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 SS 1991 Sexy Black Jacket Cutout Lace
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Seductive black Thierry Mugler jacket, assumings 1991 "Superstar Diana Ross" Collection, with fabulous cutout lace details. Fabulous tailoring, super feminine fitted silhouette. The ...
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 SS 2000 Black Jacket Blazer Fitted Fabulous
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler jacket, Spring Summer Collection 2000. Black blazer with shiny accents. Fantastic sculptural silhouette with fitted waist. Very beautiful piece. Elegant Femme Fatale ...
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...
Thierry Mugler Jacket FW 1998 Glamour Dramatic Black Glitter Details
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning Thierry Mugler jacket, FW 1998 Collection. Documented Runway Collectors Piece anf famously captured by the legend Helmut Newton! Fabulous dramatic sh...
Thierry Mugler SS 1989 Les Atlantes Jacket Black Dramatic Sculptural Archive
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Fabulous black Thierry Mugler Jacket, Spring Summer 1989 Collection Stunning and super dramatic sculptural jacket from Thierry Mugler's iconic LES ATLANTES Collection 1989. A rare Collectors piece and example of the Designer Legend's iconic signature looks: Phenomenal tailoring, extraordinairy shapes and a beautiful feminine sculptural silhouette. Asymmetrical pointy high collar, fin-like shaped details on the sleeves and a silver metal detail at the waist. Deep sexy V-Neck and closes with one press button at the waist. LES ATLANTES "The Thierry Mugler Spring/Summer 1989 show, entitled 'Les Atlantes,' took place at Paris Fashion Week. Inspired by the deep seas, a group of models in jumpsuits with fish gills on the hips emerged as futuristic sea creatures. Jacket necklines were cut in the shape of waves, fins were attached to sleeves, and peplum waists were made from transparent plastic. A swimwear section rendered in silver, shades of blue, and water print, was complete with fish gill detailing and fin-shaped bracelets. Sleeves of dresses came attached to the bodice, whilst pulling down hems revealed jagged pockets reminiscent of shark teeth...
Thierry Mugler F/W 1987- 88 Black velvet shaped blazer jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Milano, IT
- Thierry Mugler black velvet shaped blazer jacket - Sold by Skof.Archive - Designed by Thierry Muller - Fall-Winter 1987-88 - Single breasted shaped jacket - Padded shoulder - F...
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...
Black single-breatsed jacket THIERRY MUGLER ACTIV
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black single-breasted jacket. Snap closure on the middle front. No fabric composition tag but it's probably rayon. Lining: probably rayon or acetate. SIZE 42( It) 38 (Fr) on tag bu...
rare THIERRY MUGLER Vintage black wool geometric velvet peplum jacket IT40 S
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare THIERRY MUGLER Vintage black wool geometric velvet peplum jacket IT40 S Reference: TGAS/D00732 Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Material: Wool Color: Black Patter...
Black laces see-through jacket THIERRY MUGLER
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black laces see-through jacket. SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Thierry Mugler Vintage 80s Black Wool Single Breasted Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Thierry Mugler Vintage 1980s Black Wool Jacket Classic black jacket from the 1980s by Thierry Mugler. Made from wool with a soft silk lining, it feels comfortable and well-made. The ...
