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...
$14,690 / item
W 0.4 in D 0.12 in L 6.89 in
Annamaria Cammilli "Dune" 4 Layer Bracelet with Diamonds in 18 Karat Black Gold
By Annamaria Cammilli
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From Annamaria Cammilli's Essential collection, Dune bracelet handcrafted in 18 karat Black Lava gold. Six brilliant white diamonds at 0.35 carat total weight are prong set and neste...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,060
W 0.24 in L 6.26 in
David Yurman Metro Silver 18K Cable Pavé Diamond Station Bracelet 6mm - Medium
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
A clean and classic David Yurman Metro Collection cable bracelet in sterling silver, finished with a central pavé diamond station framed in 18K yell...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$13,360 / item
W 0.32 in D 0.12 in L 6.89 in
Annamaria Cammilli "Dune" 3 Layer Bracelet with Diamonds in 18 Karat Pink Gold
By Annamaria Cammilli
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From Annamaria Cammilli's Essential collection, Dune bracelet handcrafted in 18 karat Pink Champagne gold. Five brilliant white diamonds at 0.31 carat total weight are prong set and ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$60,800
W 1.38 in D 0.1 in L 6.5 in
One-of-a-Kind Dilys’ “Lace” Diamond Bangle, 522 Diamonds, 6.57 Carats
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A One-of-a-Kind Artisanal Masterpiece: The Lace Diamond Bangle by Dilys’ This is not merely a bangle; it is a singular work of wearable art, representing hundreds of hours of meticu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
de Boulle High Jewelry Collection Icy Bracelet
Located in Dallas, TX
Icy Blue Bracelet with emerald-cut aquamarines totaling over 63 carats accented with diamonds and crafted in 18K white gold. Aquamarines (63.30 ctw.) Diamonds (10.94 ctw.) 18K White...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rock Pool 18 Carat Yellow Gold And Diamond Torque Bangle
By Jennifer House
Located in Chertsey, GB
Prepare to be enchanted by the captivating allure of our rock pool-inspired bangle, where elegance meets adventure. Delve into the textures and treasures discovered along the beach as you immerse yourself in the beauty of this simple yet mesmerizing bangle. The irregular crevasse, weaving and waving throughout the bangle, holds a delightful surprise—a sporadic spread of sparkling white diamonds that mimic the glistening treasures found in rock pools. With every glance, you'll be transported to the magical depths of the ocean. Designed with comfort in mind, the torque bangle...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold, Black Onyx, Jade and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This 1970s interlocking design is complete with two smooth pieces of Blank Onyx and one smooth cut piece of vibrant green Jade. A total of 26 white diamonds highlight the deep colours. The ring has a double gold band...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Sapphire Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A diamond, sapphire, and white gold bracelet; Tiffany and Co.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
$13,510 / item
W 0.32 in D 0.12 in L 6.89 in
Annamaria Cammilli "Dune" 3-Layer Bracelet with Diamonds in 18 Karat White Gold
By Annamaria Cammilli
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From Annamaria Cammilli's Essential collection, Dune bracelet handcrafted in 18 karat Ice White gold. Five brilliant white diamonds at 0.31 carat total weight are prong set and neste...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,200 / item
Modernist Diamond Sapphire Bangle
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Edgy 18kt white gold bangle with diamonds (1.15ct) and blue sapphires (1.55ct) from Ralph Masri's Modernist collection, inspired by mid...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Stunning modern Ruby and Diamond bracelet. Set with quality diamonds G VS1 of 2.75 ct a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dilys’ Champagne Pear Diamond and Pavé Bangle, 18K White Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A one-of-a-kind piece from Dilys' celebrated Encrusted Collection, this contemporary bangle centers on a dynamic row of five fancy champagne pear-cut diamonds. Their warm glow is set...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.