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.
Mugler jacket by Thierry Mugler circa 1985
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
MUGLER - A Collection circa 1985, under the artistic direction of Thierry Mugler. Fitted jacket entirely embroidered with golden sequins. Size 38FR indicated. Made in France. Con...
Spectacular Thierry Mugler Jacket SS 1991 Super Star
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This extraordinary Thierry Mugler jacket from the Spring/Summer 1991 "Super Strar Diana Roll" Collection is pure Mugler mythology: erotic, architectural, and unapologetically powerfu...
THIERRY MUGLER 90's Sculpted Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Milano, MILANO
90's Thierry Mugler Activ sculpted jacket with anatomical cuts. Pinces at front with double pockets at chest. Zipper and snap button closure. Slits at cuffs. Fully lined. The composi...
Thierry Mugler Rare Sculptural Jacket FW 1986
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler’s designs have always been less about clothing and more about architecture for the body, and this extraordinarily rare jacket is the perfect testament to that philosop...
THIERRY MUGLER 90's Sculpted Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Milano, MILANO
90's Thierry Mugler Active sculpted jacket with anatomical cuts. Pinces at front with double pockets at chest. Zipper and snap button closure. Sl...
Thierry Mugler Scuptural Jacket FW 1995 Architecture Collection Metal Buttons
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning Thierry Mugler jacket, Fall Winter 1995 Collection. Masterful construction, a fabulous Thierry Mugler creation. Vibrant tomatoe red colour. Silver coloured metal buttons. E...
Iconic Thierry Mugler LES INFERNALES 1988/89 Sculptural Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy piece of Fashion History The famous purple/violet jacket from the Thierry Mugler LES INFERNALES (She Devils) Collection FW...
Size: 9AR / 40
Vintage 1990’s Thierry Mugler Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in COLLINGWOOD, AU
Very rare vintage 1990’s Thierry Mugler jacket. Beautiful teal coloured wool fabric with zip front closure and classic Mugler sculptural details. Stunning silhouette and flattering ...
Thierry Mugler Dramatic Sculputral Silk Skirtsuit Jacket Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The most stunning pure silk Thierry Mugler ensemble. Sooo Mugleresque! The combination of extraordinary avant-garde shape: pointy asymmetric hem and fitted horglass silhouette &...
Thierry Mugler Scuptural Jacket Architecture Collection
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
In this extraordinary creation from Thierry Mugler’siconic mind tailoring becomes seduction. The tweed jacket, at once architectural and sensual, transforms the female form into a l...
An Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Jacket inspired by Picasso Circa 1989
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1988-1990 France Black and white tuxedo jacket by Yves Saint Laurent Rives Gauche, from the famous couturier's Autumn Winter 1988-1989 collection. The young Anna Wintour, makin...
A Jean Paul Gaultier Zipped Jacket for Gibo Circa 2010
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2010 France A Jean Paul Gaultier zipped jacket, as new, for Gibo from the 2010s. Very fine and very tight wool and silk gabardine with grisaille patterns in rainbow in the shad...
A Thierry Mugler Couture Black Tuxedo Skirt Suit - France Circa 1990/2000
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990/2000 France Iconic skirt suit in black Polyester Tergal by Thierry Mugler dating from 1990/2000. Fitted and architectural jacket, collar raised and basques flaring on the ...
Guy Laroche 1985 Lamé Polyester Fitted Jacket with Puffed Sleeves
By Guy Laroche
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1985 France Shoulder-length jacket in lamé polyester by Guy Laroche dating from the Disco years around 1985. Radiant lamé on a black background with a swirl pattern of red and ...
A Pierre Cardin padded Silk Jacket From Jacqueline de Ribes Wardrobe Circa 1985
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1985 France A Pierre Cardin’s turquoise cloque satin suit jacket (attributed to) dating from the 1980s. Presumed and oral origin of the wardrobe of Madame Jacqueline de Ribes w...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive gauche jewelery tuxedo set - Circa 1980-1985
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980-85. France Tuxedo suit skirt Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche with jewelry buttons. Skirt and lapel of jacket in black silk velvet. Straight skirt with pockets and side zip....
