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Thierry Mugler

French, 1948-2022

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.

Average Sold Price
$2,563
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This 1990s Thierry Mugler small tote bag is crafted from quilted black leather and featuresthroughout. The structured design features Mugler's silver-tone star studs throughout, maki...
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S/S 1998 Thierry Mugler Silver Abstract Pendant Brown Wrap Drape Maxi Dress
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Presenting a brown Thierry Mugler wrap dress, designed by Manfred Mugler. From the Spring/Summer 1998, this midi dress features silver-tone hoop accents and a tie at the waist. Simil...
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Thierry Mugler Dress With Cut Outs
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A stunning white silk bodycon dress from Thierry Mugler. It has short sleeves, a crew neck and is semi fitted through to the asymmetric hemline. Th...
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Thierry Mugler 2000 Black Cold Shoulder Evening Dress Samantha Sex and The City
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This vintage 2000s Thierry Mugler Couture evening dress features exposed shoulders and an unmistakable silhouette, making it an iconic piece of clothing. Its expert construction and black color make it a timeless classic, perfect for elevating any wardrobe. The design was made famous by the character Samantha on Sex and the City, ensuring its popularity and cult status. Fully lined, made in France and labeled a French size 42. Bust 40...
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90s Mugler cobalt fitted coat dress. Quilted side and sleeve panels. Zippers up the front. Fully lined.
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Thierry Mugler FW 1993 jacket Blazer Wool
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This Thierry Mugler jacket is a striking example of Thierry Mugler's excellent tailoring, combining both structure and femininity. Assuming is is from his beautiful FW 1993 Collectio...
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1990s French Thierry Mugler

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Designers Similar to Thierry Mugler

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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John Galliano for Christian Dior

Thierry Mugler fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Thierry Mugler fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, blue, pink and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, and Christian Lacroix appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Thierry Mugler fashion from top boutiques around the world. Thierry Mugler fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $109 and tops out at $98,885, while the average work can sell for $1,617.
Questions About Thierry Mugler
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between Mugler and Thierry Mugler comes down to timing. When designer Thierry Mugler founded his fashion house in 1973, he named the brand Thierry Mugler after himself. In 2010, he retired, and Nicola Formichetti became the brand's new creative director. A year later, in 2011, the company was renamed Mugler. Find a selection of Thierry Mugler apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Thierry Mugler's nationality was French. He was born in Strasbourg, France, in 1948 and moved to Paris at the age of 24. In 1973, he founded his eponymous brand and introduced his first line, called Café de Paris. On 1stDibs, explore a range of vintage Thierry Mugler apparel and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Thierry Mugler is most famous for his evening gowns and his dramatic fashion shows. His 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. 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. Shop a collection of Thierry Mugler from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Thierry Mugler stepped down from his eponymous fashion house in 2002. In the 2010s, Mugler’s archival designs, especially from his 1995 haute couture show, once more took center stage, coinciding with the resurgence of camp in fashion and the return of bodycon dresses. The brand’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. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Thierry Mugler pieces from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Thierry Mugler changed fashion by pushing the boundaries of what fashion design and clothing could mean. He had a penchant for performance, drama and costuming that 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 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. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Thierry Mugler pieces.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Thierry Mugler's style is often described as avant garde. He was known for his immaculate tailoring as well as for his pieces that featured sharp cuts, sexy and fetishistic elements, and an integration of metal and uniquely treated materials like PVC and leather. Shop our collection of Thierry Mugler pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Thierry Mugler became popular during the 1980s and 1990s. In the 1970s, the forward-looking fashion designer founded his brand with his first personal collection. During the 1980s, his couture shows were theatrical and futuristic, and he eventually gained fans in celebrities and models such as Naomi Campbell, George Michael and even RuPaul. He gained popularity 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. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in his evening gowns due to celebrities like Cardi B. and Kim Kardashian wearing his dresses on the red carpet. Shop an assortment of vintage Thierry Mugler pieces on 1stDibs.

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