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.
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...
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. ...
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 ...
Dangling Earring in 14K Rose Gold Handmade Luxury Diamond Jewelry
Located in Chicago, IL
Dangling Earring 14K Rose Gold Handmade Luxury Diamond Jewelry Mom Birthday Gift Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unu...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
$480Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.52 in L 1.46 in
Ruby And Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochons Baroque Pearls 14K Gold Diamonds Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The upper part of these earrings, composed of 2 large ruby cabochons and 2 blue sapphire cabochons, with in the middle 2 small full cut diamonds, supports a pair of white baroque pea...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.79 in D 0.16 in L 1.78 in
Set in 18k Black Gold, 12.54 Carats, Natural Zambian Emerald Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style Emerald Dangle Earrings set in 18K Blackened Gold. The weight of the Emeralds is 12.74 carats. The Emeralds are completely natural, with...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold|$500
W 0.9 in D 0.9 in L 2.4 in
Antique Chinese Floral Gilt Sterling Enamel Filigree Egg Shaped Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning early 20th century Chinese gilt sterling silver earrings are in the form of eggs. They feature dangling drops which sway with every movement. On the top, there is a button shaped floral enamel stud with a screw clip-on back. From the stud hangs an enamel ball and then a floral decorated egg...
Jade, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$9,000
W 0.4 in D 0.2 in L 1.97 in
Set in 18K Gold, 15.48 cts, Mozambique Ruby Cabochons & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ruby Cabochons is 15.48 carats. The Rubies are completel...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Green Chrysoprase with Pave Diamonds Paradizia Earrings
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Vivid green faceted Chrysoprase surrounded with pave diamonds in a contrasting black rhodium frame sets off the green, giving the earrings and edgy modern look. Item #E24...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
$2,281 / set
W 0.63 in L 2.44 in
Tous Polished 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Chain Link Dangle Pierced Earrings
By Tous
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Discover the elegance of Tous with these exquisite 18 karat yellow dangle earrings. These stunning elongated earrings feature a modern geometric design, combining sleek lines and bol...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold 2.61 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Flower Drop Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold 2.61 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Flower Drop Earrings Let’s rediscover the depths of magnificence with the most pristine pieces of diamond jewelry. Add the fragran...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
20.80ct Natural Emerald and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20.80ct Natural Emerald and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Earrings Total Natural Pear Emeralds Weight: Approx. 19.60 Carats Emerald Measures: Approx. 23 x 12 mm Total Natural Rou...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.83 Carat Diamond 10 Karat Gold Negative Space Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These earrings has been meticulously crafted from 10-karat gold and set with 1.83 carats of sparkling diamonds. Available in White, Rose and Yellow Gold The ring is a size 7 and may...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold
Boulder Opal, Emerald and Lapis Earrings
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Gorgeous trio of custom cut Boulder Opal, sliced Emerald and Afghani Lapis Lazuli set in 18 karat gold. Handmade bezels shaped in ancient lost wax casting method. One of a kind.
Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 18k Gold
Blue Dangle Earrings Natural Briolette Kyanite Gemstone 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
New Brilliant Blue Color Drop Earrings Grape Vine Dangling Style Natural gemstones of Natural Kyanite briolette shape (tear drops) Size of each stone is approx 6x4mm Whole top Area...
Kyanite, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Crystal Dangling Earrings
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage silver tone and clear crystal dangling earrings. Embossed TM. Indicative measurements : height approx. 8.7 cm (3.43 inches) / m...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Crystal Prisms Dangling Earrings
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring clear glass crystal prism drops in a gold toned setting simulating minerals. Embossed THIERRY MUGLER. Indicative measur...