Subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive, Gianni Versace’s (1946–97) designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” the legendary Italian couturier once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life. Today, vintage Versace clothing, handbags and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, 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! '90” — the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace was born in Reggio di 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, Versace 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. This 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 Versace evening dresses, handbags, day dresses, accessories and more on 1stDibs.
Rosenthal Versace “Barocco” Creamer / Milk Jug with Gold Accents
By Versace, Paul Wunderlich, Rosenthal
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This luxurious Rosenthal Versace “Barocco” creamer (milk jug) showcases the unmistakable opulence of the Versace aesthetic. Designed in collaboration with Rosenthal, the piece is ado...
Porcelain
Boxed Set of Four Crystal "Medusa D'Or" Champagne Flutes Glasses by Versace
By Rosenthal, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous boxed set of four crystal "Medusa D'Or" Studio-Line champagne flutes by Versace for Rosenthal, circa 1980s. Elevate your drinking experience with these stunning flutes! T...
Crystal
"Rosenthal meets Versace" Set of Six Decorative Porcelain Plates 90s Germany
By Versace, Rosenthal
Located in Palermo, IT
A set of six decorative porcelain plates from the "Rosenthal meets Versace" collection, crafted from fine porcelain and hand-finished with 24-karat gold, featuring several iconic Ver...
Gold
Boxed Set of Crystal "Medusa" Lumiere Red Wine Glasses by Versace
By Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous boxed set of crystal "Medusa" Lumiere red wine glasses by Versace, circa 1980s. Elevate your drinking experience with these stunning goblets! The two-piece set features a...
Crystal
Rosenthal "Le Jardin de Versace" Espresso Mocha Cup Saucer Gold Paul Wunderlich
By Rosenthal, Paul Wunderlich, Versace
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant Rosenthal Versace espresso cup and saucer from the coveted “Le Jardin de Versace” collection showcases the house’s signature blend of lux...
Porcelain
$12,750Sale Price / item|32% Off
Versace Original Vanitas Gilt, Hand-Carved Armchair, Gianni Versace, 1994
By Versace Home Collection, Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Versace Vanitas gilt, hand-carved armchair, Gianni Versace, 1994. Listing is for single chair. The shape of the Vanitas took inspiration from a Louis XV chair bought by Gianni Versace from a French antique dealer...
Gold Leaf
German Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee Pot Model Barocco by Versace
By Rosenthal, Versace
Located in Vilnius, LT
German Rosenthal porcelain coffee pot. Model: Versace Barocco. Stamped on the bottom.
Porcelain
Rosenthal Versace Barocco Espresso Mocha Cup & Saucer Gold Paul Wunderlich
By Versace, Paul Wunderlich, Rosenthal
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This luxurious Rosenthal Versace espresso/mocha cup and saucer collection is an exceptional example of artistic porcelain design. The shape of the cup...
Porcelain
Versace Collection Rug Petit Barocco Nero Black Gold, 1980
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rug made in China designed and manufactured by Atelier Versace Petit Barocco Nero 200 x 300 In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use A vintage Gianni Versace...
Wool
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 20th Century
By Versace
Located in Madrid, ES
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 Rosenthal "Versace" Christmas plate, 1996. Porcelain, white with colorful decor, maker's mark "Rosen...
Porcelain
$24,225Sale Price / set|25% Off
Versace Original Vanitas Gilt Dining Chair Set of 4, Gianni Versace, 1994
By Gianni Versace, Versace, Versace Home Collection
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Versace original Vanitas gilt dining chair set of 4, Gianni Versace, 1994. The shape ' of the Vanitas took inspiration from a Louis XV chair bought ...
Gold Leaf
Vintage Versace Ormolu Mounted Curved Glass Display Unit 20th Century
By Versace
Located in London, GB
This is a magnificent vintage walnut and ormolu mounted Versace curved glass display unit, circa 1990's in date. This free-standing unit featu...
Ormolu
Rare Vintage Large Fragrance Factice The Dreamer by Versace 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versace, Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and striking incredibly large fragrance factice by Versace. This sculptural piece is commanding and striking. A balance of lines and codes of the Versace fashion empire. T...
Glass
$18,300Sale Price / set|69% Off
Versace Original Vanitas Gilt Dining Chair Set of 6, Gianni Versace, 1994
By Gianni Versace, Versace, Versace Home Collection
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Versace Original Vanitas Gilt Dining Chair Set of 6, Gianni Versace, 1994. Listing is for set of 6 (2 armchairs and 4 without arms). The shape of th...
Gold Leaf
$18,300Sale Price|52% Off
Versace Original Vanitas Gilt, Hand-Carved Chaise Lounge, Gianni Versace, 1994
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Versace Vanitas Gilt, Hand-carved Chaise Lounge, Gianni Versace, 1994. Left armed chaise. Iconic, rare piece from the hallmark Vanitas Collection by Gianni Versace in 1994. Original ...
Gold Leaf
Versace Large Pillow with Animal Print Velvet and Silk
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful pillow. Lots of detail. Velvet and silk.
Fabric
Four Rosenthal Versace Martini Medusa Lumiere Glasses
By Versace
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Set of four Rosenthal Versace Martini Medusa Lumiere glasses Period : Modern Origin : Germany Colour : Steel blue, two amber, and one – frosted medusa on the stem which is ...
Glass, Art Glass
$2,100 / set
Pair of Versace Marqueterie Pattern Obelisks
By Versace
Located in Litchfield, CT
Sublime is the word I use for Versace designs. This chic pair of black and white with a touch of gold Marqueterie pattern Obelisks are perfect in a...
Porcelain
Pair Rosenthal Versace Grappa Glasses Medusa Lumiere
By Versace
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Pair Rosenthal Versace Grappa Glasses Medusa Lumiere Period : Modern Origin : Rosenthal Germany Colour : One azure, one amber , frosted medusa, clear stems and feet Bowl : ...
Blown Glass
Murano Glass Candy Vase, Versace for Venini, 1998
By Versace, Venini
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This inky midnight blue hand-blown Murano glass vase was designed by Versace for Venini, Venezia, and is dressed with playful opaque candy coloured canes. It is signed and dated on t...
Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 20th Century
By Versace
Located in Madrid, ES
Versace for Rosenthal "L'Ange Gabriel" Plate, 1996 Rosenthal "Versace" Christmas plate, 1996. Porcelain, white with colorful decor, maker's mark "Rosen...
Porcelain
Versace Large Square Pillow wit Velvet Back
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful pillow. The front is quilted, velvet back and gold fringe.
Fabric
Boxed Set of Four Crystal Medusa D'Or Studio-Line White Wine Glasses by Versace
By Rosenthal, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous boxed set of four crystal "Medusa D'Or" Studio-Line white wine glasses by Versace for Rosenthal, circa 1980s. Elevate your drinking experience with these stunning goblets!...
Crystal
Porcelain Red "Medusa" Tureen / Serving Bowl with Lid by Versace for Rosenthal
By Versace, Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful porcelain red "Medusa" tureen / serving bowl with lid by Versace for Rosenthal, circa 1990s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measu...
Porcelain
Versace Extra Large Silk and Velvet Pillow
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful pillow. Largest of the lot.
Silk, Velvet
German Rosenthal Porcelain Lidded Dish Model Barocco by Versace
By Versace, Rosenthal
Located in Vilnius, LT
German Rosenthal porcelain lidded dish. Model: Versace Barocco. Stamped on the bottom.
Porcelain
Versace Rectangular Silk and Velvet Pillow
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful pillow. We have more listed for your consideration.
Silk, Velvet
German Rosenthal Porcelain Tea Pot Model Barocco by Versace
By Versace, Rosenthal
Located in Vilnius, LT
German Rosenthal porcelain tea pot. Model: Versace Barocco. Stamped on the bottom.
Porcelain
Original Versace for Venini Rivoli Vase
By Versace, Venini
Located in North Miami, FL
Documentation and original Venini Murano brochure for this exquisite and rare Versace designed vase. Numbered and limited edition. Marked with Venini l...
Murano Glass
$27,300 / set
H 28.75 in W 23.63 in D 21.66 in
Gianni Moscatelli Dining Chairs for Formanova, 1968, Set of 14
By Gianni Moscatelli, Formanova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianni Moscatelli dining chairs for Formanova, faux-fur and iron, Italy, 1968, set of fourteen. Designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova in 1968, these dining chairs are offered ...
Faux Fur
$11,700 / set
H 28.35 in W 24.41 in D 21.66 in
Gianni Moscatelli Dining Chairs for Formanova, 1968, Set of 6
By Gianni Moscatelli, Formanova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianni Moscatelli dining chairs for Formanova, faux-fur and iron, Italy, 1968, set of six. Designed by Gianni Moscatelli...
Faux Fur
Rosenthal Versace Porcelain Charger Plate
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rosenthal Versace porcelain charger plate.
Champagne or Wine Cooler Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Champagne or wine cooler decorated with heavy red deer antlers.
Antler
$459Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.4 in Dm 11.03 in
Animalia, Six Contemporary Porcelain Dinner Plates with Decorative Design
By Vito Nesta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Spring time, animals all around the world spreads their love and starts to look for their second half of the apple.
Porcelain
$7,900 / set
H 28.35 in W 24.41 in D 21.66 in
Gianni Moscatelli Dining Chairs for Formanova, 1968, Set of 4
By Formanova, Gianni Moscatelli
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianni Moscatelli dining chairs for Formanova, faux-fur and iron, Italy, 1968, set of four. Designed by Gianni Moscatell...
Faux Fur
$15,600 / set
H 28.35 in W 24.41 in D 21.66 in
Gianni Moscatelli Dining Chairs for Formanova, 1968, Set of 8
By Formanova, Gianni Moscatelli
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianni Moscatelli dining chairs for Formanova, faux-fur and iron, Italy, 1968, set of eight. Designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova in 1968, these dining chairs are offered in ...
Faux Fur
$9,900 / set
H 28.35 in W 24.41 in D 21.66 in
Gianni Moscatelli Dining Chairs for Formanova, Black, 1968, Set of 6
By Formanova, Gianni Moscatelli
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianni Moscatelli dining chairs for Formanova, black faux-fur and iron, Italy, 1968, set of six. Designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova in 1968, these dining chairs are offered ...
Faux Fur
$380 / set
H 3 in Dm 4.5 in
Collection 6 Espresso Coffee Cup and Saucer Art Porcelain Rosenthal Studio Line
By Rosenthal
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Collection of Six Rosenthal Studio Line Art Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Germany, circa 1980s A beautiful and rare collection of six porcelain espresso cups and saucers from ...
Porcelain
Vintage Champagne Bucket or Wine Cooler by "Étains du Manoir" in Paris
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exceptional silver-plated champagne bucket is an authentic French creation from the early 20th century, proudly bearing the hallmark of “Étains du Manoir, Paris, France.” Known ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Espresso Coffee Tea Cup Saucer
By Richard Ginori
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful vintage Italian porcelain espresso coffee or tea demitasse cup and saucer 'Toscana' by designer Richard Ginori, circa mid-20th century, ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
$1,200 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 9.06 in
Meissen, Germany. Set of six antique porcelain dinner plates. Ca 1800
Located in København, Copenhagen
Meissen, Germany. A set of six antique porcelain dinner plates. Hand-painted with polychrome floral motifs. Dating: circa 1800. Marked...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2.96 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Rosenthal Versace Espresso Cup & Saucer “Gold Ivy” Form by Paul Wunderlich
By Rosenthal, Versace, Paul Wunderlich
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking Rosenthal Versace espresso cup and saucer from the “Gold Ivy” pattern demonstrates the exceptional design harmony between Versace’s lavi...
Porcelain
Versace - Porcelain Tableware Gold Ivy 19 Pieces
By Versace, Versace Home Collection
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Tableware Set "Gold Ivy" made in porcelain by Versace in 1990s. All pieces are signed. Perfect condition. Set for 8 people including : - 8 dinner plates - 27 cm diameter - 8 d...
Porcelain
Versace - Porcelain Tableware Tea Coffee Set Gold Ivy
By Versace, Versace Home Collection
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Tea and Coffee Set "Gold Ivy" made in porcelain by Versace in 1990s. All pieces are signed. All pieces are in perfect condition. Set including 22 pieces : - 4 tea cups with 4 sau...
Porcelain
Atelier Versace Throw Pillows, 3
By Versace
Located in Astoria, NY
Collection of Three Atelier Versace Throw Pillows, comprising: pair in red and blue paisley pattern and one with recumbent tiger. 16" H x 16.5" W. Provenance: From a New York City Co...
Textile
Rare Vintage Large Perfume Factice Blonde by Versace 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versace, Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and striking large fragrance factice by Versace. This sculptural piece is commanding and striking. A balance of voluptuous lines and codes of the Versace fashion empire. Th...
Glass
Versace x Rosenthal Barocco Covered Vegetable Dish
By Rosenthal, Versace
Located in Sacramento, CA
Versace x Rosenthal covered vegetable dish from the collaboration’s Barocco line. This piece features the iconic Barocco motif, a symbol of Versace's renowned extravagance. Crafted i...
Porcelain
Versace Medusa Gold Hand Towel, Deep Yellow, Italy
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Versace Medusa gold hand towel, deep yellow, Italy. Perfect for pampering yourself or your guest, Versace towels are a must have for any contemporary and l...
Cotton
Sold
H 2 in W 11.75 in D 16 in
Versace Medallion Meandre D'Or 2 Platters & Covered Butter or Entre Dish
By Versace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Versace Designed Crisp White Porcelain 3 Piece Serving Set with 2 Sixteen Inch Platters and One Covered Butter or Entre Dish measuring Nine and One Half Inches Long and Four and One ...
Gold
Versace Medallion Meandre D'Or Creamer & Sugar Set. Original Boxes
By Versace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Versace Designed Crisp White Porcelain with raised Medusa Medallion Head in their collars. This pattern has Versace's signature design featuring the figurehead of Medusa. The Medalli...
Gold
NEW - Rosenthal Versace Porcelain "Le Roi Soleil" Ashtray Plate
By Versace, Rosenthal
Located in Atlanta, GA
NEW - Rosenthal Versace Porcelain "Le Roi Soleil" Ashtray Plate in original box.
Porcelain
Sold
H 0.25 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
New - Rosenthal Versace Porcelain "Le Jardin De Versace" Ashtray Plate
By Rosenthal, Versace
Located in Atlanta, GA
New - Rosenthal Versace Porcelain "Le Jardin De Versace" Ashtray Plate in original box.
Porcelain
Rare Vintage Large Perfume Factice Blonde by Versace 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Rosenthal, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and striking large fragrance factice by Versace. This sculptural piece is commanding and striking. A balance of voluptuous lines and codes of the Versace fashion empire. This factice renders "Blonde" the house's women fragrance that emerged in the 1990s. The bottle's body crowns the iconic versace medusa profile that is etched in the back, projecting a beautifully and ethereal image. The factice tops with a neck and bottle cap with the classic greek key design and a lucite diamond top. Transcends into an iconic sculpture. The factice is filled and sealed with colored liquid to resemble fragrance. Top quality glass factice...
Glass