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...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Miss S&M Embellished Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
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,...
Gianni Versace FW 1997 Cashmere Silk Cut-Out Turtleneck Top IT 42
By Gianni Versace, 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 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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Rare Early Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Plaid Embroidered Vest Top
By Gianni Versace, Atelier 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...
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...
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 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...
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...
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage Betty Boop Motorcycle Logos Police Cotton Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Nice, FR
VERSACE JEANS COUTURE vintage skirt featuring an opulent and multicolored print with BEETY BOOPs, motorcycle, HARLEY DAVIDSON and ROLLS-ROYCE logos, City of Washington police insigna...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Multicolor Plaid Silk Shirt Medusa Heads
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Multicolor Plaid Silk Shirt Medusa Heads
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...
Gianni Versace 2000s Size 44 / 8 10 Black Chain Encrusted Y2K Halter Top Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
New VERSACE F/W 2005 black silk and elastane chain encrusted halter top ! Gunmetal chains around the neck. Simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Adjustable hook-and-eye c...
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...
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...
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 ...
1990's VERSACE Native American Print Colourful Patterned T-Shirt - Tee
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Vintage 'VERSACE' short sleeved 'Native American' pattern T Shirt, crafted from a printed cotton with contrasting front and back panels. MADE IN ITALY. Features: rounded...
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Printed Silk Medusa Medallion Button Down Top
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
Gianni Versace S/S 1993 Runway Vintage Bustier Jacket Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
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 Wild Baroque Print Silk Shirt Spring Summer 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
An iconic Gianni Versace silk shirt from the Autumn–Winter 1992 menswear collection, featuring the house’s unmistakable baroque print rendered in rich gold tones and framed by leopar...
$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.
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Red Cut Out Sleeveless Top
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed by Donatella Versace for her Spring/Summer 2002 collection at Gianni Versace, a version of this form-fitting bright red top debuted on the season's runway as part of look 10...
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 Printed Sailboat Suns Motif Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Oakland, CA
Striking Gianni Versace button down shirt. Decorative print of sailboats, sun faces, flags and more. Vibrant hues of orange, yellow, red, b...
Gianni Versace FW 1992 'Miss S&M' Black & Gold Collar Tip Shirt IT 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, ON
Pre-owned Gianni Versace Fall/Winter 1992 'Miss S&M' black long sleeve shirt featuring gold tone metallic stitching, point collar, silver and gold tone logo hardware at collar ti...
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
Vintage Gianni Versace Versus Royal Cobalt Blue 1990s 90s Sexy Crop Top Bodycon
By Gianni Versace, 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...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Black Bohemian Ruffle Button Runway Down Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black button-up Gianni Versace top, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, the white version of this top debuted on the season's ru...
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 strap is an ideal silhouette for highlighti...
$2,068Sale 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...
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...
$1,248Sale Price|20% Off
GIANNI VERSACE 1994 Vintage crystal Medusa button double breasted bondage top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE 1994 Vintage black crystal Medusa button double breasted bondage top Reference: TGAS/D00735 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni V...
$141Sale 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
1990's Versace Jean Couture Loud Red & Blue Flag Print Medusa Pattern Shirt
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 1990s 'Versace Jeans Couture' fitted, long sleeve shirt, with the US & Union Jack flags as well as the Versace Medusa logo patterned decoration throughout. The Material is a so...
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Beaded Panel Bustier Corset Top
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning black satin strapless Gianni Versace corset designed by Donatella Versace. This beautiful strapless top from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection has a cinched wai...
Gianni Versace S/S 1992 Unworn Sheer Gold Embroidered Lace Bustier Bra Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace Intimo S/S 1992 Unworn Sheer Gold Embroidered Lace Bustier Bra Crop Top Condition: New with Tags Size: IT 46 - runs small
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Vintage Leopard Bra Bralette Bustier Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Vintage Leopard Gold Textured Bra Bralette Bustier Crop Top Please note size tag is missing.
Couture Gianni Versace FinalRunwayMilan 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...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Sheer Pink Ladybug Print Medusa Button Blouse
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a light pink ladybug sheer Gianni Versace Couture collared shirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1995, this ladybug print ...
Vintage Versace Couture Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
A chic top by Versace Couture.. The top has a cowl neck, a black background with a red and brown print. It will fit a bust up to 42 '' , but is best worn loose.
1996 Gianni Versace Purple Psychedelic Op Art Knit Roll-Neck Sweater Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic purple and black Gianni Versace turtleneck sweater designed by Gianni Versace. From 1996, this fabulous knit sweater features an a...
Blue draped tank top Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue draped rayon tank top
F/W 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Green Beaded Black Lurex Metallic Knit Sweater
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous dark grey Gianni Versace beaded sweater vest designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, this knit s...
Gianna Versace SS 1993 Miami Collection Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the iconic Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1993 Miami Collection Silk Shirt, a rare and extraordinary piece that encapsulates the vibrancy and glamour of the era. Crafted from luxurious silk, this printed button-up shirt is a testament to Gianni Versace's bold and visionary approach to fashion. The shirt features a captivating Miami Everglades print that pays homage to the city's eclectic culture and natural beauty. The print depicts crocodiles, flags, palm trees, and signature Versace baroque prints throughout, creating a mesmerizing and dynamic design that is both eye-catching and symbolic of the brand's heritage. With its vibrant colors and intricate details, this silk shirt is a true statement piece that exudes luxury and sophistication. Whether worn as a standalone statement or layered under a blazer for a more polished look, it adds a touch of glamour and personality to any ensemble. Rare and highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike, the Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1993 Miami Collection Silk Shirt is a timeless and iconic piece that captures the spirit of the era and continues to inspire contemporary fashion today. Style this with a pair of Tom Ford pants, a Cartier ring and some Gucci loafers to complete the look. In pristine condition with no signs of wear, please see photos. Comes with original Gianni Versace garment bag (pictured). Made in Italy. Size mens 52...
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage Marilyn Monroe Betty Boop Cotton T-Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
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....