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.
1997 THIERRY MUGLER black fringed back RUNWAY dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Thierry Mugler black cocktail dress from 1997. Draped and gathered to create a wrap effect around the body, the dress emphasizes natural lines while maintaining Mugler’s signature sc...
Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Gorgeous Black Evening Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
In this stunning black dress, Thierry Mugler marries his signature sculptural precision with motion. The silhouette is razor-sharp, hugging the body with a surgeon’s precision, while...
1990s THIERRY MUGLER Black Dress with Cut Out Asymetrical neckline
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy Vintage Thierry Mugler black dress with asymmetrical neckline. Perfect cocktail dress for summer. Slit on the side. Tag size: 3...
Rare Hot Thierry Mugler Dress SS1994 iconic Black Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Black Dress SS 1994 Spring Summer Collection. Extremely rare collectors piece. Elegant, fabulous and timeless. The perfect little black dress with the iconic Thierry ...
Gorgeous Thierry Mugler Silk Pleated Evening Gown with Tassels Size 38
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a brilliant Thierry Mugler gown. The gown features a wonderful pleat design and is composed of a beautiful black silk. There is a center back zipper and also a tassel accentu...
Thierry Mugler 1990’s black asymmetrical evening gown
By Thierry Mugler
Located in PARIS, FR
Thierry mugler 1992 black asymmetrical maxi dress size 40 FR. Large oval amber resin earring set with peridot green rhinestones. Only wear on the resin the...
Black rayon knit cocktail dress with black satin flame Thierry Mugler Couture
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black rayon knit cocktail dress with black satin flame on the side. Split on the bottom end of the flame, lenght= 30 cm . Knit composition: 100% rayon . Flame: 100% polyester SIZE L
1992 Thierry Mugler Runway Black Satin and Velvet Maxi Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
This spectacular black satin and velvet maxi gown walked the runway as part of Thierry Mugler’s iconic Spring 1992 collection (Look 18/84). It has been exhibited as part of the Alaïa...
F/W 1999 Thierry Mugler Black Velvet Trim Evening Gown
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Fall Winter 1999 Thierry Mugler black floor length evening gown with a beautifully sculpted silhouette and dramatic sweetheart neckline. Soft black velvet trim outlines the bodice wh...
Black evening dress draped on the bust Thierry Mugler
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black evening dress draped on the bust. Main fabric composition 60% acetate. 40% silk. Lining: 100% acetate. See-through top : silk chiffon. Bustier: silk and cotton satin ( boned an...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Cocktail Dress with Crystal Embellished Neckline
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black cocktail halter dress with clear crystal embellished neckline. This dress perfectly embodies the essence of Thierry Mugler's vintage creations, where ar...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Black Asymetric Bias Cut Ruffled Cocktail Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black asymetric bias cut ruffled cocktail dress featuring MANFRED THIERRY MUGLER's typical sculptural cut, sensuality and aesthetic. This dress features : - A...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Black Sculptural Cut-Out Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black sculptural cut-out dress. A striking example of Thierry Mugler's visionary approach to feminine tailoring, this vintage dress perfectly captures the hou...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Black and White Asymetric Bustier Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage black and white asymetric bustier dress. This dress features : - Black wool gabardine with asymetric white details on the bust line and the bottom edge. - Str...
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...
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...
