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 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...
TIFFANY & Co. Somerset 18K Gold 17.5mm Wide Mesh Bangle Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. Somerset 18K Gold 17.5mm Wide Mesh Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 47.20 grams Diameter: 62mm(2.44") x 60mm(2.36") in diameter across the bangle In...
18k Gold
South Sea Tahitian Pearl Diamond Bypass Bangle 18K White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 K White Gold South Sea Pearl 11-12 MM Tahitian Pearl 11-12 MM 16 Diamonds 0.20 Cts. Weight 5 g
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Pair of 14k Yellow Gold Oval Bangles with Pave Diamonds on across the Top
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of oval shaped, 14K Yellow Gold bangles, set on top with 88 round brilliant cut diamonds, weighing an approximate total of 5CT of G Color and VS1 Clarity. The oval sh...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bangle Bracelet 14 Karat .70 Carat Round Natural Diamonds Raised Bar Mod Deco
Located in New York, NY
Mod Elegant. .70ct. Natural diamonds bangle bracelet. Bead set, smooth & clean finish. Round, Full cuts, H color Vs-2 clarity. 14kt. yellow gold 18.6 Grams. .53 inch wide ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Pearl Diamond 18 KT Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Superb Art Deco bangle in sturdy unique design, individually hand crafted 18 KT, 1930 circa Effective visual impact given by the middle circle set with a large south sea Pearl of 10 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Sabbadini 18k Yellow and White Gold Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds
By Sabbadini
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely Late-20th century Sabbadini, flexible bangle bracelet is comprised of repeating slightly puffed links, each edged with delicate gold rope and with three white gold links ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise and Gold Bangle by Ippolita
By Ippolita
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, Ippolita, American. This eighteen-karat bangle bracelet by Ippolita is set with vivid blue turquoise. The look is organo-chic at its contemporary best. As one of t...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Egyptian Style 18k Yellow Gold, Lapis Lazuli & Rhodonite Scarab Beetle Bracelet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very well crafted Egyptian style bangle bracelet exhibits many different gold textures that are inlaid with vivid blue Lapis Lazuli columns a...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum 1960s Diamond Bangle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
If you love diamonds and if you love wide and extravagant bangles, this Incredibly gorgeous 18k gold French creation is your dream come true! This fabulous bangle was constructed wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Two Early to Mid-20th Century Bakelite Bangle Bracelets
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Two Early to Mid-20th Century Bakelite Bangle Bracelets Two deeply carved Bakelite bangles in red and black. These test as Bakelite and all are in excellent condition. All are 1 inc...
Enigma by Gianni Bulgari: Diamond Lips Bangle in Gold & Wood
By Enigma
Located in New York, NY
For the woman whose silence speaks volumes. Crafted in Italy in 2020, this sculptural bangle by Enigma—designed by Gianni Bulgari—blends natural warmth and polished luxury. A high-g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of Emis Beros 18K Gold Floral Motif Matching Bangle Bracelets
By Emis Beros
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This charming pair of 18K Yellow Gold bangles by designer Emis Beros, are adorned over their entire bombee surface with an intricate, repeating floral motif pattern. Fashioned in ver...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Red Crystal Bracelet
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage silver tone bracelet embellished with ruby red colour crystals. Embossed TM. Comes from a French private THIERRY MUGLER jewelry...
Thierry Mugler Clear Lucite Bangle
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Thierry Mugler oversized clear lucite bangle a runway piece.