1994 Gianni Versace Couture Medusa Hardware Green Wool Cashmere Skirt Suit
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: IT40 / US6 (EU)Bust: 39 in (99.06 cm)Waist: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)Hip: 39 in (99.06 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Light wear from age and use throughout.
- Seller Location:West Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2388216687872
Gianni Versace
The signature extravagance of legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace — forever aligned with glamour, sex, celebrity and spectacle — can overshadow the Italian couturier’s broad and deep engagement with history and culture. Today, his vintage dresses and gowns, handbags, sunglasses and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration, and his subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” he once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life.
Gianni Versace was born in Calabria, Italy. His mother was a successful dressmaker who employed more than 40 seamstresses. As a child, little Gianni marveled at her workshop, which would become a university of sorts, where he learned the exceptional construction techniques that were at the foundation of his creative expression.
In 1972, at age 25, he moved to Milan to work in fashion. He launched his first collection — and his label — in 1978, with his older brother Santo managing the business concerns. Soon, sister Donatella, whom Gianni dressed and took to discos when she was still a child, joined the family venture, where she had a creative role and managed enormously popular ready-to-wear lines such as Versus.
Vintage Versace — and Gianni Versace Couture, which debuted in 1989 — has become catnip for modern fashion enthusiasts who seek out the now-iconic house codes that originated in the designs of the 1980s and 1990s. His glamorous and seductive apparel — the clingy skirts and slender, strappy party dresses, as well as the erotic magazine ads that publicized them — looms large, but Versace’s art and historical influences were also vast.
Versace was an art collector, and he took on commissions to create costumes for theatrical performances during the 1980s and spoke of looking to numerous cultures for inspiration. The New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry “is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way.”
Insiders consider his 1991/1992 Autumn/Winter runway show — which featured supermodels Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista lip-synching George Michael’s “Freedom” — as the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace's adventurous spirit of design resulted in his creating jewel-toned prints rooted in Grecian motifs, Etruscan symbols, the Italian Baroque and Andy Warholʼs Marilyn Monroe. There were slinky dresses in Oroton, his patented chain-mail textile that draped like satin, and leather bondage ensembles. Sex sold, for both women and men. Wrote the late curator Richard Martin, “[Versace] became the standard-bearer of gay men’s fashion because he eschewed decorum and designed for desire.”
Following Versace’s tragic murder in 1997, Donatella took over the role of artistic director and continued to evolve the house codes with a twist of her feminine and feminist perspective. Today, Santo Versace is chief executive officer of Versace and Donatella is its chief creative officer.
Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Gianni Versace evening dresses, handbags, day dresses and more on 1stDibs.
Gianni Versace Couture
Subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive, Gianni Versace’s (1946–97) designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” the legendary Italian couturier once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life.
Today, vintage Versace clothing, handbags and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant. The designer debuted his Atelier Versace line — which was part of the first Versace haute couture collection — in 1989.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, the New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry “is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way.”
Insiders consider his 1991/1992 Autumn/Winter runway show — which featured supermodels Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista lip-synching George Michael’s “Freedom! '90” — the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace was born in Reggio di Calabria, Italy. His mother was a successful dressmaker who employed more than 40 seamstresses. As a child, little Gianni marveled at her workshop, which would become a university of sorts, where he learned the exceptional construction techniques that were at the foundation of his creative expression.
In 1972, at age 25, Versace moved to Milan to work in fashion. He launched his first collection — and his label — in 1978, with his older brother Santo managing the business concerns. Soon, sister Donatella, whom Gianni dressed and took to discos when she was still a child, joined the family venture, where she had a creative role and managed enormously popular ready-to-wear lines such as Versus.
Vintage Versace — and 1989's Gianni Versace Couture — has become catnip for modern fashion enthusiasts who seek out the now-iconic house codes that originated in the designs of the 1980s and 1990s. His glamorous and seductive apparel — the clingy skirts and slender, strappy party dresses, as well as the erotic magazine ads that publicized them — looms large, but Versace’s art and historical influences were also vast.
Versace was an art collector, and he took on commissions to create costumes for theatrical performances during the 1980s and spoke of looking to numerous cultures for inspiration. This adventurous spirit of design resulted in his creating jewel-toned prints rooted in Grecian motifs, Etruscan symbols, the Italian Baroque and Andy Warholʼs Marilyn Monroe. There were slinky dresses in Oroton, his patented chain-mail textile that draped like satin, and leather bondage ensembles. Sex sold, for both women and men. Wrote the late curator Richard Martin, “[Versace] became the standard-bearer of gay men’s fashion because he eschewed decorum and designed for desire.”
Following Versace’s tragic murder in 1997, Donatella took over the role of artistic director and continued to evolve the house codes with a twist of her feminine and feminist perspective. Today, Santo Versace is chief executive officer of Versace and Donatella is its chief creative officer.
Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Gianni Versace Couture bags, dresses and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: West Hollywood, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Safari Cheetah Print Lace-Up Khaki SuitBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a gorgeous tan and cheetah print Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche skirt suit, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2002 safari-inspired collection, this beautiful se...Category
Early 2000s French Skirt Suits
- F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Gold Ribbed Lurex Medusa Skirt Cropped Jacket SetBy Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a golden ribbed lurex Gianni Versace Couture skirt set, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1994 collection, this two-piece set consists of a high-waisted skirt and matching jacket. The cropped jacket features a collar, two breast pockets, and gold Versace Medusa buttons at the pockets, cuffs, and button-up closure. This stunning set is beautiful when worn together or separate and is the perfect vintage Gianni Versace set...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Safari Cheetah Print Silk Skirt SetBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint LaurentLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a sheer printed silk top and pleated skirt set designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche's Spring/Summer 2002 collection. The fabric is printed in the season...Category
Early 2000s French Skirt Suits
- S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Suede Lace Up Jacket Pants Suit SetBy Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a luxurious suede jacket and pant set designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior's Spring/Summer 2003 collection. Seldom found as a se...Category
Early 2000s French Trouser Pant Suits
- S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Distressed Suede Low Rise Skirt Set ASO Destiny's ChildBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a Dolce & Gabbana distressed suede patchwork two-piece set featuring leather cord stitching, beads, and hand-painted feathers. From the Spri...Category
Early 2000s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe Warhol Inspired Print Pop Art Skirt SuitBy Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting this stunning Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1991 Marilyn Monroe and James Dean pop art skirt suit! This collection was heavily influenced by Warhol’s use of iconography fro...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- Romeo Gigli for Callaghan Spring-Summer 1991 silk pant and shawl ensembleBy Romeo GigliLocated in London, GBRomeo Gigli for Callaghan Spring-Summer 1991 silk pant and shawl ensembleCategory
1990s Italian Trouser Pant Suits
- 1960s Pucci Silk Pink Trouser Set With Rosette PrintBy Emilio PucciLocated in London, GBThis desirable 1960s pale pink trouser suit is by celebrated Italian designer Emilio Pucci and is vibrant, contemporary and in very good vintage condition, showing only gentle signs of wear. Pucci designs are synonymous with luxury and often in printed silk hosting bold geometric designs and this lovely ensemble is a fine earlier example of his trademark look. The sleeveless silk chiffon blouse features a rose-window style design in marine blue, lime green and fuchsia on a sugar pink background, subtly emblazoned with the designers signature. There is an open shirt style neckline and a gently scalloped hem. The silk linen trousers are straight legged with a tapered ankle line and are neatly tailored at the navel, fastening to the side with a zip and button closure. This gorgeous set is as smart as it is opulent and would best suit a US size 2, UK size 6 or smaller. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in (163cm) and this outfit fit her well. TOP : Bust - 36 Waist 36" Length - 24" TROUSERS: Waist - 24" Hip 34"" Length - 38" Notes on the designer: During the 1960s, Pucci's signature look reigned as the ultimate status symbol for the decade, having created a perfect transition between luxurious couture and ready to wear lounge suits...Category
1960s Italian Trouser Pant Suits
- Elinor Simmons for Malcolm Starr Vintage Velvet Gaucho Pants + Blouse SetBy Elinor Simmons, Malcolm StarrLocated in Sparks, NVOp art pixelated print two piece set by Elinor Simmons of Malcolm Starr! Cropped velvet gaucho pants and tailored button up blouse. Top is unlined with front button and hook closure....Category
1960s American Trouser Pant Suits
- CHANEL- 98A 3 Piece Set - Boucle Hat / Jacket / Skirt - Mulberry - Size 40 US 8By ChanelLocated in Sanford, FLCHANEL- 98A 3 Piece Set - Boucle Hat / Jacket / Skirt - Mulberry - Size 40 US 8 Description * Fall 1998 Collection * This 3 piece suit is crafted in a rich mulberry soft boucle. * ...Category
1990s French Skirt Suits
- Vintage La Chasse Silk hiffon Dress and CoatLocated in London, GBA stunning vintage silk chiffon dress and matching coat. In a pretty blue and white print, the dress has a frill at the neckline with ribbo...Category
1960s British Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Gianni Versace multicoloured silk pant suit, ss 1992By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBGianni Versace multicoloured silk pant suit. Spring-Summer 1992Category
1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles