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...
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)
1990s Vintage Versus Versace Tweed Patent Leather Stiletto Heels Geometric Print
By Gianni Versace, Versus 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 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
$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...
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...
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 ...
$958Sale 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...
Versace Chocolate Brown Leather Pumps in Versace Box Size 39 c 1990
By Versace, Gianni 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...
Gianni Versace Fur and Water Snake Leather Heel Sandals
By Gianni Versace
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Gianni Versace high heel sandals in white leather, size 36 EU. Condition: Really good.
Gianni Versace Sandals - 1980s Vintage - Gold Leather Plaited Straps - EU 37.5
By Gianni Versace
Located in KENT, GB
Product Details: Gianni Versace - 1980s Vintage - Sandals - Gold Leather + Black Cord Plaited Front Strap Detailing - Electric Blue Leather Soles - Made in Italy Era: 1980s Vintage ...
$276Sale Price|20% Off
Gold & Brown Gianni Versace Embossed Leather & PVC Slingback Sandals Size 35
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gold embossed leather and brown PVC slingback heeled sandals by Gianni Versace. Stacked heels. 4" heel height. Designer Size: 35 US Recommended Size: 5
$347Sale Price|49% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s Pink Red Leather High Heels with Medusa
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Gianni Versace rare iconic pinkred high heels from the 90s with a little Medusa head on it are a real eyecatcher! Gianni Versace was an iconic Italian fashion designer known for his ...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Versace Crystal Pump Size 39
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of gorgeous gold rhinestone Gianni Versace heels, designed by Donatella Versace. From the collection, Spring/Summer 2000 these stunning heels feature an abstract design made up of copper, silver, and gold rhinestones that wrap around the toe and ankle. Featured in the season's ad campaign modeled by Amber Valetta and photographed by Steven Meisel, these heels debuted on the season's runway as part of look 23 modeled by Alexandra Egorova. Well documented, these heels were featured in British Vogue in a 1999 editorial spread by Raymond Meier and were also worn by Beyonce...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Mare Heel Heels Size 36
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of gold Gianni Versace Mare motif sandal heels, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, similar gold ...
F/W 1996 NOS Gianni Versace Baby Blue Crystal Pump Heel Size 36
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of baby blue open-toe Gianni Versace heels, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, these heels debuted as part of look 9 on the season's runway modeled by Trish Goff...
Gianni Versace Camel Leather Pumps by Sergio Rossi
By Sergio Rossi, Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and refined vintage Gianni Versace pumps crafted in smooth camel leather, featuring striking black geometric inserts along the sides and heel...
Gianni Versace by Donatella Purple 3" Beaded Heel Pumps
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beaded heel purple linen Versace pump, designed by Donatella Versace. This pair of heels is constructed primarily of lilac linen and feature...
Vintage Gianni Versace Cone Heels Sandals
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gianni Versace Cone Heels Sandals Vintage multistrap black Gianni Versace Sandals with plastic heels imitating elephant tusks. Year: 1991 100% leather Size: 38 Heels: 11...
GIANNI VERSACE FW 2001 Demin Style Distressed Leather Clutch Bag & Boots Set
By Gianni Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
FANTASTIC GIANNI VERSACE DENIM/JEANS-STYLE DISTRESSED LEATHER CLUTCH BAG & BOOTS SET AS SHOWN ON THE RUNWAY SHOW AND AD CAMPAIGN SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY Impossible to find! ...
Gianni Versace F/W 1992 Miss S&M runway studded leather ankle boots
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the infamous F/W 1992 'Miss S&M' collection - also known as the bondage collection - these incredibly rare Gianni Versace boots come with their original box which still bears the price tag from the Versace store on Madison Avenue in New York where they were purchased for USD 1160 - around USD 2200. Created from super soft black lambskin with gold metal studding, buckles & heel detail, its also hard not to wonder whether these may have been the original inspiration for Chloe's super popular Susanna boots...
Giuseppe Zanotti Cruel Coline Silver Metal Wing Strappy Stiletto Sandals 38
By Giuseppe Zanotti
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Giuseppe Zanotti Cruel Coline Silver Metal Wing Strappy Stiletto Sandals 38 Color Silver Size 38EU Heel Height 4.75in Leather upper Leather sole Silver finished hardware Adjustable...
Camilla Elphick Silver Shoes
Located in London, GB
A fun pair of shoes by British designer Camilla Elphick. In silver leather with leather soles, the shoes have an almond shape toe and a cross over fro...
$895
Size: 40 ( US 10 )
1990s Givenchy Size 10 / 40 By Alexander McQueen Silver Logo Kitten Heels Shoes
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare GIVENCHY by Alexander McQueen vintage 90s silver embossed kitten heels in hard to find Size 10 / 40! Features silver embossed leather with silver metal Givenchy logo at each toe...
$295Sale Price|59% Off
Size: Marked 7.5, Fits Size 7
New Edmundo Castillo Black & White Leather Slingback Heels Sz 7
By Edmundo Castillo
Located in Conroe, TX
Edmundo Castillo Brand New * Size: 7.5 Fits size 7 These Run a Half Size Small * Black & White Leather * Contrast Stitching Button Accent * Slingback Heel Pointed Toe * 3" Hee...
Hermes Paris Women's Constance Silver Buckle Ivory Leather Italian Loafers 1990s
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Women's Constance brushed silver buckle bone leather Italian loafers Size 38 The bone color leather loafers are adorned with Hermes' ic...
New Fendi Beaver Fur and Suede Platform Boots Booties Sz 38.5
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Fur Boots Brand New * Euro: 38.5 * Stunning Beaver Fur Lines the Front and the Inside of the Boots * Soft Taupe Nubuck Leather * Zips up the Back * 1.25" Front Platform * 4.7...
New Fendi Beaver Fur and Suede Platform Boots Booties Sz 37
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Fur Boots Brand New * Euro: 37 * Stunning Beaver Fur Lines the Front and the Inside of the Boots * Soft Taupe Nubuck Leather * Zips up the Back * 1.25" Front Platform * 4.75" H...
New Celine Patent Leather Brown Platform Heels Sz 39
By Celine
Located in Conroe, TX
Celine Platform Heels Brand New * Stunning in Brown Patent Leather * Contrast Stitching Throughout * Size: 39 * Gunmetal Hardware reads Celine * Leathe...
$975
Size: 40 / US 9.5 - 10
2000s Givenchy Silver Metallic Snake Print Shoes / Kitten Heels Sz 40 / 9.5 - 10
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful brand new pair of early 2000s / Y2K vintage silver Givenchy kitten heels! Just the right amount of height. Silver Givenchy logo plate on each toe. Unique shaped toe that is...
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 39.5
Shockingly New Tom Ford Yves Saint Laurent YSL Final Collection Heels Sz 39.5
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Final Collection 2004 * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977. This C...
$395Sale Price|53% Off
Size: * Marked Size: 10 fits Size 9
New Edmundo Castillo Black Leather Sling Heels Size 9
By Edmundo Castillo
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Edmundo Castillo Brand New Napa Leather * Marked Size: 10 fits Size 9 These Run a Full Size Small * Matte Black * Slingback Heel * Open toe Le...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL S/S 2005 Heels Pumps Sz 38.5
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent Debut Collection Spring Summer 2005 This is the Style Worn in the Stefano Pilati YSL Banned Ad * Detachable Feather Embellishment * S...
GIANNI VERSACE Size 11 Black Greca Leather High Top Sneakers
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIANNI VERSACE sneakers in a black leather featuring a high top style with woven ankle design, stitched Greca pattern, and lace-up closure. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Conditio...
Gianni Versace Zebra Print Ponny Hair Boots
By Gianni Versace
Located in Eivissa, ES
These rare vintage Gianni Versace boots are a stunning example of the brand's bold and luxurious design ethos. Crafted in genuine pony hair with a striking zebra print, these boots embody the glamour and confidence synonymous with Versace. Featuring a sharp stiletto heel and sleek silhouette, they are a collector’s piece that blends avant-garde style with timeless elegance. Material: Upper: genuine pony hair with a bold black-and-beige zebra print. Trim: smooth black leather accents. Lining: soft leather interior for added comfort. Design Features: Pony hair boots with Side zip closure for easy wear while maintaining a streamlined design. Size: EU 39 1/2 Color: black and beige zebra print with black leather detailing. Condition: excellent vintage condition Perfect for evening wear or as a statement piece, these Gianni Versace zebra...
Versace Leather Medusa Platform Loafers
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Current Season - Versace Leather Medusa Platform Loafers Baby pink, leather loafers with block high heel, black contrasting soles and a gold metal M...
Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Purple Satin Open Toe Slingback with Rhinestones
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
The vintage 90s Gianni Versace purple satin open-toe slingback with rhinestones is a glamorous and iconic shoe design from the fashion house of Gianni Ver...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Metallic Python Heel Boots Size 37
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of metallic python skin Gianni Versace heel boots designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1999 collection, these boots debuted on the season's Atelier Versace runway with a similar pair worn by Lil Kim. These heeled boots are constructed entirely of metallic python and are complete with gold studs at the heel. Add these sexy ultra-rare Gianni Versace boots...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Python Feather Heel Boots Size 40
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a pair of metallic python skin Gianni Versace heel boots, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1999 collectio...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Runway Medusa Black Snakeskin Loafer Sling Pump Size 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of black faux snakeskin Gianni Versace pumps, designed by Gianni Versace. From Fall/Winter 1994, these pumps are constructed with a loa...
F/W 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Versace Black Quilted Beaded Heel Size 37
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a pair of black velvet embroidered Gianni Versace heels, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, these beautiful heels feature quilted velvet, a floral and star motif beaded embellishment, and ankle straps. The matching bag for this perfect pair of Y2K heels...
1990s Gianni Versace Gold Medusa Red Croc Embossed Patent Leather Boots
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a pair of red hot crocodile embossed Gianni Versace boots, designed by Gianni Versace. These stunning heels boots are from the 1990s and feature a golden Medusa...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Coral Beaded Embroidered Pony Hair Heels
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: coral-beaded pony hair kitten heels by Donatella for the Gianni Versace S/S 1999 collection. Botanic-inspired embroidery on camel-toned pony hair is sure to elevate any look. These heels feature the same coral beading that is featured on our haute couture Atelier Versace corset...
Gianni Versace New Size 37.5 Safety Pin Boots 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous black leather boots from Gianni Versace Versus Collection. They are calf height with a lug sole and heel and a large gold 3.5" medusa head adorned safety pin in the back. ...
1980s GIANNI VERSACE 8 Gold Metallic VOGUE Print Leather Pumps
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
These iconic vintage circa late 1980's GIANNI VERSACE pumps come in a metallic gold leather with asymmetrical, multi-color patchwork VOGUE tribute...