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.
S/S 1989 Thierry Mugler Les Atlantes Black Sculptural Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Spring Summer 1989 “Les Atlantes” Thierry Mugler black jacket featuring sculptural “fin” sleeves that flare subtly at the cuffs creating an architectural look. Its sharply pointed he...
S/S 1989 Thierry Mugler Runway Sculptural Black Pointed Cutout Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
An extravagant jacket by Thierry Mugler from the Spring Summer 1989 "Les Atlantes" collection. This documented black jacket features a unique cutout pointed edge design. The jacket f...
S/S 1991 Thierry Mugler Black Cutout Panel Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
1990’s Thierry Mugler Black jacket with triple rows of rectangular cutouts on the chest, upper arms, and center back. Square neckline. Shoulder pads. Snap front closure. Condition:...
F/W 1988 Thierry Mugler Black Les Infernales Lighting Bolt Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Thierry Mugler black zig zag lightning bolt jacket from the Fall Winter 1988 “Les Infernales” collection and as seen on the runway. As famously seen on Samantha Jones played by Kim ...
1990's Thierry Mugler Dramatic Black Velvet Trim Coat
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Thierry Mugler vintage long black double breasted coat from 1993. This flared coat features a tailored bodice, standing collar, velvet buttons, pleated back, and pointed lapels and p...
F/W 1988 Thierry Mugler Purple Futuristic Les Infernales Sculptural Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Futuristic Thierry Mugler vibrant purple jacket from the Fall Winter 1988 “Les Infernales” collection and variations of it were seen on the runway. This rare jacket features a struct...
Thierry Mugler GLAM Jacket Crystal Black Velvet Rhinestone 1998
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The most amazing glamorous Thierry Mugler jacket FW1998 Collection, Museum worthy collectors piece. Unworn condition with original tag. This jacket distills Mugler's late-century dr...
Thierry Mugler Glam Jacket Shooting Star Crystal Glam Black Dramatic Sculptural
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Fabulous Thierry Mugler jacket with gorgeous big crystal jewel details. Theirry Mugler 1995 Cruise collection. Dramatic black jacket with iconic Thierry M...
Thierry Mugler 1996 Les Amazones Sculptural Black Crystal Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This gorgeous FW 1996 Thierry Mugler jacket is a striking example of bold, feminine tailoring. With its sculpted silhouette, flared peplum, and sharp lines it's a dream come true. Cr...
Rare Thierry Mugler FW1990 BLack Jacket Mugler Star Details And Brooch
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Iconic Thierry Mugler FW 1990 jacket. Similar version of this was worn by Naomi Campbell on the Runway Show. Extremely rare Collectors piece, a true Thierry Mugler Statement jacket. Stunning fitted black jacket with silver metal Mugler star details on the front bodice and also on the back. Fabulous big silver metal Thierry Mugler brooch...
Iconic Thierry Mugler LES INFERNALES 1988/89 BLACK Sculptural Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy piece of Fashion History The famous jacket from the Thierry Mugler LES INFERNALES (She Devils) Collection FW 1988/ 1989. Thierry Mugler’s 1988...
Thierry Mugler Black Sculptural Jacket FW 1988/89
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The jacket stands like architecture rather than clothing, an unmistakable signature of Thierry Mugler at the height of his sculptural imagination. Cut in deep, beautiful black, the p...
