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.
Vintage Thierry Mugler Black Wool Tailored Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Milano, IT
This vintage Thierry Mugler jacket from the 1990s is a striking example of the designer’s signature structured tailoring and avant-garde aesthetic. Known for his ability to sculpt th...
Vintage Celyn B. by Elisabetta Franchi Black Fitted Blazer
By Elisabetta Franchi
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and sharply tailored, this vintage Celyn B. blazer by Elisabetta Franchi embodies the refined and feminine aesthetic that defined the early 2000s collections of the brand. Cr...
Christian Lacroix Vintage Black Jacket w Shoulder Pads
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful vintage jacket designed by Christian. Lacroix in the 80s, made in France. ORIGINAL LABEL. The jacket has long sleeves, with tighter cuffs and puffed sleeves. The cuffs are embellished with 3 buttons each round brown, very beautiful and elegant, in contrast with the black color of the jacket. The balls are stuffed, typical of the 80s. The collar is standard, high-necked and connects to the internal part of the jacket, made up of 5 round brown buttons, which allow closing and opening. There are two large breast...
RoccoBarocco Vintage Elegant Black Blazer
By Rocco Barocco, Roccobarocco
Located in Milano, IT
Fabulous black wool blazer designed by stylist Roccobarocco in the early 1990s, fine Italian manufacture. Original label. The blazer has a classic soft cut and is made of black wool ...
Iconic Balmain Black Double-Breasted Blazer with Gold Medallion Buttons
By Balmain Paris
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the bold elegance of Balmain with this iconic double-breasted black blazer, a signature piece from the Olivier Rousteing era. Crafted in a structured cotton blend with a to...
Yves Saint Laurent Double Breasted Wool Blazer
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous grey classic style blazer designed by Yves Saint Laurent from the 1990s, made in France. The jacket is short and is made of grey wool with black trim. The collar with lapels...
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 Couture Vintage Black Cut Out Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER Couture vintage spring/summer black supple jacket featuring cut-outs on front, forearms and back embellished with brushed silver tone arrowhead details. This jacket i...
S/S 2001 Thierry Mugler Black Convertible Bustier Snap Blazer Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Thierry Mugler jacket from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection is tailored in structured black crepe and features a built-in convertible bustier panel beneath the deep notched nec...
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 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 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 ...
