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.
F/W 1992 Thierry Mugler Runway Faux Wrap Cinched Black Skirt Suit 38FR
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black sculptural skirt suit from Thierry Mugler’s Fall/Winter 1992 collection, designed by Manfred Mugler, is a striking example of the designer’s mastery of tailoring. The blaz...
$1,652Sale Price|30% Off
Thierry Mugler Vintage Black Wool & Claw Ornaments Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black wool and claw ornaments skirt suit. JACKET features : - Tailored typical MUGLER's cut. - Structured shoulders. - Faux astrakahn black fur detail on coll...
Thierry Mugler Vintage 90s Black Peplum Jacket Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage 1990's Thierry Mugler black combed wool skirt suit with a dramatic peplum jacket and pencil skirt. The jacket has thick horizontal "ribs" along the sides and down the front. ...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Worsted Wool & Velvet "Claw" Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black worsted wool and velvet "claw" skirt suit. This striking suit perfectly embodies Thierry Mugler's visionary approach to tail...
$1,758
Size: Equivalent size France 40/42
A Thierry Mugler Couture Black Tuxedo Skirt Suit - France Circa 1990/2000
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990/2000 France Iconic skirt suit in black Polyester Tergal by Thierry Mugler dating from 1990/2000. Fitted and architectural jacket, collar raised and basques flaring on the ...
Black wool crêpe skirt-suit with see-through inset on the sleeves Thierry Mugler
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool crêpe skirt-suit with see-through inset ( cotton veil) on the sleeves. No fabric tag but probably acetate lining. Snap (covered with fabric) closure in the middle front....
Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Ensemble Beautiful Black Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Gorgeous extremely rare Thierry Mugler ensemble. The silhouette is pure Mugler: a masterclass in the power of tailoring. Cut close to the body, the jacket cinches into fitted waist w...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Black Embellished Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Thierry Mugler black wool 2-piece skirt suit with reflective embellishments on the jacket. 3-snap front closure on the jacket, back zipper and hook closure on the skirt. I no...
Thierry Mugler Black Cord Lace Hourglass Jacket & Skirt Set 1980s 40
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Thierry Mugler Black cord lace jacket & matching skirt from the 1980s, looks barely, if ever, worn. Fitted jacket features black cord open work lace at the collar & lapels plus the s...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Worsted Wool & Velvet "Claw" Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black worsted wool and velvet "claw" skirt suit. This striking suit perfectly embodies Thierry Mugler's visionary approach to tailoring. Renowned for his arch...
Vivienne Westwood black velvet mini skirt peplum suit, fw 1993
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood black velvet skirt suit. Ultra mini pencil skirt paired with a tailored blazer jacket with peplum and pleated ve...
John Galliano black mohair jacket and skirt suit, fw 1999
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano black and white mohair striped jacket and skirt suit. Fall-Winter 1999
Alexander McQueen black double-breasted blazer mini dress with cut-out, ss 1998
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen black blazer mini dress ▪ Double-breasted ▪ Nude nylon mesh cut-out panel ▪ Peak lapels ▪ 2 front flap pockets ▪ ...
Gianni Versace black crinkled safety pin skirt suit, ss 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace black crinkled skirt suit. Blazer jacket with slashed cut outs and gold and silver safety pins. High Waisted mini skirt with leg slip ...
Christian Dior black bouclé wool and mohair skirt suit, fw 1999
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano black bouclé wool and mohair skirt suit comprising: loose-cut coat with wide sleeves, two front patch pockets and silk lining. Ankle length skirt with...
Alexander McQueen Black Cashmere 'Joan' Suit, FW 1998
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Alexander McQueen suit crafted from black cashmere, featuring a sharply tailored jacket with standing shoulders and a funnel collar. The jacket is adorned with 31 horn buttons and ha...
