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 Silvered Metal Multi-Strand Wire Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning, rare Thierry Mugler Paris silvered metal multi-strand choker necklace features an around-the-neck shape, with bundled wires and mobile elements adorned with crystal cl...
THIERRY MUGLER Limited Edition Le Talisman Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER limited edition LE TALISMAN pendant necklace. This necklace features a massive curved sterling silver disc with a polish finish giving a mirror effect. Black tubular...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Jewelled Resin Bracelet
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage free form resin bracelet embellished with blue crystals. Embossed TM. Indicative measurements : inner circumference approx. 19.16 cm (7.54 inches) / max. wid...
Gorgeous Rare Thierry Mugler ‘Angel’ Star Collier and Earring Set
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stardust Manifesto: Thierry Mugler’s 1990s ‘Angel’ Collier and Earring Set In an era when fashion flirted with futurism and sensuality found armor in chrome, Thierry Mugler sculpted...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Silver Tone Stars Choker Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage silver tone multi strand snake chains choker necklace featuring THIERRY MUGLER's iconic stars embellished with clear crystals. Adjustable toggle closure. Emb...
Iconic Thierry Mugler Earrings Rare FW 1992 Red Star GLAMOUR
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Holy Grail - extremely Rare Thierry Mugler earrings, FW 1992 GLAMOUR PUNK-THE RITZ Collection. These earrings are a true beauty of the Designer’s visionary aesthetic. At first glance...
Rare Thierry Mugler Star Earrings Silver Metal ETOILE
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Star earrings Extremely rare and stunning vintage Thierry Mugler Jewellery Two fabulous large signature Star statement earrings. Embossed Thierry Mugler logo. Mater...
Thierry Mugler cuff bracelet
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
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: Very good condit...
Gilt Metal
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Gold Tone Stars Choker Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage gold tone multi strand snake chains choker necklace embellished with THIERRY MUGLER's iconic stars. Adjustable T-bar and toggle closure. Embossed THIERRY MUG...
Gilt Metal
Rare Thierry Mugler FW 2000 Sculptural Crystal Bracelet Cuff
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Few designers have ever captured the future with the same sensual force as Thierry Mugler. This Fall/Winter 2000 HIRONDELLE SERIES cuff is a lightning bolt forged in gold tone metal ...
Thierry Mugler cuff bracelet
By Thierry Mugler
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
Thierry Mugler Vintage Gold Toned Bundled Wires Choker Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage gold toned choker necklace made of bundled wires and featuring mobile elements embellished with pink crystals. Embossed TM. Indicative measurements : circumf...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Jewelled Resin Bracelet
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage rare textured brown resin asymetric cuff bracelet embellished with orange colour crystals. Embossed TM. Comes from a French private THIERRY MUGLER jewelry...
“Bangle” bracelet Thierry Mugler Haute Couture 1990’s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
MUGLER - Striking gilt bronze bangle bracelet. Very good overall condition, with some signs of wear and marks in the metal. Haute Couture collection circa 1990, under the artistic di...
Gilt Metal
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Grey & Pink Resin Hoop Earrings
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage pearly grey and pink resin hoop earrings (for pierced ears). Embossed TM. Indicative measurements : height approx. 5.4 cm (2.13 inches) / width approx 5 cm (...
Rare Thierry Mugler FW 1987 Bangle Bracelet Cuff Space Planets
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler FW 1987 Space Planet Bangle Extremely rare and stunning vintage Thierry Mugler Jewellery No signature, attributed to. inner diameter ca.7cm please note that any pict...
Thierry Mugler Multi-Strand Silver-Tone Necklace 1980
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking and sculptural, this vintage Thierry Mugler necklace features a bold, silver-tone design with a futuristic, angular silhouette—a signature of Mugler's avant-garde aesthetic....
Silver Plate
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Jewelled Claw Centrepiece Collar Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage gold tone snake chains collar necklace featuring a claw design centrepiece embellished with blue shade crystals. Adjustable hook clasp closure. Embossed THIE...
Gilt Metal
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Chunky Free Form Off-White Resin Bracelet
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage chunky free form off-white resin bracelet. Embossed TM. Comes from a French private THIERRY MUGLER jewelry collection...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Crystal Dangle Earrings
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage gun patina dangle earrings (clip-on) embellished with black crystals. Embossed TM. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 4.2 cm (1.65 inches) / max. ...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Jewelled Claw Centrepiece Collar Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage gold tone snake chains collar necklace featuring a claw design centrepiece embellished with clear and grey shade crystals. Adjustable hook clasp closure. Emb...
Gilt Metal
Rare THIERRY MUGLER ETOILE Jewellery Set Necklace Earrings
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The Thierry Mugler ETOILE - ANGEL Set. Extremely rare and stunning vintage Thierry Mugler Jewellery Set: Necklace and Earrings. STUNNING drama...
Thierry Mugler Rare Silver Metal Barbed Wire Brooch Pin
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler silver tone metal barbed wire brooch. Thierry Mugler’s creations have always stood as iconic statements of bold innovation and avant-garde ...
THIERRY MUGLER Silver Tone Bundled Wires Choker Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER silver tone choker necklace made of bundled wires, featuring mobile elements embellished with aurora borealis colour crystals. Embossed TM. Indicative measurements :...
Thierry Mugler bracelet 'bangle' Haute Couture 1990s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
MUGLER - Impressive golden bronze bangle bracelet. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1990, under the artistic direction of Thierry Mugler. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Circ...
Gilt Metal
Thierry Mugler Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER pendant necklace featuring a massive curved sterling silver disc with a polish finish giving a mirror effect. Black tubular braided cord. Embossed THIERRY MUGLER. Fu...
Sterling Silver
Thierry Mugler Limited Edition Le Talisman Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER limited edition LE TALISMAN pendant necklace; This necklace features a massive curved sterling silver disc with a polish finish giving a mirror effect. Black tubular...
Sterling Silver
Rare Thierry Mugler Earrings Gold Metal Celestial Leaves
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A Thierry Mugler treasure. Extremely rare dangling clip-on earrings. A dazzling embodiment of bold sophistication and organic elegance. Featuring a sculptural gold-tone design, they ...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Gold Tone Choker Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage textured gold tone choker necklace embellished with domes. Comes from a French private THIERRY MUGLER jewelry collection...
Gilt Metal
Thierry Mugler Iconic Star Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Paris, FR
Iconic piece. Delivered in its original Mugler box. Necklace with pendant. Condition : never worn Color : silver Material : steel Stamp : yes Dimensions : length 80 cm - pendant 3.3 cm
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Jewelled Claw Brooch
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage gold tone claw brooch embellished with multicolored crystals. Embossed THIERRY MUGLER. Indicative measurements : max. length approx. 6.3 cm (2.48 inches) / m...
Gilt Metal
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Barbed Wire Brooch
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black tone metal barbed wire brooch. Embossed TM (see on the last picture / difficult to photograph). Indicative measurements : le...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Jewelled Brooch
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage rare silver tone brooch embellished with blue crystals. From a French private collection. Embossed TM. Indicative measurements : width approx. 7 cm (2.76 in...
Thierry Mugler Gold Toned Bundled Wires Choker Necklace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER gold toned choker necklace made of bundled wires and featuring mobile elements embellished with orange crystals. Embossed TM. Indi...
Gilt Metal