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 FW 1993 Medusa Leather Boots 38.5 Vintage
By Gianni Versace
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Iconic Gianni Versace Couture boots belonging to the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, one of the maison's most recognizable designs. The design recalls the theatrical and baroque aesthet...
Versace blue vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 312 MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 52 mm / 2 1/16 in Lens height: 45 mm / 1 3/4 in Bridge: 20 mm ...
Silver leather sandal with chain on the heel VERSACE
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silver leather sandal with chain along the heel . Buckle closure on the top side. Heel height : 10cm Shoe size : 39 (It)
$249Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Vintage Versus Versace Tweed Patent Leather Stiletto Heels Geometric Print
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Vintage pumps from Versus Versace capture the distinctive aesthetic of the early to mid-1990s — a decade defined by bold silhouettes, playful textures, and architectural design detai...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 292 - 42K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 42 mm / 1 5/8 in Bridge: 15...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 293 - 41K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 51 mm / 2 in Lens height: 37 mm / 1 7/16 in Bridge: 19 mm ...
Gianni Versace Spring 1991 'Le Maschere' Greek Print Silk Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly collectible lifetime Gianni Versace silk twill scarf from the Spring/Summer 1991 collection featuring the 'Le Maschere' print inspired by the Greek tragedy Opera Balletto Teat...
Gianni Versace sunglasses for women
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 294 - 07K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 80s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 54 mm / 2 1/8 in Lens height: 48 mm / 1 7/8 in Bridge...
Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: V92 - 44K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 42 mm / 1 5/8 in Bri...
Gianni Versace Marilyn & James Dean Print Silk Neck Tie
By Gianni Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
Passionate of Andy Warhol’s work and considering him as his soul mate, Gianni Versace paid tribute to the Pop Art artist by creating one of his most f...
$175Sale Price|28% Off
Gianni Versace Caramel Brown Leather Ankle Strap Pumps Size 41
By Gianni Versace
Located in University City, MO
Gianni Versace Caramel brown leather ankle strap pumps Size 41 The stylish Italian pumps are designed with high stiletto heels Designed by Gianni Versace Made in Italy Stamped Size 41 The spike heels measure 3" inches high The interior length from the center rounded toe to the back edge of the heel following the curve measures 10.75 inches The interior ball of the foot measures 3 inches wide The shoes apprear new have a few tiny minor exterior scuffs The original ankle strap has been replaced with a dark brown velvet ankle strap; that is not original to the shoe or Versace Does not come with Versace shoe...
$548Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Flat Cap
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth flat cap, silver tone metal small Medusa logo o side, 100% wool. Made in Italy Size: small Circumference: 59 cm ...
Gianni Versace Early 1990's Medusa Metal Studded Black Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Gianni Versace - Early 1990's - Medusa Metal Studded Black Belt - Studs and metal medallions engraved with Medusa - Good condition: metal medallions damaged by time - M...
$288Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Houndstooth Wool Leather Winter Gloves
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace Houndstooth wool winter gloves, black leather, Medusa silver toned metal logo, Made in Italy Condition: 1990s, vintage, good, slight sig...
Gianni Versace 70s sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 310 - 926 MADE IN: ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 50 mm Bridge: 18 mm Temple-to-temple width: 135 mm COLO...
Versace Miami Silk Logo Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Versace Silk Logo Scarf in deep purple, blue, lime, black with Miami style tropical motifs mixed with signature black/white greek key borders. New with tags, 34" square.
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 70s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 312 - Olive MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: SMALL Lens width: 50 mm / 1 15/16 in Lens height: 44 mm / 1 3...
Gianni Versace 80s pink sunglasses for women
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 292 - 41K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 40 mm / 1 9/16 in Br...
Gianni Versace shoes 90s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
Gianni Versace White leather shoes vintage 90s Gold metal chain with Medusa and strass Made in Italy Size 39 1/2 - US 9 1/2 Heel cm. 10 Good condition Defects and marks as in the photo
Versace black leather triple platform heels.
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Versace black leather triple platform heels These striking Versace heels are crafted from smooth black leather and set on an ultra-high triple platform with a sculptural gold metal...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 70s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 314 - Blue Marble MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Small Lens width: 50 mm / 1 15/16 in Lens height: 45 mm / 1 3/...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 314 - 959 MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 52 mm / 2 1/16 in Lens height: 46 mm / 1 13/16 in Bridge: ...
1991 Versace Gold Medusa Chain Belt With Frosted Glass and Diamantés
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
This incredible, iconic circa Fall 1991 Gianni Versace gold tone chain belt with frosted glass and diamanté Medusa charms is in absolutely impeccable vintage condition. The models wa...
Gianni Versace Medusa Mirrored Frame Rectangular Sunglasses circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These vintage Versace Medusa Mirrored Frame Rectangular Sunglasses from the 1990s are a striking accessory that effortlessly combines bold style with tim...
$188
1990S Tie
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S Tie
GIANNI VERSACE great belt Bondage F/W 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Belt F/W 1992/1993 "Bondage" Extremely rare and iconic belt composed of 5 golden metal and black leather panels. On the front, in the center of the panel covered in bl...
Gianni Versace Black & Pink Tinted Medusa Medallion Sunglasses circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Gianni Versace Black & Pink Tinted Medusa Medallion Sunglasses from the 1990s epitomize bold luxury and distinctive Italian craftsmanship. These oval goggle-style frames feature ...
NEW S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pony Hair Appliqué Sunglasses
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of cow-print pony hair Versace sunglasses, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1999 collection, these sunglasses are covered in dotted po...
Versace Chocolate Brown Leather Pumps in Versace Box Size 39 c 1990
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in University City, MO
Versace brown leather pumps in Versace box Size 39 The stylish Italian pumps are covered with glossy chocolate brown leather Designed with a matching s...
$199Sale Price|30% Off
Istante by Gianni Versace 1990s Belt with Rhinestones Collectors Item
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This very rare beautiful in new condition 90s Istante belt by Gianni Versace with rhinestones is a luxurious and highly collectible piece from the iconic Italian fashion house's more...
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Red Shoes with Jewel
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning pair of Gianni Versace decolletè from the 90s. Exceptionally designed and made wonderfully detailed. Gianni Versace's label inside the shoe. The heel measures 7 cm. The shoe...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Medusa Gem Rhinestone Chain Medallion Black Satin Heels
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning pair of Gianni Versace shoes created by the house's creator. This fabulous pair of satin strap heels are perfectly elevated with gold Versace Medusa medallions ...
1996 Gianni Versace Faux Tortoise Shell Gold Chain Medusa Pendant Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of faux tortise steel round silver tone chain arm Gianni Versace sunglasses, designed by Gianni Versace. These ultra-rare sunglasses from 1996 are elevated...
Gianni Versace 1990s Vintage Silk Scarf 35in Red Floral Print Shawl
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage silk scarf or shawl by Gianni Versace, most likely dating to the early 1990s. A vibrant and unmistakably bold accessory, this piece showcases the house’s signature ...
Vintage Gianni Versace Mod 2091B Half Frame Shield Sunglasses 90's Italy Y2K
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace Half Frame Shield Silver and Dark Purple frame with Medium Grey lenses. New, Never worn. It May Show So Minor Sign Of Wear Due To more Than 20 Years Of Storag...
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
90-s Vintage Gianni Versace Atelier Barocco Scarf Silk with Bondage Belt Buckle
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
90-s Vintage Gianni Versace Atelier Barocco Scarf Silk with Bondage Belt Buckle Truly unique statement piece! It can be worn in many different ways! Plea...
GIANNI VERSACE c.1990s Gold Tortoiseshell Medusa Emblem Oval Shaped Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIANNI VERSACE c.1990s Gold Tortoiseshell Medusa Emblem Oval Shaped Sunglasses Brand / Manufacturer: Gianni Versace Circa: 1990s Designer: Gianni Versace Style: Sunglasses Color(s):...
New Vintage Gianni Versace M 4148B Black & White Frame 2000'S Italy Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace Black & White Frame Holding A Pair Of Medium Grey Lenses. New, Never Worn. It May Show So Minor Sign Of Wear Due To More Than 20 Years Of Storage. Made ...
1990s Gianni Versace fur hat with earflaps
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace fur hat with earflaps size M excellent vintage condition tanned hat dust cover included
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 311 - 924 MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 54 mm / 2 1/8 in Lens height: 42 mm / 1 5/8 in Brid...
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Greek Key Enamel Buckle Wool Wide Brim Hat
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a versatile floppy Gianni Versace hat designed by Donatella Versace. From the early 2000s, this hat can be worn down as a floppy hat or with the...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Rhinestone Safety Pin Medusa Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an extremely rare gold-tone Gianni Versace safety pin chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this rhinestone accented belt debuted on the season's runway as part of Look 82, modeled by Christy Turlington Burns. This belt features a Greek key chain and is complete with clusters of gold safety pins. The safety pin, a Versace house code, was made infamous when worn by Elizabeth Hurley and has been reused in more recent collections by Donatella. If this iconic house code was not Versace enough, each safety pin features a Versace Medusa relief...
Gianni Versace 1990s Vintage Black Leather Rhinestone Women's Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This very rare beautiful in new condition 90s Istante black belt by Gianni Versace with rhinestones is a luxurious and highly collectible piece from the iconic Italian fashion house'...
Gianni Versace (Italy) black scarf with Medusa logo
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace (Italy) Black Scarf with Medusa Logo. Wool. Size: 160 x 47 cm / 63" x 18.5" Description: For sale: Original Gianni Versace scarf in classic black. The key feature i...
Gianni Versace Faux Leopard Print Belted Medusa Baseball Hat circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Gianni Versace Faux Leopard Print Belted Medusa Baseball Hat from the circa 1990s is a striking and iconic accessory that embodies the bold, opulent style characteristic of the era. Crafted with faux leopard print fabric, the hat features Versace’s signature Medusa medallions prominently displayed on the belt adding a touch of luxe and mystique. The belted design allows for a customizable fit, making it both fashionable and functional. This vintage piece is perfect for those who appreciate high fashion with a rebellious edge, and it can be styled effortlessly with a variety of designer items. Pair it with a sleek Versace leather jacket, a pair of iconic Gucci loafers, or complement it with a bold Alexander McQueen statement piece. The hat’s distinctive aesthetic also works well with vintage Chanel...
Vintage Gianni Versace 420 E Sleek Black Sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace medium BLACK with gold accents frame with medium grey lenses. Comes with its original Gianni Versace case. This pair could show minor sign of wear due to stor...
NWT 1980s Gianni Versace Black Oversized Studded Waist Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black patent leather Gianni Versace belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the late 1980s, this wide belt has a large angular silver-tone buckle and studs along ...
F/W 1993 Gianni Versace Documented Yellow Check Flannel Paperboy Hat
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a yellow check paperboy style Gianni Versace Couture hat, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, this oversized pape...
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Medusa Greek Key Medallion Brimmed Wool Hat
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic Gianni Versace Couture hat designed by Gianni Versace. From the early 1990s, this black wool brimmed hat prominently features a large gold Medusa logo emblem on the...
Versace, Vintage sunglasses with gradient
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Versace, Vintage sunglasses with gradient and rhinestones. This item has detachable shades, and could be switches into other colors. Comes with the original case.
Gianni Versace 80s vintage sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 292 - 41K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 40 mm / 1 9/16 in Br...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Gold Tone Medusa Medallion Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible gold-tone Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this chic belt debu...
$488Sale Price|66% Off
Gianni Versace Medusa Gold Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace iconic Medusa gold chain belt. Its definitely a collectable items since all the models were wearing it on the runway and champ...
Gianni Versace baroque tie with putti in 1990s vintage silk
By Gianni Versace
Located in Genova, IT
Gianni Versace signs this tie with baroque print and putti pattern, vintage from the 1990s ABOUT Gianni Versace signature silk tie with an iconic baroque print on a green backgroun...
Vintage Gianni Versace Gold Chain Medallion Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage Gianni Versace gold coin belt. Can be worn as layered necklace. Length is 110 cm. Minor tarnishing on the hardware. Comes with dust bag.
Vintage Gianni Versace Translucent 420B Sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace medium translucent frame with medium grey lenses. Comes with its original Gianni Versace sleeve. This pair show minor sign of wear due to storage. Made in it...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 294 - 61K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 54 mm / 2 1/8 in Lens height: 45 mm / 1 3/4 in Bridge: 16 ...
Gianni Versace, oversized clear sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, vintage oversized clear sunglasses. This fantastic 1980s versace item is in amazing vintage condition, with the famous signature medusa on the outside temple. Worn by...
Versace Balletto Printed Silk Square Scarf
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
As a true dance enthusiast, it is not surprising to find references to this Art in Gianni's work. From 1984 until his tragic death, Gianni Versace collaborated with the famous French choreographer Maurice Béjart...
1980s Gianni Versace Red Kid Leather Gloves w Cashmere Lining & Tassel Chain
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Gianni Versace Red Kid Leather Gloves with Tan Cashmere Lining & Chrome Chain Link with Tassel at wrist. Ready to wear, in beautiful condition. Fits up to size 8.