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 White Sleeveless Ruffle Top IT44
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for 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...
Versace Gold Safety Pin Cut-Out Black Top IT 38
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A signature statement piece from Versace, this sleek black top embodies the brand's iconic glamour with its instantly recognizable gold-tone safety pin hardware. Crafted from a soft,...
Versace Coral Red Silk Knit Cut-Out Long Sleeve Top IT 38
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Make a bold statement with this striking Versace silk knit top, presented in a vibrant coral red hue. Designed with the house's signature contemporary edge, this luxurious piece feat...
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,...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Miss S&M Embellished Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Exceptionally rare Gianni Versace black bondage top from the Fall Winter 1992 “Miss S&M” collection and as seen pictured on the runway. This statement piece is constructed with b...
$812Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Blue draped tank top Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue draped rayon tank top
Archival Gianni Versace F/W 1991 First Edition Barocco Men's Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Silk Shirt BAROCCO gold and pink F/W 1991 Made in Italy Creator: Gianni Versace Brand: Gianni Versace (Mainline / Archival White Label) Design: First-Edition "Barocco...
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 Late 1980s Black Draped Rayon Jersey Asymmetric Bateau Neck Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Berlin, DE
A refined Gianni Versace top from the late 1980s, crafted in Italy from soft black rayon jersey. The design features a beautifully draped asymmetric bateau neckline that wraps elegan...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Seashell Starfish Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
An iconic piece from Gianni Versace's Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this structured bustier features striking gold baroque and colorful seashell and starfish motifs evoking the gran...
Versace Vintage 1990s Fitted Long Sleeve Flag Pattern Shirt with Medusa Logo
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 1990's 'Versace Jeans Couture' fitted, long sleeve shirt, with the USA & UK's Union Jack flags as well as the Versace Medusa logo pattern decoration throughout. The Materia...
S/S 2007 Versace by Donatella Corset Boned Sheer Tulle Overlay Beige Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Versace by Donatella bustier top from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection is cut in a fitted corset silhouette. It is constructed with a sheer black tulle overlay over a beige bas...
Gianni Versace Pop Art Print Button-Up Blouse circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Gianni Versace Pop Art Print Button-Up Blouse from the circa 1990s is a striking example of high-end designer craftsmanship and bold aesthetic. The vibrant pop art-inspired print features vivid colors and geometric prints that exemplify Versace’s signature flamboyant style. Made from quality materials, this blouse offers both visual impact and luxurious feel, making it a versatile statement piece for various ensembles. It can be effortlessly styled with high-end designer items such as a pair of tailored Balmain leather trousers...
Iconic 1990s Versace Jeans Couture Black Zip up Crop Top in Black Psychedelic
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Versace Jeans Couture Zip up Crop Top in a Black Psychedelic textured jacquard with the iconic Medusa zip detailing. Size; Small (UK 6-8) Measurements are provided in inches ...
Documented Versace Silk-Twill Baroque Print Shirt Blouse, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 FW 1997 Cashmere Silk Cut-Out Turtleneck Top IT 42
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Berlin, DE
An exceptional and highly collectible Gianni Versace knit top from the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, representing the final era of Gianni’s visionary design. Crafted in Italy from a ...
Gianni Versace vintage top, 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace vintage top, 1990s Size: 38 (IT) Length: 64 cm (~25.2 inches) Composition: No composition tag (cut off) Condition: Excellent – no sta...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Baroque and Carnation Print Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing Gianni Versace black label Couture silk shirt from the early 1990s. Front features baroque style and paisley details. Sleeves and back are ...
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage Multicolour Cherry Print Semi Sheer Blouse Size S
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
VERSACE JEANS COUTURE vintage lightweight semi sheer pale blue blouse featuring a multicolour cherry print. Hidden front buttoning. MEDUSA head buttons to close collar and cuffs. L...
1990s Versace GV Versatile Couture Floral Silk Blouse
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Bright and interesting GV Versatile Couture silk blouse. Allover mixed florals. Back, sides and arms are a pink and yellow floral chintz on black ...
1992 Gianni Versace Runway Documented Baroque Print Silk Shirt
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
1992 was a defining year for the Versace brand. Gianni Versace sent the most famous women in the world, the original supermodels, down the runway dressed in his brash, colourful and ...
Gianni Versace 1994 Barocco Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Oakland, CA
Gianni Versace 1994 "Barocco" patterned silk shirt. The color are vibrant with no fading. Button down collar. Hidden button placket. Fabric is s...
Rare 1991 Gianni Versace Embroidered Shell Buster
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Rare 1991 Gianni Versace Embroidered Shell Buster. Shell cups densely embroidered with red bugle beads; cobalt and clear rhinestone striatio...
Vintage Gianni Versace Versus Royal Cobalt Blue 1990s 90s Sexy Crop Top Bodycon
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage GIANNI VERSACE VERSUS royal blue stretch crop top! Features an oversized blue zipper at the left side. Can easily be dressed up or down, and great alone or layered. Perf...
1990's Versace Jeans Couture Zip Down Black Short Sleeve Crop Top
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Vintage Versace Jeans Couture zip down crop top in black featuring short sleeves and silver metal zip collar with medusa detail charm and versace logo tab. The material is str...
Vintage 1990's Gianni Versace Palm Leaf Baroque Pattern Print Shirt
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Vintage 1990's Versace Jeans Couture shirt by Gianni Versace. The Shirt is vibrant and colourful, the pattern depicts palm trees and a nautical Ocean theme and baroque images throu...
Gianni Versace Couture 90s Metallic Mesh Silver Top It. 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Iconic from 90's Metallic Mesh Italian size 38 Silver-tone Metallic Mesh This top has a matching draping metal scarf that is perma...
2000S GIANNI VERSACE Silk Chiffon Sheer Top With Bulit In Bra
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
2000S GIANNI VERSACE Silk Chiffon Sheer Top With Bulit In Bra
Gianni Versace Couture Barocco Crucifix Silk Print Mens Shirt
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Couture Barocco silk twill mans shirt printed with vari jeweled crucifixes ,signed in script Gianni Versace on the front left placket, and Atelier Versace lower cen...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Medusa Silk Baroque Horology Button Top IT38
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a splendid printed silk button-up blouse designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1993 collection. Featuring multiple King Louis XIV-style clocks, multiple Medusa cameos, Roman numerals, golden sun buttons, and a hidden-button front closure, this shirt is truly a work of art. Reminiscent of the house's iconic 'Le Roi Soleil' print, this piece expresses Gianni's famed love for art and its history. Perfect for any art lover or Versace collector...
Atelier Gianni Versace Miami Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gianna Versace straight from the archives! Circa 1990s, this silk shirt features a Miami inspired print with bright ombre neon colors, various tropicana floral arrangements, postcard...
Gianni Versace "Native American" Print Silk Shirt
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A very rare true piece of wearable art created by Gianni Versace, circa 1993. A beautiful Gianni Versace Silk Print in excellent condition, the "Nat...
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Printed Silk Medusa Medallion Button Down IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque patterns and features a vibrant ancient monument motif. This stunning archival top...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Buckle Bustier Bra Top Miss S&M
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
1990's Loud Vintage Gianni Versace Betty Boop Colourful Cartoon Pattern T-Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Amazing 1990's 'Versace Jeans Couture' by Gianni Versace T-shirt, with a super colourful and extremely iconic Betty Boop patterned print through out. Features: Short sleeves Rounded...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Lady Bug Garden Baroque Button Up Silk Top IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque pattern and ladybug/butterfly print. This stunning archival top...
Gianni Versace S/S 1993 Runway Vintage Bustier Jacket Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1993 Runway Vintage Bustier Jacket Top IT 38 Look 36 from the Spring/Summer 1993 Collection. Gianni Versace bustier top featuring do...
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Plunged Bustier Corset Bra Silk Black Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Plunged Bustier Corset Bra Silk Black Crop Top IT 42
Couture Gianni Versace Final Runway Milan Embroidered Renaissance Corset ss 1997
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Chicago, IL
The late Italian Gianni Versace near the end of his life--cut short by his murder in July 1997--designed this couture heavily embroidered semi-transparent silk chiffon sleeveless hou...
Early Gianni Versace 1980s Sexy Black Fringe 80s Vintage Cotton Sweater Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare early GIANNI VERSACE black cotton knit fringed cropped sweater top! Features lines of fringe throughout the entire garment. Sexy crop fit reveals just the right amount of skin. ...
Gianni Versace Miami Tropical South Beach Print Silk Button-Up Shirt circa 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Gianni Versace Miami Tropical South Beach Print Silk Button-Up Shirt from circa 1993 exemplifies opulent 1990s fashion with its vibrant, exotic tropical motif that captures the ...
Gianni Versace 1990s Multi-Colored Plaid Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gianni Versace 1990s, this colorful Silk button down shirt features a layered multi-colored plaid print mixed with Versace's signature Baroque designs and Medusa heads. Includes a hi...
$368Sale Price|20% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage baroque royal optical graphic print collar shirt IT38 XS
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage baroque royal optical graphic print collar shirt IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00340 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Silk, Polyester Color:...
Rare Early Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Plaid Embroidered Vest Top
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and important vintage GIANNI VERSACE early black and white houndstooth plaid sleeveless dolman sleeve shirt waistcoat ! Perfect layered with a blouse, or alone. Avant Garde styl...
Vintage Yellow & Multicolor Gianni Versace Couture Shoe Print Top Size IT 40
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Vintage yellow and multicolor color block textured shoe print top by Gianni Versace Couture. Crew neck. Cap sleeves. Zip closure at back. 38" bust, 20" shoulder width, 23" length.
$704Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Colour Floral Print Tank Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- VIntage 90s Gianni Versace Couture colour(blue, turquoise, red, pink and green) floral print tank top. - Made in Italy. - Size 10. - 100% Rayon.
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage Marilyn Monroe Betty Boop Cotton T-Shirt
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
VERSACE JEANS COUTURE vintage rare t-shirt featuring ANDY WARHOL's style portrait prints in vibrant colors of MARYILYN MONROE and BETTY BOOP all over. Spring/Summer 1991 Collection....
$821Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Pop Art Betty Boop Shirt Unisex Size L 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace pop art Betty Boop shirt totally made in italy in size L
VERSACE GIANNI Silver oroton metal mesh vest FW 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Genève, CH
A striking Gianni Versace metal mesh vest from the Fall/Winter 1994 collection, crafted in fluid silver Oroton and finished with a discreet back zip...
Gianni Versace Cheetah Print Cotton Button-Up Shirt circa 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Gianni Versace Cheetah Print Cotton Button-Up Shirt from the circa 1980s exemplifies bold luxury and vintage sophistication. The striking cheetah ...
VERSACE multicoloured cotton STRIPED TIE FRONT CROP TOP Shirt S
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Versace Jeans Couture sleeveless crop top in striped cotton (100%) in blue, red, yellow and mint. Opens with a self-tie on the front. Has been worn and is in excellent...
Versace Sport Winter Ski Print Silk Button-Up Shirt circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Versace Sport Winter Ski Print Silk Button-Up Shirt from the circa 1990s exemplifies luxurious vintage style with its bold, vibrant ski motif and cl...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Black Velvet Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The perfect summer top exists, and it happens to be our Gianni Versace one shoulder top finished in velvet from the 1990s.The asymmetrical ...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Silk Native American Buffalo Bill Shirt Sz 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Silk Native American Buffalo Bill Shirt Sz 38
Gianni Versace Vintage Plunging Neckline Silk Shirt Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Sexy Plunging Decollete Silk Shirt Top IT 44 Versace vintage long sleeve blouse featuring print throughout, pointed collar and concealed button closures at fr...
$2,030Sale Price|30% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Men's Blue Jeans Trompe L'Oeil Printed Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE Couture vintage men's BLUE JEANS trompe l'oeil printed silk shirt. Long sleeves. Hidden front button closure. Gold toned iconic Medusa buttons on collar and cuffs. L...
Gianni Versace S/S 1992 Unworn Sheer Gold Embroidered Lace Bustier Bra Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace Intimo S/S 1992 Unworn Sheer Gold Embroidered Lace Bustier Bra Crop Top Condition: New with Tags Size: IT 46 - runs small
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Couture White Rhinestone Medusa French Cuff Button Up IT44
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a creme silk satin Gianni Versace Couture blouse designed by Gianni Versace. Since the 1990s, this shirt has been constructed entirely of luxurious silk that glistens with each movement. This top is complete with rhinestone Versace Medusa button...
$139Sale Price|25% Off
T-shirt Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
t-shirt monogram Versace con spacco laterale Color giallo Taglia 42 composizione triacetato e poliammide Misure: Spalle 42cm Manica 18cm Petto 46cm Lunghezza 63cm