Iconic Versace Couture Printed stretch Leggings Pants, Fall-Winter 1991
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: IT42 (US 6) but runs a bit small (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Very good pre-loved condition.
- Seller Location:Geneva, CH
- Reference Number:
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: Lausanne, Switzerland
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Christian Dior By John Galliano "Kaos" Jeans, Spring-Summer 2004By John Galliano, Christian DiorLocated in Geneva, CHFrom the iconic John Galliano years for Christian Dior, these multicolor "Kaos" cotton pants are from the sought after Spring-Summer 2004 collection. Mid rise fit and bootcut leg, these jeans feature a silver metal button and a zipper closure with two additional side zip pockets (see pictures 6, 7, 13, 15 & 16). Printed with a colorful "street art" pattern, these rare jeans are more statement than staple ! Labeled a French size 38 (US 6 / UK 10 / IT 42), the jeans run a little bit small to size. Style it with a tank and loafers. Fits approx. : US 4-6 / UK 8-10 / FR 36-38 / IT 40-42 Measurements (taken flat) : Low waist approx. 39 cm (15.35 inches) Front rise approx. 24 cm (9.45 inches) Back rise approx. 33.5 cm (13.19 inches) Hips approx. 45.5 cm (17.91 inches) Inseam approx. 77.5 cm (30.51 inches) Outseam/Total length approx. 101 cm (39.76 inches) Leg opening approx. 22 cm (8.66 inches) Remark : iconic SS2000 Chanel quilted top...Category
Early 2000s French Jeans
- Christian Dior By John Galliano Diorissimo "Flight" Cropped Jeans Pants, SS2006By Christian Dior, John GallianoLocated in Geneva, CHFrom the Spring-Summer 2006 "Flight" collection by John Galliano for Christian Dior, these jeans pants are printed with a tonal-blue version of the iconic Diorissimo motif. Designed ...Category
Early 2000s Portuguese Jeans
- Gucci By Tom Ford Squares GG Logo Silk-Jacquard Shirt, Spring-Summer 1998By Tom Ford, GucciLocated in Geneva, CHChic and timeless, this black shirt from the iconic 1998 Spring-Summer Gucci by Tom Ford collection will prove to be a staple in any wardrobe. Jacquard-woven with lustrous squares GG...Category
1990s Italian Chemises
- Ungaro Ruched Faux Ostrich Cocktail Mini DressBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Geneva, CHThis 80's Ungaro Parallèle cocktail dress is cut from – probably – black silk ? (the composition materiel tag is missing) that's ruched and ruffled to create a flattering faux ostric...Category
1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Gianni Versace Couture Orchids & Medusa Head Print Halterneck Top, SS2000By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Geneva, CHEndlessly versatile, this rare SS2000 Gianni Versace Couture asymmetric top is to become your go-to for dinners and parties. Cut from smooth silk jersey, it is gathered along one sid...Category
Early 2000s Italian Halter Tops
- Ted Lapidus Couture Halterneck Midi DressBy Ted LapidusLocated in Geneva, CHLet's embrace the 70's with this Ted Lapidus haute couture evening dress ! Constructed in black silk, this midi-length features a glamorous plunging halter-neckline, artfully embroid...Category
1970s French Summer Dresses
- Black Men's MX1 Moto Distressed Sweatpants Jogger XXL PantsLocated in Downey, CABlack Men's MX1 Moto Distressed Sweatpants Jogger XXL Pants Amiri's signature mx1 jeans are reinterpreted for the new season in the form of these black cotton-jersey track pants. A ...Category
2010s American Pants
- Balmain Men's Blue Distressed Biker Moto T551 C306 Straight Leg Denim JeansBy BalmainLocated in Downey, CABalmain Men's Blue Distressed Biker Moto T551 C306 Straight Leg Denim Jeans Description: Balmain Men's Distressed Biker Moto Jeans size 34 T551 C306. Denim raw motto jeans with icon...Category
2010s Japanese Jeans
- Prada Navy Blue White Floral Pattern Print Silk Casual Pants CaprisBy PradaLocated in Downey, CAPrada Navy Blue White Floral Pattern Print Silk Casual Pants Capris These Prada floral pants are crafted out of pure silk in blue and white pattern. Silk capri trousers are a trendy...Category
2010s Italian Pants
- Saint Laurent Coated Metallic Lambskin Leather Mid Rise Skinny Jeans Size 4By Saint LaurentLocated in Downey, CASaint Laurent Coated Metallic Lambskin Leather Mid Rise Skinny Jeans Size 4 Already looking for your Fall/Winter 2019 wardrobe? Add a touch of Saint Laurent's distinctive styling to...Category
2010s Italian Jeans
- Dior Signature Christian Paris Trouser SZ XS Straight PantsBy Christian DiorLocated in Downey, CADior Signature Christian Paris Trouser SZ XS Straight Pants These are one-of-a-kind Christian Dior Paris men's red trouser pants. Perfect for daily pro...Category
2010s Pants
- Chanel Chocolate Brown Silk Chiffon Palazzo Pant - 42 - 99PBy ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChanel Chocolate Brown Silk Chiffon Palazzo Pant - 42 - 99P This beautiful chocolate brown silk chiffon palazzo pant has a decorative right side flowing panel, left side pocket, zip...Category
1990s French Wide Leg Pants