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 S/S 1997 “Les Insectes” Suit Rhinestone Fly Embellishment FR42
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1997 “Les Insectes” Suit with Fly Embellishment Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Spring Summer 1997 Couture Fabric: 100% Wool ...
THIERRY MUGLER F/W 1998 Collectors Runway Ensemble - Documented by Helmut Newton
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Fall Winter 1998 Runway Rhinestone Ensemble / Suit Set - Documented by Helmut Newton Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection / year: Fall / Winter 1998 Material: Jacket: Wool / Rhinestones. Skirt & Shorts: Chiffon 100% polyester. Color: Black Size: FR40 Made in France Complete look from Thierry Mugler’s Prêt-à-porter Fall Winter 1998 collection titled “Lingerie Revisited". Photographed by Helmut Newton for Thierry Mugler's Fall Winter 1998 look-book. This ensemble was also featured in a Neiman Marcus campaign for Harper's Bazaar, September 1998 on actress Estella Warren. The jacket is made from black wool. It features a squared notched lapel, V- neckline and lightly padded shoulders. A dramatic hourglass silhouette emphasised by lines of rhinestone embellishments in the shape of corset seam-lines . The rhinestones are also featured on the cuff of each sleeve. Completed by a chiffon skirt and shorts set. A lighter variation of the runway look which was presented in a more structured fabric. The chiffon is a clear continuation of Thierry Mugler’s “Lingerie Revisited” theme, balancing structure with sensuality. A very special collectors item. Both wearable and an investment piece that will continue to increase in value. Size Information: Marked size FR40 Jacket: Shoulders 46.5cm Bust 46cm Waist 36.5cm Length 61cm Skirt Waist 34.5cm Hip 48cm Length 108cm Shorts Waist 34cm Hip 41cm Length 35cm Front rise 32.5cm This Thierry Mugler blazer is in very good vintage condition with some wear to the zipper, and some light discolouration to the lining. The skirt and shorts are in excellent condition. Please contact us with any questions. Additional Photographs : From Thierry Mugler’s 1998...
GIVENCHY COUTURE By ALEXANDER MCQUEEN F/W 1999 Architectural Suit FR42
By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Haute Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Fall Winter 1999 Architectural Suit FR42 Brand: Givenchy Designer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Fall Winter 1999 Fabric: 92% Wool / 8% Cashmere. Linin...
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1989 Les Atlantes Avant Garde Dress FR42
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1989 Les Atlantes Avant Garde Dress FR42 Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Spring Summer 1989 Fabric: Fluid Crepe (55% Viscose, 45% Acetate) Color: Black Size: FR42 Made in France A sculptural black dress from Thierry Mugler’s 1989...
CHRISTIAN DIOR By JOHN GALLIANO F/W 1997 Hourglass Suit FR40
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Berlin, BE
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall Winter 1997 Hourglass Suit Brand: Christian Dior Designer: John Galliano Collection: Fall Winter 1997 Fabric: 99% Wool, 1% Cashmere, lining 100...
THIERRY MUGLER S/S 1999 Sculptural Collar Evening Gown FR40
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Spring Summer 1999 Ruffled Organza Collar Evening Gown with Floral Detail Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Spring Summer 1999 Fabric: Crepe ...
F/W 1991 Thierry Mugler Yellow Sculptural Skirt Suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Thierry Mugler vibrant yellow skirt suit set from the Fall Winter 1991 collection. This rare exceptional vibrant yellow skirt suit boasts a stand up ...
Gianni Versace Couture yellow skirt suit, ss 1996
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Bright yellow suit with mid-length skirt and single-breasted jacket with Medusa buttons by Gianni Versace Spring-summer 1996
Yellow and brown skirt suit and double-jacket trompe l'oeil Thierry Mugler ACTIV
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Yellow and brown skirt suit and double-jacket trompe l'oeil. Main fabric composition: 75% wool, 25% rayon. Acetate lining. Double snap closure on the middle front of the jacket ( 2 o...
Thierry Mugler Asymmetric-cut Banana textured suit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in New York, NY
Thierry Mugler banana hue skirtsuit is in textured cotton knit. The jacket has fitted sleeves and has white ribbed cotton towards the cuffs. the front has hidden snap detail along wi...
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Golden Yellow Color Cotton Dress US Size 12
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage golden yellow color cotton dress. This dress features : - Halter neckline with wide, notched lapels framing a deep V-shaped front. - Button-down bodice with s...
Thierry Mugler Holy Grail SS 1998 Rare Silk Suit Gold Jacket Skirt
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Holy Grail. Step into the mythic elegance of Thierry Mugler's Sping/Summer 1998 collection, where fashion transcends into fantasy. This extremely rare two-piece suit, jacket and ski...
