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 ...
10.71 Carats Trillion Cut Pink Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Diamond Platinum Earrings
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Amethyst, Topaz and Diamond Earrings in Platinum Matched Blue Topaz Weighing: 2.76 Carats Matched Amethyst Weighing: 10.55 Carats Diamonds Weight: 0.16 Carats Tot...
Amethyst, Diamond, Blue Topaz, Platinum
$1,032Sale Price|20% Off
14kt Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Gold Nugget Screw Back Earrings, .04ct, 6.4 grams
Located in San Diego, CA
14kt Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Gold Nugget Screw Back Dangle Earrings, .04ct, Lustrous Pearls. Introducing our stunning 14kt Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Gold Nugget Screw Back Earrings...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,000
W 0.8 in L 2.5 in
GIA Cert 8.70 Carat Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond Chandelier Earrings in 18 Karat
Located in Southport, CT
Absolutely stunning earrings from the early 20th century. They sit so perfectly on the ear without the slightest pulling. I reference these earrings as the perfect dangle. Gemst...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Gold
27.32 Carat Labradorite, Sapphire, and London Blue Topaz Earrings 18 Karat Gold
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Sophisticated beauty. These are gorgeous earrings that dangle with flowing movement. Perfect for any occasion from casual to evening wear. Trillion Labradorite (2) 14 x 41 mm 24.64 ...
Labradorite, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,400
W 0.28 in L 1.97 in
3.94 Carat Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Morganite, Peridot, Diamond Earrings
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
With the combination of 8 different colors of gemstones, there is a feeling of playfulness and fun, which is why we decided to call this set Clementine. These earrings are light, ai...
Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Morganite, Peridot, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tour...
1.06 Carats Graduated Alexandrite and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Gorgeous and striking! Feels like a feather on the ear. Earring Details: (12) Diamonds (14) Alexandrite Total Gem Weight: 1.06 Carats Overall Weight: 2.3 grams Handmade in 18 ...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Turquoise, Diamond & Angel Skin Coral Dangle Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Overall Description: Angel Skin Coral Turquoise & Diamond Earring Toppers • 11.35 mm Total Diameter • 7.2 mm Total Turquoise 18 Karat Headpins Measurements: 26.29 mm
Coral, Turquoise, Diamond, Yellow Gold
3.06 Carat Pear-Shaped Black Opals and Diamond Earrings in Platinum
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Vintage wreath earrings were the inspiration for this piece. They were recreated in modern form by adding 1.10 Carats of Elongated Pear-shaped Black Op...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
9.89 Carat Oval Shaped Angel Skin Coral and Diamond Earrings in Platinum
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Vintage meets Vintage to create a new glorious life together! Perfectly matched Oval Shaped Angel Skin Coral fit perfectly into this refurbished and redesigned vintage earring set i...
Coral, Diamond, Platinum
$5,490
W 0.13 in L 2.13 in
3.25 Carats Radiant Cut Yellow Sapphire and Trillion Diamond Earrings in 18K YG
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
6 Radiant Scissor Cut Yellow Sapphires Weighing: 2.77 Carats 12 Trillion Diamonds Weighing: 0.48 Carats Total Gem Weight: 3.25 Length: 2 1/8" Width: 1/8" Set in 18 Karat Yel...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Quartz, Moonstone, and Pink Tourmaline Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Beautiful warm tone with granulated 18 Karat tops. Earring Details Faceted Rose Quartz Glowing Moonstone Pink Tourmaline Cabochon Length: 1 1/2" Overall Weight: 4.3 grams
Moonstone, Quartz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Moss Agate, Lapis, and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Kiersten's love of gemstone carvings shine in this example of wonderful craftsmanship straight from world renowned gem carvers in Oberstein, Germany. ...
Agate, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, 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...