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 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 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 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 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 ...
Victorian Natural Half Pearl and Diamond Brooch-Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural half pearl and diamond oval brooch-pendant, set to the centre with three graduating half pearls set with rose-cut diamonds, surrounded by cluster of fourteen half...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Carven Vintage Gold-Plated Cat Brooch with Red Eyes, France, 1980s
By Carven
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This charming vintage brooch by Carven Paris features a stylized panther or cat figure in a playful, almost cartoon-like form. Crafted in gold-plated metal, the piece is adorned with...
Gold Plate
$452
W 1.89 in L 2.84 in
Christian Dior GROSSE 1958 Vintage Gold Knot Bow Ribbon Tassel Geometric Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1958 Vintage Unisex Geometric Double Knot Bow Ribbon Butterfly Trio Bar Tassel Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition. Some light scratches and colour...
Gold Plate
Carven Vintage Gold Plate Owl Brooch, Enamel, France, 1980s
By Carven
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This striking vintage Carven Paris owl brooch is a wonderful example of the playful and refined design the French fashion house is celebrated for. The owl perches gracefully on a bra...
Gold Plate
Carven 18k Gold-Plated Vintage Bird Brooch, France, 1980s Design
By Carven
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This exquisite vintage Carven bird brooch is a charming example of the French fashion house's celebrated costume jewelry from the 1980s. Crafted in 18k gold-plated metal, the brooch ...
Vintage English Art Deco Silver & Paste Dress Clip Pair 1930s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage English Art Deco Silver & Paste Dress Clip Pair. A wonderful design that embodies both the Art Noveau and Art Deco design eras. Exquisit...
Round Silver and Garnet Brooch with Marcasites
Located in London, GB
Beautiful round silver and faceted garnet brooch with marcasites and millgrain decoration. Measuring diameter 2.7 cm / 1 inch. This really lovely ornate and detailed brooch dates t...
Garnet, Marcasite, Silver
1980s Carven Gold-Toned Toucan Brooch with Enamel & Rhinestones
By Carven
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This elegant vintage toucan brooch by French fashion house Carven Paris masterfully combines luxury and playfulness in one stunning piece. The toucan perches proudly on a branch, its...
Carven 18K Gold-Plated Dog Brooch, France, 1980s, Excellent Condition
By Carven
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This charming vintage Carven Paris dog brooch from the 1980s is a delightful example of the French fashion house's playful yet refined approach to costume jewelry. The brooch depicts...
Gold Plate
Charming Art Deco "Pan" Clip
Located in New York, NY
Charming Art Deco "Pan" Clip of gilt metal mounted on a faux glass ruby stone. 1930's USA. 2" x .75". Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
1920s Art Deco Cartier Coral Diamond Onyx Rock Crystal Platinum Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
An delightful Cartier Art Deco brooch, the brooch comprising an openwork rectangular plaque with two central coral bars with rock crystal sides...
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, Platinum
Antique Crescent Moon brooch, Turquoise paste, Sterling silver
Located in NEWARK, GB
A very stylish Edwardian, silver and paste crescent brooch. A beautiful curved moon set with pretty sparkling foiled paste stones and reconstituted turquoise. Paste jewellery despi...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Spectacular Thierry Mugler Prototype Brooch Crystal Arrow Drop
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
DAZZLING THIERRY MUGLER RUNWAY PROTOTYPE BROOCH This extraordinary unique brooch - an archival prototype created for the legendary Thierry Mugler Runway Show, a lightning strike of ...
Rare Thierry Mugler FW1986 Les Milteuses ETOILE Brooch Silver Star
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Radiating with celestial allure, this rare Thierry Mugler star brooch from the 1986 Fall/Winter collection "Les Milteuses" encapsulates the visionary grandeur synonymous with Mugler’...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Jewelled Silver Tone Iconic Star Lapel Pin
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage silver tone iconic star lapel pin embellished with clear crystals. Embossed TM. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 8.9 cm (3.50 inches) / max. wid...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Jewelled Star Brooch
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage rare stylized silver tone star brooch embellished with clear crystals and teardrops. Embossed THIERRY MUGLER. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 1...
Thierry Mugler Blue Jewel Paved Space Age Pin Brooch
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning and rare Thierry Mugler couture pin brooch. Features a dimensional oversized infinity symbol shape with dangling charms in silvered metal framing all paved with tiny crystal...
C.1990 Thierry Mugler Modernist Bolo Tie Longhorn Brooch
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Atlanta, GA
French designer Thierry Mugler is a master of the innovative suit incorporating strong shoulders and wasp waist silhouettes to create a feminine elegance with a healthy dose of sex appeal. This combination of a chromed base metal longhorn brooch and black silk bolo tie with silver tips would add a modernist avant garde accessory...
Silver