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.
THIERRY MUGLER FW 79 Iconic and Rare Double Breast Leather Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Milano, MILANO
Fall Winter 1997 iconic and rare double breast leather jacket with diagonal cuts by Thierry Mugler. Ribbed collar. Snap buttons at front, hem and cuffs. Fully lined. The composition ...
Thierry Mugler Leather Bustier and Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Thierry Mugler - Red lamb leather jacket and bustier top ornamented with a lace and tiny metallic bars. Missing size label, it fits a 38FR. Additional information: Condition: Very g...
Mugler jacket by Thierry Mugler Summer 1989
By Thierry Mugler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
MUGLER - Spring/Summer 1989 Ready-to-Wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Thierry Mugler. Fitted jacket in silver lambskin leather. Size indicated: 38FR. Made in Franc...
Thierry Mugler Iconic Mens Wool and Leather Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in New York, NY
Thierry Mugler Iconic navy wool melton and leather trimmed blazer from the 1980's. Strong shouldered with tapering lines executed with Mugler's razor sharp cutting. Excellent condi...
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...
Thierry Mugler x H&M Black Leather Cropped Jacket with Scarf - 2023
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
Thierry Mugler x H&M Black Leather Cropped Jacket with Scarf, 2023 This Thierry Mugler x H&M black leather cropped jacket with built-in scarf (2023) is a rare and collectible piece from the global capsule collection designed under Casey Cadwallader. Referencing Mugler’s legendary 1990s leather tailoring, this collaboration jacket reinterprets archival Mugler silhouettes in soft chrome-free leather, balancing sculptural form with modern wearability. Featuring a built-in wide scarf, hourglass waist shaping, logo-engraved buttons, and a diagonal front zipper with concealed snap, the jacket embodies Mugler’s iconic power-dressing aesthetic. Fully lined in cupro, this piece captures the spirit of archival Mugler tailoring in a limited-edition designer collaboration. DETAILS Designer: Thierry Mugler x H&M (Casey Cadwallader for Mugler) Collection Reference: Mugler H&M Capsule Collection, Spring 2023 Material: Shell: 100% Chrome-free Leather; Lining: 100% Cupro Colour: Black Silhouette: Cropped jacket with built-in scarf; sculptural hourglass waist Marked Size: EU Small / US Small Condition: Unworn condition - press sample MEASUREMENTS (LAID FLAT & closed and at rest unless otherwise noted) Bust(across underarm to underarm): 44 cm / 17.3 in ( to fit bust 88cm /34.6 inc) Shoulder to Hem: 47 cm / 18.5 in (at front - shortest measurement) 57 cm / 22.4 in (at back - longest measurement) Waist (across): 38 cm / 14.9 in (to fit waist 76cm / 29.9 in) Sleeve length: 60 cm / 23.6 in Width of attached leather scarf: 32 cm /. 12.5 in Length of attached leather scarf: 130 cm / 51.1 in PROVENANCE & STYLE NOTES This jacket recalls archival Thierry Mugler leather...
THIERRY MUGLER Fitted jacket with belt. Collection« les infernales »
Located in CACHAN, FR
THIERRY MUGLER Beautiful fitted jacket with its belt. The collar can be raised. Collection "the infernals". Very rare and highly sought after. Very good condition. The composition an...
$1,764
Size: U.K. 10 (Will suit a UK 8 also)
Chic Black Tailored Thierry Mugler 2000's Lambskin Leather Box Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Sheffield, GB
An Exquisite Black Lamb skin leather jacket by THIERRY MUGLER. Circa 2000. The jacket crafted from a butter-soft black lamb skin features a tailored silhouette, long sleeves, square ...
Mugler par Thierry Mugler purple short jacket, vintage 1990s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Genova, IT
Mugler purple jacket 90s ABOUT An extraordinary jacket by Thierry Mugler, it is a short, narrow waisted model with rounded shoulders and a futuristic line. The color is a beautiful...
Edge to edge cotton jacket with frills and fringes edge Thierry Mugler Couture
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Edge to edge cotton jacket with frills and fringes edge. Close in the middle front with hook&eye. Silk lining. NEW WITH TAG. SIZE 38 (M)
