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 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...
1991 Versace Jeans Couture Pop Art Printed Jeans
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Versace Jeans Couture vintage rare pop art printed jeans from 1991. These bold whimsical jeans feature a colorful graphic print of graffiti, music notes, and plaid. Size: 27 Condi...
Vintage Gianni Versace Jeans Couture 1990's Blue High Waisted Monkey Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Gianni Versace Jeans Couture 'Swinging Monkey' patterned, High waisted jeans with silver medusa Hardware details in pastel blue. MADE IN ITALY Features: Button / Zi...
1990's Baroque GIANNI VERSACE High waisted Colourful Rococo patterned Jeans
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Iconic 1990's Rococo style Vintage Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Baroque patterned, High waisted jeans with Gold Celestial Hardware details. MADE IN ITALY. Features: Button / Zip f...
Gianni Versace Sz 44 / 8 Spring Summer 2005 White Rhinestone Bermuda Capri Pants
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
GIANNI VERSACE S/S 2005 white rhinestone encrusted cotton (98%) elastane (2%) low waisted bermuda shorts / capri pants. Rhinestone button at center waist. Hidden zipper at the crotch...
1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Black Wool Jumpsuit with Medallions
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Iconic 1992 Gianni Versace Black Wool and Silk Jumpsuit with original tags. Features Silk Faille Bands over Embroidered Net Bodice; Gold-tone Medallion Accents with inset Amber Color...
1990s Versace Jeans by Gianni Versace black and gold baroque pants size 32 denim
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Versace Jeans by Gianni Versace black and gold baroque pants size 32 denim Amazing jeans from the famous baroque collection totally made in italy Waist 74 cm Lenght 105 cm Siz...
Gianni Versace Black Fringe Leather Pants, Fall/Winter 1992.
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Fringe Leather Pants, F/W 1992. Documented Gianni Versace black leather fringe pants with studded accents. Fall/Winter 1992 Front...
1980s Gianni Versace Japanese-Inspired Pleated Silk Chiffon Palazzo Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
An avant garde 1980s Gianni Versace Japanese-Inspired pleated silk chiffon, cropped palazzo pant with textured rayon band or girdle of sorts that wrap...
Vintage Gianni Versace 1990s High Waisted Jeans with Colourful Betty Boop Print
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of 1990's Vintage Versace Jeans Couture high waisted jeans, with super colourful and extremely iconic Betty Boop print. MADE IN ITALY. Feature...
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Versace Tribute Collection Byzantine Baroque Print High-Waisted Jeans SZ 27
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Make a bold statement with the Versace Byzantine Baroque High-Waisted Jeans, an iconic piece from the Spring/Summer 2018 Tribute Collection, famously...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Blue Chambray Rhinestone Runway Pants
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic pair of chambray Gianni Versace Couture pants with green rhinestones, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, the same collection as JLo's famous jungle dress...
Gianni Versace Vintage 1980s 80s Gray Wool Pleated Pants or Trousers
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sparks, NV
Simple and chic vintage dark gray trousers with pleated front by Gianni Versace. Details: Unlined Side Pockets Side Hook Closure Marked Size: 44 C...
1990s Versace pop art Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe x Betty Boop pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
1991s Versace pop art Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe x Betty Boop pants hige rise tapered trousers with a vibrant all over print featuring illustrations of Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop...
F/W 1993 Gianni Versace Runway Sheer Purple Stripe Leggings
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of of purple Gianni Versace footed leggings, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, these striped leggings...
Iconic 1990's Vintage GIANNI VERSACE High Waist Perfume Bottle Pattern Jeans 26"
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Iconic Vintage 1990's Gianni Versace JEANS COUTURE 'Perfume Bottle' patterned, High waisted jeans with silver medusa Hardware details. The Pants are figure hugging and super flatter...
Iconic Versace Couture Printed stretch Leggings Pants, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Geneva, CH
From the coveted 1991 Fall-Winter Versace collection, these second-skin printed leggings are instantly recognizable as a design by Gianni Versace. Cut f...
Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s New York City Jazz High Waisted Colourful Jeans
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of Superb, Garish Early 1990's Versace Jeans Couture high waisted jeans, crafted in an Iconic, colourful 'New York City Jazz' printed patter...
$10,396Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Runway Rhinestone Bustier Catsuit Documented
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible Gianni Versace Couture bustier catsuit designed by Gianni Versace. This fabulous one-piece debuted on Carla Bruni on the Fall/Winter 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture runway and Beverly Peele...
Gianni Versace Bold Multi-Color Leopard with Floral Print Stretch Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace couture bold multi-color leopard blended with floral print stretch five pocket jeans style pants made of cotton and Lycra blend. The inner leg length measures ...
Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Vintage 90s Cobalt Blue Cowboy Carter Cotton Pants
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Versace Jeans Couture by Gianni Versace collectable vintage 1990s cobalt blue high waist western cowboy style cotton mix pants. Made in Italy size 28/42 100% cotton Excellent condi...
1990's VERSACE Light Green Floral pattern high waisted Vintage Jeans
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of early 1990's Versace Jeans Couture high waisted denim jeans. Decorated with pink & blue tulips, wrapped in Versace headlined newspaper ! MADE IN ITALY. Features: Zip faste...
Gianni Versace 1990s Miami Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel that Miami heat in these show stopping jeans by Gianni Versace Couture! Circa 1990s, these statement pants will surely turn heads and be the perfect ad...
Gianni Versace FW 1991 jeans with leather
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace FW 1991 jeans with leather size 42 the condition is good, see the photo
VERSACE multicolored cotton 1993 STRIPED HIGH WAISTED Shorts Pants XS
By Gianni Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Gianni Versace shorts in striped cotton (95%) and elastane (5%) in red, green, yellow, blue and turquoise. Feature belt loops, two slit pockets on the front and two pa...
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage 1995 New York Jazz High Waisted Skinny Jeans 26"
By Gianni Versace
Located in Oakland, CA
Whimsical vibrant vintage Versace Jeans Couture stretch jeans. Jeans feature all over print with New York Jazz Age motif. High rise with skinny leg. ...
$934Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Native American Print Cotton Denim Jeans, F / W 92 / 93
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
Gianni Versace Couture iconic native American print cotton denim jeans from the 1992-1993 Fall/Winter Collection. These jeans feature : - Opulent all over multicolored print on a wh...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace White Lady Bug Print Denim Jean Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of white ladybug print Gianni Versace jeans, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1995 collection, these high-waisted tapered pants are covered in mul...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Cream Wool Crepe Cigarette Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Cream Wool Crepe Cigarette Pants
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Sheer Black Lace Jeans Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of black lace Gianni Versace Couture pants designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, these pants are constructed entirely of intricate lace with a sheer black lining underneath. These pants are made complete with a black Versace Medusa button...
$1,728Sale Price|20% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Runway grey nude lace mesh illusion vest pants IT38 XS
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Runway grey nude lace mesh illusion vest pants IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00447 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Collection: Runway Material: Wool,...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Cheetah Print Yellow Black Cotton Stretch Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of cheetah print Gianni Versace Couture denim pants, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, these incr...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Runway Black Polka Dot Flare Bell Bottom Jeans
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of black and white polka dot Gianni Versace Couture flare jeans designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, these pants debuted as ...
1990s Versace Alligator and Palm Tree Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990s Versace jeans. Black with an all over green alligator print. left leg is further detailed with contrasting blue and tropical palms trees. Pattern is a tribute to Miami with the alligators and palm trees, where the Versace Mansion...
$900Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Black Floral Print Medusa Stretch Cotton Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of black denim Gianni Versace couture floral pants, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, these high-waisted pants feature a vibrant f...
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1992 Black Wool Bondage Pants It.42
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Women's Black Bondage Pants F/W 1992 Collection Designer size - 42 100% wool, leather bondage straps, gold studs, curvy-fit for hourglass figure. Measurements...
$560Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Low Waist Blue Leather Trousers
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Rare low-waisted leather trousers designed by the well-known Gianni Versace in the 1990s-2000s, made in Italy. The trousers are made entirely of light blue leather and rayon, are low...
Gianni Versace pants 1997
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace Couture pants 1997 size 40 Waist: 64 cm / 25.20 in Length: 120 cm / 47.24 in Inseam: 87 cm / 34.25 in Outseam: 23 cm / 9.06 in Hips: 86 cm / 33.86 in good condition...
Versace 1990's Tarzan Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These 1990's Versace jeans are a super rare and collectible find!! Don't forget to have fun with fashion. These tarzan-printed jeans are by Versace Jeans...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Yellow Black Crocodile Print Leggings Tights
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of yellow crocodile print Gianni Versace tights, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, these legging pan...
Gianni Versace 1993 Sun Baroque Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Beautiful Baroque!! Feel as bright as the sun in these stunning 1993 baroque sun print jeans from Gianni Versace Couture! These jeans feature stunning colors of red, blue, green and ...
Vintage VERSACE Betty Boop Cartoon Print Pants Jeans Trousers
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VERSACE Betty Boop Cartoon Print Pants Jeans Trousers As seen on Jessie Jay, Kourtney Kardashian(dress version) and Miley Cyrus (jumpsuit version). Measurements taken laid f...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace South Beach Miami Sunset Orange Red Florida Print Tights
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of incredible orange Miami-motif Gianni Versace tights, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, these stre...
Gianni Versace 1992 black high waisted leather gold stitched medusa pants IT38
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI Vintage A rare pair of leather pants from Gianni Versace Fall 1992 featured in their ad campaign High waisted cut Exposed gold lu...
Gianni Versace Colorful Abstract Print Trousers, Circa 1991
By Gianni Versace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Gianni Versace colorful abstract print trousers. high waist. loose fit. tapered leg. slant hip pockets. zip fly closure. ✩ These pants are an amazing find, rare! Circa 1991...
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
1991 Gianni Versace Opera Playbill Print Pink Tights Legging Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of multicolor opera-motif Gianni Versace tights, designed by Gianni Versace. From 1991, these colorful leggings are covered in an oper...
$250Sale Price|20% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Size 4 Black Coral Abstract Flat Front Casual Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIANNI VERSACE pants comes in a black & coral abstract print material featuring a flat front, front tab, and a zip fly closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Fabric t...
Gianni Versace 1995 Jazz Age Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
All the funky vibes in these jazz age print jeans by Gianni Versace Couture! From spring/summer 1995, these funky jeans feature a multi-colored design of blue...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Cheetah Print Yellow Black Cotton Stretch Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of cheetah print Gianni Versace Couture denim pants, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, these inc...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace 'Miss S&M' Greek Key Studded High-Waisted Pants
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting the studded Versace pants of your dreams, designed by Gianni Versace. These pants are from the F/W 1992 'Miss S&M' collection, commonly known as the 'bondage' collection. ...
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
NWT 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Black Gold Metallic Brocade Medusa Pants
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of baroque Gianni Versace Couture pants designed by Gianni Versace. From 1995, these black and gold brocade pants feature a bold baroque pattern and a silver Versace Medusa button...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture High-Waisted Ribbed Stretch Legging Pants
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black ribbed pair of Gianni Versace Couture legging pants designed by Gianni Versace. These formfitting pants from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection feature a high-waisted style. These are a stunning pair of vintage Gianni Versace leggings...
Gianni Versace 1997 Yellow Heart Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Heart eyes for these funky jeans! From 1997, these bright yellow boyfriend style jeans feature a colorful hearts motif that Gianni commissioned from the artist Jim Dine for his New Y...
Versace purple velvet pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple velvet pants with pockets. Gianni Versace Size: 36 French Italian Size 42 6 US
Vintage Gianni Versace 1990s Pastel Blue Baroque High Waisted Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Iconic 1990's Vintage Gianni Versace Jeans Couture 'Pastel Baroque' patterned, High waisted jeans with gold celestial detailed hardware and a rococo p...
1990's Vintage Versace Yellow Daisy floral Pattern high waisted Jeans Pants
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Superb Early 1990s Pair of 'Versace Jeans Couture' denim high waisted jeans in a vibrant yellow, floral daisy patterned print. MADE IN ITALY Features: Button fasten / Classic x4 ...
1990S Gianni Versace Lime Green & Floral Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S Gianni Versace Lime Green & Floral Pants
Versace Coco Brown Embossed Croc Style Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Versace Jeans 'Couture' coco brown embossed croc style jeans are lined with Viscose. Material is polyurethane. The waist measures 30", hips are 39 1/2", inner leg length measures...
Gianni Versace Suede Straight-Leg Pants 1980s Brown
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
An extraordinary and hard-to-find similar piece size 36 from the iconic 1980s era of Gianni Versace; a time when bold luxury and exquisite craftsmanship defined Italian fashion. Thes...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Leather Moto Style Zip Pants
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Gianni Versace pants from the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, designed by Donatella Versace, are cut in a slim, tapered silhouette in black leather. The front features two diago...