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.
1989 Thierry Mugler Runway Documented Tangerine Orange Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
Designed as part of Thierry Mugler’s iconic Fall 1989 collection, this tangerine jacket was seen in the campaign for this season on supermodel Naomi Campbell in yellow and set agains...
1990s Thierry Mugler Couture Blue Wool Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
1990s Thierry Mugler Royal blue wool blazer jacket where architectural detailing abounds in the construction. Tailored to the defined contours that the designer became known for, thi...
1990s Thierry Mugler Navy Wool Coat with Belt
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
This early 1990s Thierry Mugler jacket is in rare dead stock vintage condition with the original garment tags attached. It is A-line tailored in a classic navy blue in a 50% wool / ...
1991 Christian Lacroix Demi Couture Silk Cocoon Jacket
By Christian Lacroix
Located in London, GB
This voluminous pink elongated jacket is a typically vivacious design by the French couturier Christian Lacroix. It dates to the brand's Spring 1991 collection and features the pink ...
1960s French Couture Red Wool Applique Dress Suit
Located in London, GB
This magnificent 1960s French couture dress suit in scarlet appliqué is of exceptional quality and a rare and unusual find. Both separates are comprised of a soft woollen appliqué st...
1980s Victor Edelstein Couture Black and Red Dress and Jacket Set
By Victor Edelstein
Located in London, GB
This stylish 1980s abstract print silk two piece set by Victor Edelstien is in immaculate condition and extremely adaptable. The pure silk fabric is black with a vibrant red linear floral design of a dynamic that lends itself effortlessly to occasion wear, formal or otherwise. The dress is a simple shift cut, sleeveless with an off the shoulder neckline and a neat straight calf length skirt with a wrap around aesthetic that slips easily over the hip. The bodice is subtly corseted with boning on either side of the ribs and one central piece that rises at the centre of the bust to maintain the form of the neckline. There is a central zip fasting at the reverse. The collarless jacket has a light, breezy feel and is designed to be worn open, falling to just below the hip. The long sleeves are rushed slightly at the shoulders. This chic and wearable set is marked a vintage UK 12 and would best suit a US size 6-8, UK size 10-12. Victor Edelstein is best renowned for the sensational ink-blue velvet gown...
1980s Thierry Mugler Red Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
A late 1980’s Thierry Mugler asymmetric-wrap fitted panel jacket in poppy-red cotton and linen plain weave, with a deep V-neckline, organic scallo...
Thierry Mugler FW 1993 Rare Red Archival Runway Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Rare Runway piece from Thierry Mugler FW 1993 Hiver Capitons Collection. This jacket is pure Mugler at his most cinematic. Cut from a blazing, saturated red wool, it sculpts the tor...
Red jacket with metallic snaps Thierry Mugler ACTIV
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red jacket with metallic snaps. Shoulder pads. Half-belt in the same fabric on both side of the waist.Fabric composition: 40% cotton, 40% rayon, 20% polyester. Lining: 100% acetate. ...
Thierry Mugler 1993 Jacket Red White Stunning Sharp Silhouette
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A blaze of saturated red, cut with the surgical precision that made Thierry Mugler a master of silhouette. The waist is beautifully fitted, sculpted into an hourglass. The hips flare...
Red single breasted jacket THIERRY MUGLER
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red single breasted jacket . Acetate or rayon lining. One snap closure on the middle front. Raglan sleeve. Shoulder pad. Pocket on both side. SIZE 42 / L
Red wool single breasted jacket with cut-work THIERRY MUGLER
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red wool single breasted jacket with cut-work . Acetate or rayon lining. One snap closure on the front. SIZE 40 (Fr) L
