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.
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Sheer White Sleeveless Ruffle Top
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Spring/Summer 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella sheer white sleeveless ruffle top debuted on the season's runway. The lightweight, semi-transparent fabric is adorned with delicat...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Light Green Ribbed Knit Bodycon Mini Dress Cap Sleeve
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This ribbed bright green Gianni Versace mini dress, designed by Gianni Versace for the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, is a form-fitting bodycon piece. It features off-the-shoulder pe...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace Black Lace Sheer Leather Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage black lace mesh leather panelled gown from the Fall Winter 2001 collection. Has original tags! Draped neckline Leather straps, inserts and buckle detailing at ...
1990s Gianni Versace Red Lace Insert Silk Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage red long slip dress with sheer lace inserts and a criss cross back. Size: No size tag, refer to measurements for best fit Condition: Excellent condition Me...
GIANNI VERSACE 1995 Iconic Vintage Runway Red & Black Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Gianni Versace Vintage Runway FW95 Brick Red + Black Oversized black medusa buttons IT44 Excellent Condition, one micro hole in lining, otherwise no flaws, looks like new Perfect for...
Gucci Runway 1920's Showgirl Style Chain Mail Evening Dress
By Gucci, Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Gucci 2018 runway show presented a featured array of exciting eventful evening wear. From designer Andre Michelle, a lovely soft lilac chain mail evening dress. A 1920's show...
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Lace Gold Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Embellished Lace Gold Dress Size: IT 40 Condition: New with tags, chainmail and lace layer are in pristine condition. The under lining has discolorations due to age and storage which are not visible when worn. Gold vintage Gianni Versace metal mesh...
Late 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Gold Metal Mesh Backless Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gowns of this quality are literally unheard of in the second-hand market. This gown technically is not second hand, it still has the original store tag attached. That said there is m...
Gianni Versace Lace-up Leather Jacket S/S 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous soft, supple, off white leather jacket from Gianni Versace. It is fitted with vertical seaming which is highlighted with intricate braiding plus 4" long fringe at the cuffs, back of sleeves and bottom hem. The back is incredible with adjustable functional matching leather lacing across the cut out. It closes with a front metal zipper with a leather tassel pull...
Gianni Versace Leather Lace up Dress S/S 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
An extraordinary and collectible supple black leather dress from Gianni Versace. This has all of the couture details Versace is known for- a fine fringe hem, laser perforated leather...
Gianni Versace Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a gorgeous caramel tan color. It has a plunging neckline and a wide matching leather inset waist. The skirt is straight, t...
Gianni Versace Fall 1992 Bondage S&M Collection Runway Leather Fringe 92 Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare museum worthy vintage Gianni Versace Fall/Winter 1992 S&M Bondage Collection runway leather pants ! Naomi Campbell strutted down the runway in these trousers. High waisted f...
Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous and rare red patent leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt from Gianni Versace. It has all of Versace's amazing attention to detail includ...
Atelier Versace Spring 1995 Butterfly Silk Full Length Robe
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in London, GB
Spring-summer 1995 Atelier Versace Butterfly print silk robe. We offer this highly elusive Versace silk robe from the Haute Couture 'Atelier Versace...
Gianni Versace Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous full length black silk gown from Gianni Versace Couture. It has a front scoop neck, a deep cut out back and fabulous tan leather shoulders. It is semi fitted though the ...
GIANNI VERSACE Corals silk shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage skirt 90s for men Corals silk shirt Size. M - IT 48 Made in Italy As you can see there are some pulled threads, they are very small, two of which are on the s...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Baroque Pale blue Pastel rococo Tutu Cocktail Dress
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring / Summer 1992 Gianni Versace Jeans Couture, Cocktail dress in a pale blue rococo print featuring pink and gold pastel shades with a fitted upper body, strap shoulders and laye...
GIANNI VERSACE black leather coat with ostrich feathers
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
We are pleased to present an extraordinary lambskin coat from the Gianni Versace collections of the early 90s. A long coat that wraps like a large cloak in a swirl of black ostrich ...
Gianni Versace Sculptural Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning red wool dress by Gianni Versace. It has great lines with square cut armholes, a fitted bodice and fabulous flared skirt with the back a few inches longer and fuller than ...
A/W 1994 - 1995 Gianni Versace Pale Gold Leather Pencil Skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
An iconic Autumn / Winter 1994 -1995 Gianni Versace pencil skirt, crafted from a pale gold leather featuring a high waisted silhouette, past the knee length hem, fully lined interior...
1997 Runway Documented Versace Lime Green Embellished Dress
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
This dress walked the runway as part of Versace’s Fall 1997 show - the last ready-to-wear collection that Gianni Versace ever designed. The final time he appeared on the runway to ta...
Gianni Versace SS 1995 dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace SS 1995 dress size ~XS-S The condition is excellent
Gianni Versace Leather and Lace Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather and lace dress by Gianni Versace. It has flower pattern lace cap sleeve semi fitted bodice and around the hem. The le...
Versace Spring 2008 Runway Purple Blue Cape Back Jersey Avant Garde Dress Sz 42
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy Spring 2008 Runway ( Look # 40 ) GIANNI VERSACE Avant Garde cape back sleeveless purple Grecian style dress! Features the perfect vibrant purp...
Gianni Versace New Leather Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather dress from Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a V neckline front and plunging V to the waist in the back. The shoulders are gathered onto a fine gold meta...
Early Gianni Versace Late 1970's Dress Jungle Parrots Print 100% Silk
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Very early Gianni Versace Caftan dress jungle parrots print from late 1970's. Good condition.Please see pictures with couple off flaws showing. Strap show some wear but since its ...
Important Vintage 1990s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Op Art Belted 90s Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Important, and super rare vintage 90s GIANNI VERSACE Jeans Couture fitted op-art geo floral printed jacket! Amazing fit, with an equally impressive signature Versace print. Attached ...
Gianni Versace C.1994 Grey Woven leather Jacket & Mini Skirt Suit set
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A remarkable woven leather Grey Jacket and skirt Suit by Gianni Versace (circa 1994). This impressive woven leather ensemble comprises a button down blazer and high rise matching mi...
Gianni Versace New Dress with Hardware
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
In muted shades of grey a fine jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has one shoulder with a silver metal triangle joining the front and back. ...
Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous bodycon dress in black silk eyelet by Gianni Versace Couture. It has a plunging neckline with lacing and straps crossing at the upper back. The dress has flattering seam...
S/S 1996 Gianni Versace Purple Beaded Runway Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Spectacular Gianni Versace purple stretchy beaded mini dress from the Spring Summer 1996 collection and as seen on the runway in a different color variation. This eye-catching piece...
1990s Gianni Versace Logo Print White High Waist Silky Vintage 90s Mini Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy late 1990s GIANNI VERSACE white logo print high waist mini skirt! Features Squares that spell out Versace throughout. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Can ea...
Documented Versace Silk-Twill Baroque Print Shirt Blouse, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
Just one glimpse at this shirt and you'll know it's Versace ! The "Greco-inspired Baroque" print is so genuinely Gianni's style and iconic that Donatella re-issued the same shirt blo...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous orange one shoulder silk knit dress by Gianni Versace Couture. The dress is highlighted with lines of light blue angora yarn over the one shoulder which extend down the f...
$1,954Sale Price|20% Off
2000 Versace Rare and Iconic Pink Jungle Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
2000 Iconic Gianni Versace pink Jungle silk dress featuring a scoop neckline, can be worn unbuttoned for more of plunging neckline, crystal front button closure with sash ties at waist. It was the dress and print made famous by Jennifer Lopez and Amber Valetta Print featured in the campaign by Steven Miesel See 2000 spring...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Leopard Animal Print Blazer - Tailored Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A superb Spring / Summer 1992 Runway blazer by Gianni Versace, crafted in a beautiful and iconic house leopard print featuring large decorative Gold Buttons, long sleeves, hip pocket...
early 1990's GIANNI VERSACE black woven grosgrain ribbon strapless dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Stunning, black woven grosgrain ribbon strapless dress with cut out at left leg designed by Gianni Versace for the Gianni Versace Couture label dating to the early 1990's. Best fits ...
Gianni Versace New Strapless Lace Up Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk strapless dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is fitted with flattering seaming and center back lacing, functional on the skirt portion with fine leather lac...
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Runway Leather Corset Bandage Crystal Sheer Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Runway Campaign Leather Corset Bandage Crystal Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown Closing Look 67 from the Fall 2001 Collection. Size: IT 40 Condition: G...
Gianni Versace Versus Purple Abstract Print Lurex Skirt Suit, New/Old
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versus by Gianni Versace printed lurex skirt suit. This tertiary color palette, geometric abstract print, and lurex fabric perfectly encapsulate a specific 90s vibe and we can't get ...
Gianni Versace New Vintage Cashmere Colorblock American Flag Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous cashmere American flag sweater from Gianni Versace. It has a flag on the front and back with red and white stripes crossing the chest,...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Greek Key Studded Leather Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Greek Key Studded Leather Jacket seen on the Men's Runway from the Spring Summer 1992 Collection. This extraordinary bomber style leathe...
Gianni Versace Quilted Leather Jacket Fall Winter 1990
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
A rare Gianni Versace jacket from the early 1990s, featuring quilted leather detailing that blends flamboyant visual impact with a sharply structured silhouette — a signature balance...
Gianni Versace Purple Silk 1990s Geometric Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
An elegant Gianni Versace silk shirt dating to the early 1990s, presented in a rich purple tone with a finely structured geometric stripe pattern. The design reflects Versace’s refin...
Gianni Versace VERSUS Black Tailored Skirt Suit, New/Old, 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From Gianni Versace's Versus comes this sleek and chic, ultra 1990's suit. Jacket has an arch opening in the dart area. See Photo #2. Black crepe wool. Fully lined in matching blac...
1993 Runway Gianni Versace Couture Floral Column Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This vibrant ankle-grazing dress walked the Versace runway as look 32 in Spring 1993 when Gianni was at the height of his fame as creative director. This gown showcases the designer’...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Buckle Bustier Bra Top Miss S&M
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Couture black bustier bra top from the Fall/Winter 1992 “Miss S&M” collection. As seen on Yasmeen Ghauri, and Helena Christensen on the Fall Winter 1992 runway, and on...
$1,192Sale Price|55% Off
1991 Gianni Versace Vogue Magazine Printed Limited Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Museum worthy and original Gianni Versace lifetime “Vogue” magazine cover printed silk shirt from 1991. The limited edition Vogue print showcases impeccable reproductions of selecte...
Gianni Versace Couture Print Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a colorful pink, lavender and blue abstract print on a white background. The bodice has a front adjustable drawstring square nec...
Gianni Versace Fall Winter 1992 Bondage Collection Duffle Coat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
An exceptional Gianni Versace duffle coat from the Autumn Winter 1992 menswear collection, presented here in a striking mustard yellow wool and cashmere mix. The coat is defined by ...
2000s Donatella Versace Green Pink ethereal mesh corset bustier cocktail dress
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
2000's Donatella Versace Green & Pink ethereal mesh corset cocktail dress MADE IN ITALY. Spaghetti strap shoulders, fitted Body, Concealed zip up back, hand sewn sequin detaili...
1998 ATELIER VERSACE haute couture silk floral mini RUNWAY dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare Atelier Versace couture mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1998 runway collection, made of lustrous silk with a sleek, body-skimming silhouette. The piece is cut sleeveless w...
Gianni Versace Multicolour Fall Winter 1991 'Pop Art' Waistcoat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
An exceptional Gianni Versace waistcoat from the Autumn–Winter 1991 menswear collection, featuring a vivid Pop Art–inspired. The dynamic, pain...
Gianni Versace 1993 Spring Runway Atelier Pure Silk patterned Colourful Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1993 'ATELIER VERSACE' Baroque patterned Long sleeve Shirt, crafted from a vibrantly printed Silk displaying beautiful imagery of Various Classic...
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt and Top Set with Hardware
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fine silk jersey one shoulder top and matching skirt from Gianni Versace Couture in pink scrolls and lines print on a black background. The top is fitted and has a gold metal signature Versace Greek key hardware...
Rare 2000s Gianni Versace White Bondage BodyCon Vintage Dress w/ Medusa Harness
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy rare vintage early 2000s GIANNI VERSACE white bondage linen dress! Flattering BodyCon fit that does wonders for the body! Fully lined. Features a wh...
$218Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Floral Crop Top, SS 1996
By Gianni Versace
Located in Marlborough, GB
Gianni Versace Couture floral crop top, Spring Summer 1996 Look 76 from runway One of Gianni Versace’s last collections Size: IT 42
Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber from the 1980's. Striped Charcoal Gray Wool cut with deep dolman sleeves and attached leather belt of smooth and ...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway Gray Pinstripe Medusa Medallion Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Chic Gianni Versace gray pinstripe skirt suit from the Spring Summer 1995 collection and as seen on the runway. The double breasted blazer features Medusa buttons at the front and cu...
Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Bell Sleeve Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace. It has a square neckline with a notched center and long subtly belled sleeves. The dress is semi fitted with inner boning for ...