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.
Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Red Rhinestone Adorned Bustier Corset, Fall 1992
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Iconic haute couture Thierry Mugler rhinestone, sequins and beads adorned red bustier corset from Fall 1992 collection. Same bustier in blue was worn by Lady Miss Kier during "Best ...
Iconic Thierry Mugler Gold Corset FW 1990 Holy Grail Showstopper Museum
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
In the theatrical universe of Thierry Mugler, fashion was spectacle, sculpture, and seduction fused into one. This extraordinary corset from the Fall/Winter 1990 “Music Hall” collec...
Thierry Mugler SS 1988 Abstract Pop Art Bustier Corset
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1988 Été Africain Multicolour Abstract Pop Art Print Bustier Corset. Hook and eye closure at the back. Sculptural silhouette with built in boning. Com...
Thierry Mugler Silk Corset Dramatic Sculptural Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning extremely rare Thierry Mugler Collectors piece. Dramatic pure Silk bustier, assuming Spring 1985 Collection. A masterpiece of sartorial artistry by the legend Mister Mugler...
Late 1980s Thierry Mugler Velvet Lace-Up Pointed Strapless Bustier Corset Black
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the late 1980s, this black velvet Thierry Mugler lace-up corset is a major addition to any wardrobe or collection. Designed by Manfred Thierry Mugler,...
Thierry Mugler Tweed Bra Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This beautiful rare tweed bra / bustier transforms a traditionally soft, domestic textile into an object of sculptural seduction. Cut with the Thierry Mugler’s unmistakable architect...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Yellow Cheetah Print One Piece Swim Body Suit
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace one-piece from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection is cut in a fitted silhouette with a scoop neckline, wide straps, and a high-cut leg. It is printed throughout in...
1970S Navy Men's Velour Fleece Striped Sleeve Loungewear Robe
Located in New York, NY
1970S Navy Men's Velour Fleece Striped Sleeve Loungewear Robe
1940S Burgundy Rayon Geometric Printed Mens Robe
Located in New York, NY
1940S Burgundy Rayon Geometric Printed Mens Robe
1990S VIKTOR & ROLF White Cotton Iconic Multi Collar Shirt
By Viktor & Rolf
Located in New York, NY
1990S VIKTOR & ROLF White Cotton Iconic Multi Collar Shirt
Edwardian Cream Embroidered Cotton Voile & Lace Tea Dress With Empire Waistline
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Cream Embroidered Cotton Voile & Lace Tea Dress With Empire Waistline And Half Sleeves
Christian Dior By John Galliano Lace-Trimmed Satin Brief Panty, Fall-Winter 2003
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Geneva, CH
Made from stretch-silk satin, this Christian Dior by John Galliano brief has a pretty luster and feels really soft on the skin. Outlined with delicate lace scalloping in a contrastin...
Vivienne Westwood Corset SS 1992 Runway Worn Rare Collectors black lace ICONIC
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Berlin, BE
HOLY GRAIL Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 1992 Collection - a piece that fuses historical seduction with punk-era provocation. Rendered in semi sheer mesh and embroidered black lac...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Robins Egg Blue Vintage 80s Negligee + Jacket Set YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1980s vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL robins egg blue silky nightgown and bed jacket! Features lace and embroidery throughout. Racerback with two straps at each back shoulde...
Size: No Label
Vintage 1980s Rhinestone Embellished Black Velvet Corset
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Black velvet corset, circa 1980s, extensively embellished with rhinestone-outlined velvet scroll appliques and a three-dimensional iridescent floral applique at center front. Constru...
1930 Pale Pink Silk Chiffon Peignoir with Ecru Lace Decolletage
Located in Gresham, OR
A beautiful, romantic 1930s pale pink silk chiffon peignoir: a very full sweep of chiffon adds drama, while the silk lace ruffle embellished decollétage, mother of pearl buttons and...
1930's Light blue silk slip-dress with fan-shape and feathers hand embroideries
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
1930's Light blue silk slip-dress with fan-shape and feathers hand embroideries pattern. Lace in the bottom edge. Biais. cut-work SIZE M
NEW La Perla Nude Top Boned Corset Corsage Bustier Strapless Shapewear 32B 70B
By La Perla
Located in Switzerland, CH
NEW LA PERLA CORSAGE CORSET TOP WEAR THIS AMAZING CORSET WITH ANY SHEER TOP, DRESS OR UNDER A JACKET OR CARDIGAN! SO VERSATILE! FOR A PERFECTLY SHAPED BODY La Perla Tulle bustier ...
Beautiful Thierry Mugler Corset Iconic Mister Pearl Bodice
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare spectacular Corset created by the One And Only Mister Pearl for Thierry Mugler. A true example of the grande Art of Corsetterie. Gorgeous ...
1990s Thierry Mugler Lace-Up Sheer Beige Satin Mr. Pearl Pin-Up Corset Bustier
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a truly fabulous beige Thierry Mugler by Mr. Pearl corset, designed by Manfred Mugler. From the late 1990s, this form-fitting corset...
Late 1990s Thierry Mugler Lace-Up Sheer Black Satin Mr. Pearl Corset
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a truly fabulous black Thierry Mugler by Mr. Pearl corset, designed by Manfred Mugler. From the late 1990s, this form-fitting corset features b...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage 1998 Black and Green Reptile Skin Like Bodysuit Size M
By Thierry Mugler, Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
MUGLER vintage 1998 long-sleeve black and green reptile skin like bodysuit. V-neck collar. Snap crotch. Label reads MUGLER. Made in Italy. Size tag reads : M. Please refer to meas...
Thierry Mugler Black Vinyl Corset FW 1995 Sculptural Dramatic
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Iconic Thierry mugler corset, Fall Winter Collection 1995. Worn on the legendary Runwayall show by Simonetta Gianfelici and is part of the Mugler Couturissime Exhibition. Shiny black vinyl peplum corset with dramatic exaggerated hips. Closes with press buttons on the front and has to small pockets. Inside soft black velvet. This is an extremely rare Collectors piece and part of Fahion History. Thierry Mugler pushed the boundaries of Haute Couture by adopting materials like vinyl and latex whoch weren't commonly used by the Couture's industry. The 1995 Fahionshow was a true Spectacle and is a legendary milestone in Fahion. The corset can be combined with lingerie or worn on top of a blouse or jacket. Thierry Mugler FW 1995...
Sensational Thierry Mugler Corset Iconic Mister Pearl Bodice
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Holy Grail. Iconic Muesum Worthy Collectors Piece Extremely rare spectacular Corset created by the One And Only Mister Pearl for Thierry Mugler. Kylie ...
Mugler Vintage Nude Tone Mesh Bodysuit with Black Crack Design Size S
By Thierry Mugler, Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
MUGLER vintage long-sleeve nude tone mesh bodysuit featuring a black crack design all over. Mandarin collar. Front zippered closure. Snap crotch. Label reads MUGLER. Made in Italy....
Size: FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4
Thierry Mugler gold silk pleated strapless corset, ss 1985
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
▪ Thierry Mugler gold pleated strapless corset ▪ Overlay refined with knife-pleats ▪ Built-in corset ▪ Plunging neckline ▪ Metal snap buttons and h...
Mugler Vintage Long-Sleeve Black Mesh Bodysuit with Crack Design Size M
By Thierry Mugler, Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
MUGLER vintage long-sleeve black mesh bodysuit featuring a crack design all over. Back zippered closure. Buttoned collar. Label reads MUGLER. Made in Italy. Size tag reads : M. Pl...
Thierry Mugler Couture Vintage Leather Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Thierry Mugler Couture Vintage Leather Bustier Top Thierry Mugler leather cropped bustier top featuring concealed zip closure at side. About ...
Size: FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4
Thierry Mugler metallic silver bustier corset, fw 1978
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
Thierry Mugler metallic silver polyester bustier corset with scalloped edge Fall-Witner 1978
Thierry Mugler Couture Vintage Leather Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Thierry Mugler Couture Vintage Leather Bustier Top Thierry Mugler leather cropped bustier top featuring concealed zip closure at side. About ...