sculpture, as avant-garde expression, as spectacle: Thierry Mugler’s career pushed the boundaries of what fashion design and clothing could mean.
Mugler, 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 and costuming came from his background in ballet, having danced as a teenager with the Opéra national du Rhin in his hometown of Strasbourg, France. In the 1980s and ’90s, his couture shows were theatrical and futuristic, similar to those of his contemporaries Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix.
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 corset tops, suits, sunglasses and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Rare Thierry Mugler Silver Metal Bolo Tie or Brooch SS 1992
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A gleaming relic from Thierry Mugler’s legendary 1992 Les Cowboys collection, this silver metal bolo tie transforms an emblem of the American West into a piece of futuristic body scu...
Rare Thierry Mugler Silver Metal Bolo Tie or Brooch SS 1992
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A gleaming relic from Thierry Mugler’s legendary 1992 Les Cowboys collection, this black silver metal bolo tie transforms an emblem of the American West into a piece of futuristic bo...
Louis Vuitton Glitter Silver Damier LV Pyramide 40mm Belt 37LV128S
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Louis Vuitton Glitter Silver Damier LV Pyramide 40mm Belt 37LV128S Date Code/Serial Number: BC4271 Made In: Spain Measurements: Length: 46.5" Wi...
Vintage 1920's Silver Lamé Cloche hat 1920's flapper hat rhinestone and feather
Located in Nashville, TN
This rare and incredibly intricate 1920's silver lamé cloche hat, constructed on a moulded internal felt base, on which the lamé panels are sewn to, is a beauty to behold. Decorated ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Signature Arms Gilded Silver Hardware Glasses
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier gilded silver hardware frames accented with the signature name in script on both arms of these prescription lens glasses. The bridge are detailed with JPG with the...
Prada Semi Wrap-Around Silver Hardware with Lucite Glasses
By Prada
Located in New York, NY
Prada semi-wrap-around glasses is combined with silver hardware and lucite. The front measures 5 3/4", arms are 4 3/4", height is 1 1/2". The semi-wrap front measures 7 1/8" from cor...
PRADA SPORT Size 10.5 America's Cup Silver Leather Nylon Mesh Ankle Sneakers
By Prada
Located in San Francisco, CA
PRADA SPORT "America's Cup" sneakers in a silver tone leather and nylon mesh featuring a high top style, rubber sole, and lace-up closure with hook & loop ankle detail.Good Pre-O...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER (Attributed To) Silver Tone Cursive Signature Chain Belt
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER (attributed to) antiqued silver tone chain belt featuring a cursive signature logo. Lobster clasp closure. Adjustable length. Unsigned. Indicative measurements ...
1970s Coin Silver Indian Filigree Chain Belt w Faux Turquoise Accents
Located in Gresham, OR
A beautiful 1970s coin silver Indian filigree chain belt with faux turquoise accents, chain swags and large center accent piece. Hook closure. Adjus...
Jimmy Choo Shimmery Silver Slingback Heels with Bedazzlement - 37
By Jimmy Choo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jimmy Choo Shimmery Silver Slingback Heels with Bedazzlement - 37. These heels have a shimmery silver color. On the slingback, there is a rhinestone ...
Vivienne Westwood blue wool embroidered Orb armband, fw 1995
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood blue wool embroidered Orb armband with tan leather and baroque style gold buckle. Vive La Cocotte, Fall-Winter 1995
Native American Silver and Turquoise Bear Claw Belt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely vintage Native American concho belt with bear claw motif. Each section is raised, hollow and set with turquoise with sawtooth bezel....
Vintage "Art Nouveau" Hand-Etched Silver Hardware Belt Buckle
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully detailed hand-etched "Art Nouveau" silver hardware belt buckle measures 2 inches x 1 6/8 inches.
Hermès Peluche Bear Lana Rosa
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Peluche firmato Hermès, realizzato in lana nella colorazione rosa. L’articolo si presenta in ottime condizioni. ---- Peluche firmato Hermès, realizzato in lana nella colorazione rosa. L’articolo si presenta in ottime condizioni. ----- Hermès plush...