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.
Size: US 8 (fits slightly smaller)
1988 STEPHEN SPROUSE black sequined RUNWAY dress
By Stephen Sprouse
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare black sequined dress from Stephen Sprouse, dating to Spring 1988, exactly as seen on the runway. The dress is cut in a lean, body-skimming shape that follows the line of th...
1970's Pauline Trigere Black Wool Crepe Dress with Low Cut Neckline
By Pauline Trigère
Located in New Hope, PA
This 1970's evening dress from Pauline Trigere has a low cut neckline and a high opening at the center front hemline. It is made from black light weight wool crepe, lined in black silk, with a center back zipper. This is a great dress for bold jewelry...
Stephen Sprouse 1980s Sleeveless Black Backless Metallic Fringe Skater Dress
By Stephen Sprouse
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stephen Sprouse 1980's black backless skater-shaped dress in a honeycombed metallic fringe fabric. Back zip. 80% rayon, 20% polyester. Fully lined in 100% acetate. Made in Korea. ...
Prada Cady Feather Embellished Midi Dress IT 42
By Prada
Located in Brossard, QC
Cady Feather Embellished Midi Dress. Sheath dress Turtleneck Back zipper closure Long sleeves Back slit Straight hem Detachable feather collar detail Material: 100% Viscose Lin...
Size: S, best fits a modern XS/S
1990 YOHJI YAMAMOTO black asymmetrically seamed hoop dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This phenomenal dress by Yohji Yamamoto, dating to 1990, is made from a jet-black, densely woven tropical-weight wool gabardine. It’s the kind of piece that usually only shows up in ...
Size: fits a US 4-6
1990 AZZEDINE ALAIA khaki bodysuit and matching skirt - RUNWAY
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Khaki viscose bodysuit and matching skirt with cleverly placed ribbed inserts designed by Azzedine Alaia, dating to spring of 1990 as seen on the runway in white. No size indicated. ...
1968 OSSIE CLARK black moss crepe dress with keyhole neckline ruffles & red trim
By Ossie Clark, Ossie Clark for Radley
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This is a 1968 Ossie Clark “Judy” dress, a rare and iconic design that perfectly captures the sensual drama of Clark’s early work. The dress is made from his signature black moss cr...
Vintage Victor Costa Cocktail Dress
By Victor Costa
Located in London, GB
A chic cocktail dress by Victor Costa . The dress is strapless with the body of the dress covered in sequins with a velvet band at the top and hem. Labelled style 8160 F. Measurement...
Black cocktail dress with tree and roots beads embroideries Osman Yousefzada
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cocktail dress with tree and roots beads embroideries. Silk lining. Same Roots pattern printed in the back but not beaded. SS 2016 SIZE 38 (M)
Size: Equivalent Size french 38
A Gucci Silver Lamé Evening Dress, Circa 1990
By Gucci
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990. Italy A Gucci velvet and silver lamé asymmetric tube dress. Wide herringbone patterns of metallic threads. Sleeve on the left side of the cape, cape point on the right si...
YVES SAINT LAURENT F/W 1987 Collectors Runway & Campaign Bow Dress FR42
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Berlin, BE
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Fall Winter 1987 Runway / Campaign Dress FR42 - Illustrated by René Gruau Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Designer: Yves Saint Laurent Collection: Fall / W...
Thierry Mugler Vintage S/S 1997 Couture Hourglass Bow Detail Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1997 Couture “Les Insectes” Hourglass Dress FR40 Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Spring Summer...
GUCCI By TOM FORD F/W 2001 Runway Satin Backless Dress - With Original Tags
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, BE
Gucci by Tom Ford Fall Winter 2001 Runway Silk Satin Dress Brand: Gucci Designer: Tom Ford Collection / Year: Fall Winter 2001 Material: Silk satin Color: Black Size: IT38 Made in I...
AZZEDINE ALAÏA S/S 1990 The Supermodel Bodycon Runway Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Berlin, BE
Brand: Alaïa Designer: Azzedine Alaïa Collection: Spring / Summer 1990 Material: Stretch Color: Black Size: L Made in Italy From Azzedine Alaïa’s Spring Summer 1990 collection, this dress is a perfect classic from one of fashion’s most influential designers. Worn on the runway in white by Linda Evangelista, it defines the sleek, body-conscious style that Alaïa is celebrated for. A timeless and versatile piece. Made from a firm stretch fabric, the dress fits close to the body, enhancing the natural lines of the figure. The design features a low square neckline, wide straps, and a clean, minimal silhouette that falls just above the knee. The structure of the fabric provides shape and support while allowing for movement. Marked size L Please refer to the measurements. Measured un-stretched and flat. Size Information: Shoulders: Open Bust: 42cm Waist: 34cm Hips: 42.5cm Length approx (measured from centre back): 91cm This vintage Azzedine Alaïa Spring Summer 1991 dress...
THIERRY MUGLER F/W 1986 Runway "Les Milteuses" Museum-Held Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Fall Winter 1986 “Les Milteuses” archival runway dress Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Fall Winter 198...
THIERRY MUGLER S/S 1999 Sculptural Collar Evening Gown FR40
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1999 Ruffled Organza Collar Evening Gown with Floral Detail Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Spring Summer 1999 Fabric: Crepe ...
