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.
S/S 1990 Thierry Mugler Black Draped Fringe Sleeveless Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black Thierry Mugler top from the Spring/Summer 1990 'Été Hawaii' collection is cut in a fitted sleeveless silhouette with a high collar. It is...
1992 Thierry Mugler Silver Metallic Sculpted Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
A rare 1992 Thierry Mugler strapless metallic silver bustier crafted from luminous shiny fabric. The front features a dramatic sculpted sweetheart neckline while precision seaming sh...
Thierry Mugler Couture 1990s Black Ribbed Sleeveless Vintage 90s Crop Top Shirt
By Thierry Mugler, Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage early 90s THIERRY MUGLER COUTURE black ribbed sleeveless cropped top! Bodycon style that stretches to fit. Simply slips over the head. Round scoop neck, with a flattering soft rayon blend knit. Can easily be dressed up or down. Great with a skirt, jeans, trousers, shorts, or under a skirt. The pictured early 1990s BETSEY JOHNSON rose print skirt, and the mid 90s TOM FORD...
Thierry Mugler FW 1998 Silk Corset Bustier Top Bodice
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A couture dream of seduction through structure, this ivory silk corset from Thierry Mugler Fall/Winter 1998 - the legendary Lingerie Revisited Collection, often referred to as the He...
Thierry Mugler Sculptural Black Halter Bustier Corset Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Vintage 90’s Thierry Mugler sculptural black coated cotton bustier top with a halter neck and open back. Features Mugler's signature architectural tailoring with a dramatic design an...
Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler SS 1992 Runway Corset Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This iconic Thierry Mugler corset top from his Spring Summer 1992 'LES COWBOYS' Collection is absolutely gorgeous. Worn on the famous Runway Show by Karen Mulder. A study in tension ...
MUGLER Vintage Black Bustier Corset
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black bustier corset. This bustier features : - Black fabric (mixed wool) - Boning - Side hidden zippered closure - Red acetate lining Label reads MUGLER. Ma...
Rare Thierry Mugler SS 1988 Été Africain Corset Top Bustier
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A delirium of color, a sculpture of seduction, this Spring Summer 1988 Été Africain Collection corset by Thierry Mugler is less garment than manifesto. Cut with Mugler’s signature ar...
1980s Thierry Mugler Black Satin Pointed Bralette 42FR Top of
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black satin bralette by Thierry Mugler, designed by Manfred Mugler in the 1980s, is crafted from lustrous satin in the designer’s signature sculptural silhouette. It features a ...
Rare 1990s Thierry Mugler Aztec Abstract Print Cut - Out Vintage 90s Top Vest
By Thierry Mugler
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing and rare 90s THIERRY MUGLER Aztec abstract print cotton cut-out cold shoulder waistcoat / vest / top! Features abstract prints in tan, brown, whit...
Thierry Mugler 1986 Sculptural Corset Top Dramatic Peplum Bodice
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Fabulous rare Thierry Mugler corset top - a masterful creation with amazing sculptural dramatic tailoring. A rare piece from his 1986 Collection...
2000s Thierry Mugler Couture Structured Panel Navy Bustier Corset Top
By Thierry Mugler, Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the early 2000s, this fabulous navy Thierry Mugler strapless corset top, designed by Manfred Mugler, is constructed entirely of horizontal navy panels with white stitching. This...
Iconic "Samantha Jones" Thierry Mugler SS 1988 Été Africain Silk Blouse
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning 1988 Thierry Mugler silk blouse - a sartorial masterpiece that found its ultimate spotlight on the ever-fearless Samantha Jones in Sex and the City. Crafted in a radiant sil...
Iconic Thierry Mugler Black Velvet Bustier Top Dramatic Winged Corset
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
So Iconic! Truly wearable Art. Exremely rare Thierry Mugler corset top with dramatic winged details. Black velvet bustier with pointy waist. Museum ...
Thierry Mugler Super Rare SS 1982 White Apron Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A true rare jewel of Archival Couture, this apron top from Thierry Mugler’s Spring/Summer 1982 collection is an exceptionally rare find - an electrifying embodiment of his visionary ...
White and grey Vichy shirt with white collar THIERRY MUGLER
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White and grey Vichy shirt with white collar in cotton piqué. Snap closure on the middle front. Raglan sleeve. SIZE 36 (Fr) but fit XXS ( very small waist)
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Iconic Black Bustier Corset
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage iconic black bustier corset. This bustier features : - Black fabric (probably coated cotton). - Asymetric bust. - Basques. - Back snap button down closure. - ...
Iconic Thierry Mugler SS 1988 Été Africain Hot Pink Silk Blouse
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Rare 1988 Thierry Mugler Collectos Piece. HOT PINK Thierry Mugler Vision! This colour is out if this world!! The most dramatic hot pink silk blouse. Fabulous dramatic statement coll...
1990s Thierry Mugler Sheer Beige Mesh Op Art Print Long Sleeve Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 1990s Thierry Mugler top designed by Manfred Mugler features a sheer beige fabric with an op-art grid print in black. The long-sleeve design of...
Late 1970s Thierry Mugler Denim Mesh Corset Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning denim and mesh Thierry Mugler corset top. From the late 1970s, this top features a zipper at the front, mesh panels at the side...
Thierry Mugler Black Knitted Sheer Mesh Tank Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Thierry Mugler black knitted vertical stripe sheer mesh tank top. This sexy tank top is rare! - Made in Italy. - Size M. - 90% Nylon, 7% Polyamide, 3% Elasthanne....
2000s Thierry Mugler Navy Satin Paneled Strapless Bustier Silk Corset Top 44FR
By Thierry Mugler, Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black silk satin Thierry Mugler strapless corset top designed by Manfred Mugler. From the early 2000s, this stunning top is constructed entirely of horizontal n...
Thierry Mugler Couture 2001 Archival Leather Corset Top Bustier
By Thierry Mugler, Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy piece of Fashion History Rare Archival Thierry Mugler Couture Pre-Fall 2001 Les Fauves Collection. Showstopper! In the electrifying world of Couture, where artistry me...
Thierry Mugler Men's Black Cotton Snap Accent Shirt
By Thierry Mugler
Located in New York, NY
Thierry Mugler men's black cotton shirt has seven snaps in front as well as two patch pockets with snap closing. The sleeves has three snaps ...
F/W 1987 Thierry Mugler Curved Black Velvet Bustier Cutout Crop Top 38FR Top of
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning black velvet Thierry Mugler corset top, designed by Manfred Mugler. From the Fall/Winter 1987 collection, this top was highligh...
Thierry Mugler Black Knitted Vertical Stripe See Through Tank Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Thierry Mugler black knitted vertical stripe see through tank top. This sexy tank top is rare! - Made in Italy. - Size M. - 90% Nylon, 7% Polyamide, 3% Elasthanne...
2000s Thierry Mugler Khaki Ruched Strapless Corset Boned Bustier Top FR38
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This early 2000s Thierry Mugler strapless bustier top is crafted from lightweight khaki fabric and is designed with vertical boning. The top features a sweetheart neckline, elegant r...
THIERRY MUGLER Size S Red Cotton One Pocket Snaps Long Sleeve Shirt
By Thierry Mugler
Located in San Francisco, CA
THIERRY MUGLER long sleeve shirt in a red cotton woven fabric featuring a snap down collar, one pocket, and snaps closure. Made in France.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor mark on...
Thierry Mugler 2000's Chain Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
Thierry Mugler 2000's backless chain top. Features cowl-neck asymmetrical style and stretchy fabric, elastic at the bottom Fastens with a chain ma...
Thierry Mugler 1990's Grey Wool Suit Jacket and Pants
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Thierry Mugler - 1990's - Grey Wool Suit - Double frontal pockets - Double button closure on the front - Buttons at the wrists - Very good condition: little yellowing b...
Thierry Mugler Asymmetric Yellow Cotton Tee
By Thierry Mugler
Located in New York, NY
Thierry Mugler Asymmetric yellow cotton tee has a back center zipper measuring 10 1/4". Neck-to-shoulder is 4 1/4", underarm-to-underarm circumfere...