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.
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 ...
S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Calf Skin Leather Jacket - Blazer
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring / Summer 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Blazer. Superbly crafted from a soft calf skin material with printed ‘DIOR 2003’ Logo across the back, Ruched drapery, press stu...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN A/W 2009 Black Leather Biker Jacket with Mongolian Lamb Collar
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Sheffield, GB
An extraordinary Alexander McQueen Autumn / Winter 2009 Runway sample ! This Black Leather Biker Jacket features an incredibly plush Mongolian Lamb Collar that runs all the way arou...
2000’s Gucci by Frida Giannini Cropped Fitted Brown Tan Leather Jacket
By Frida Giannini, Gucci
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 2000’s Gucci by Frida Giannini Leather jacket, crafted in a tan brown leather, featuring a boat collar line, zip down the front, 3/4 Length sleeves and pockets at the waist. The le...
1990s Gianni Versace Black Shiny Latex Cropped Jacket with Medusa Buttons
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Vintage 1990's classic Versace cropped jacket in a glossy black latex fabric with iconic silver metal Medusa buttons and plush quilted lining. MADE IN ITALY. Features: Chest pocke...
2000's Vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer Cherry Red Fitted Leather Biker Jacket
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Chic 2000s Jean-Louis Scherrer Leather jacket. Crafted in a butter soft cherry red leather. Featuring square shoulders, high collar, zip down the centre closure and iridescent two ...
Thierry Mugler 1990s Black Silk Sheer Rose Belted Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into the world of timeless elegance with the Thierry Mugler 1990s Black Silk Sheer Rose Belted Jacket. Crafted in France, this exquisite piece showca...
1980s Thierry Mugler Brown Suede Leather Moto Zip Biker Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This striking brown leather moto jacket by Thierry Mugler was designed by Manfred Mugler in the late 1980s. Crafted from soft leather, this chic coat features a fold-over collar, bra...
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...
Black jacket with cut-work and silver metallic snap closure Thierry Mugler
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black jacket with cut-work and silver metallic snap closure. The fabric composition said cotton but it doesnt feel like cotton, more likely wool or rayon. Lining in acetate or rayon....
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...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Women's Brown Lurex Suit Jacket & Skirt Set
By Thierry Mugler
Located in CACHAN, FR
Thierry Mugler. Magnificent brown suit with lurex, golden glitter effect, fitted cut that enhances the waist. Very original. How much for a size 38? Fits very small. The set is in ve...
