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.
$410Sale Price|60% Off
Fendace Versace X Fendi Gold Toned Wide Zucca Bangle Bracelet SOLD OUT RARE
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Introducing the Fendace Zucca Wide Bracelet, a striking accessory that combines the iconic designs of Fendi and Versace. This bracelet showcases the renowned Zucca print, featuring i...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Greca Black Logo Circle Charm Chain Gold Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Wokingham, England
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage 1990s Unisex Adjustable Iconic Greca Black Logo Circle Round Pendant Charm Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss, stil...
Gold Plate
$417Sale Price|29% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Medusa Silver Chain Medallion Coin Large Bangle Bracelet
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace matted silver medusa bracelet, rare and a statement piece that spells Versace. Feature Material: Silver-tone Metal Condition: Excellent Colour: Silver Dimens...
Silver
$445Sale Price|50% Off
Versace Gold La Medusa Cuff Bracelet Bangle with Greca
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Open cuff bracelet in gold-tone brass. · Logo, signature Medusa, and signature Greek key pattern hardware at face · Logo engraved at inner band · H0.75 x W2.25 x D1.75 Supplier color...
$255Sale Price|40% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Gold Rhinestones Greca Chunky Bracelet
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Step into the world of vintage glamour with the 1990s Gianni Versace Gold Rhinestones Greca Chunky Bracelet, a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the opulence and iconic style of...
Versace Diamond Medusa Open Cuff 18k Yellow bangle Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and collectible statement piece from Gianni Versace, this high-polish limited-edition (#01) open cuff bangle is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and features the iconic Medusa...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Versace Rare Gold Tone Charm Bracelet
By Versace
Located in New York, NY
*Display model. Show signs of wear. Gold tone Length: 7.5-10” Weight: 167gr Hypoallergenic, lead and nickel free Comes with Versace box.
Gold
Iconic 1990s Versus Versace Lion Saftey Pin Cuff Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Iconic and Gorgeous Runway Versace Versus Saftey pin Cuff bracelet with the iconic lion face medallion. In silver, singed VERSUS MADE IN ITALY. Size: 2 3/...
Vintage Chanel KARL LAGERFELD ERA Statement Cuff 1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stunning statement Vintage Chanel Silver Cuff. Large and bold and crafted with a weighty amount of solid silver. Finished with the CHANEL le...
Vintage Swarovski Gold & Crystal Cuff Bracelet 1980s
By Swarovski
Located in Wilmslow, GB
What a beauty! A substantial and super stylish Vintage Swarovski Crystal Cuff. Since 1895, founder Daniel Swarovski’s mastery of crystal cutting has served to define the company and ...
Yves Saint Laurent Jeweled Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent ornately jeweled cuff bracelet. Of vari cut fuschia and faux amythest glass stones with center focal oval cabochon of faux lapis pate de verre. Set in black japane...
Crystal, Bronze, Other
$2,800 / set
W 0.9 in L 7.5 in
Savati Amber 22 Karat Gold Silver Bracelet Earrings Ring Pendant Suite Greece
Located in New York, NY
From the esteemed Greek Designer SAVATI, we have a stunning and rare Amber, 22 Karat Gold, Sterling Silver suite of jewels comprised of Bracelet, Earrings, Ring and Pendant in the Byzantine style. SAVATI is renowned for their Byzantine inspired jewels which are handcrafted to a standard of perfection by designer Savati. It is very rare to find a Suite such as this. Each jewel is set with a gorgeous faceted Amber gem. The amber is set in 22 Karat Gold with a braided collet design. The remainder of each piece is richly decorated in Sterling Silver. Bracelet The bracelet has a 6 chain design with Byzantine inspired medallions. The amber is a square cut cabochon. The bracelet is 7.5 inches (19cm) long. The central medallion is 7/8 inch (22mm) wide. The mesh portion is 8mm wide. The bracelet is hallmarked 2 Greek letters53, K22, 925, SAVATI. Earrings The earrings are set with a square pyramidal cut...
Amber, Gold, 22k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Nari Fine Jewels Handcrafted off Shape Ruby Bracelet Set in 18 Karat
Located in beverly hills, CA
This lovely bracelet is handcrafted in 18K gold and features rose-cut irregular oval shaped single drop ruby. The Ruby is natural, weighting approx 0.76 carats, wrapped in 18K yellow gold, and floating at the center of the chain. Designed and handcrafted by Nari Fine Jewels...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,218
W 0.38 in L 7.25 in
La Pepita Woven Chain Bracelet with Diamond Box Clasp in 18 Karat Brushed Gold
By La Pepita
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing a wonderfully woven chain bracelet by La Pepita, an embodiment of refined elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. This luxurious bracelet features a double woven chain desi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Victorian Diamond Horseshoe Woven Bracelet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 7 round single cut = 0.21cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: bracelet will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist Weight: 22.10 grams
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Aldebert Chunky Chain Link Bracelet in Polished 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Command attention with this striking Aldebert chunky chain link bracelet, a true statement of modern luxury. Crafted in radiant 18 karat yellow gold, each bold link is polished to pe...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2 3/8 Inches Wide Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet with Open Back
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This remarkable vintage 18k yellow gold cuff bracelet measures an astonishing 2 3/8 inches wide. With high polish, wide beveled edges contrasting the deep, hammered channels, its des...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fred Diamond and Pearl Bracelet in Platinum 6B0180
By Fred
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful diamond and pearl bracelet in platinum from the Baie Des Anges collection by Fred. The bracelet is set to the centre with a 10 - 10.5mm white freshwater pearl with a plat...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Chanel cuff bracelet 1985s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Chiseled golden metal cuff bracelet. Jewelry from the 1980s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Cir...
Gilt Metal
Miriam Haskell Pearl and Diamante Bracelet
By Miriam Haskell
Located in New York, NY
Miriam Haskell signature round freshwater faux pearl flexible cuff bracelet. The center motif has a frosted cut crystal flower head surrounded by gilt set round pearls.The bracelet...
Gilt Metal
Versace 18k Chain Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, by Versace, Italy. This fabulous fine jewelry bracelet by Versace is a fashionista's dream! The designer V is set with .32 carats of fine white diamonds and sits ce...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Versace Greca 18K White Gold 1.20ct Diamond Bangle Bracelet VE12-091324
By Versace
Located in Southampton, PA
Versace's Greca motif is all over this white gold bangle bracelet. The Greek key pattern, which symbolizes infinity and unity, makes up the entire circumference of the bangle. All co...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Versace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Wide Woven Link Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Versace Woven Link Bracelet is a sophisticated and stylish accessory. Crafted from luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, this bracelet features an intricate woven link design that embo...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VERSACE gold tone nickel Medusa halo medallion coin chunky long necklace
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE gold tone nickel Medusa halo medallion coin chunky long necklace Reference: TGAS/A01721 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Nickel Color: Gold Pattern: Solid...
GIANNI VERSACE VANITAS Bi Tone Multi Chain Medusa Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE VANITAS bi tone multi chain bracelet with a large a central medallion featuring an iconic Medusa head adorned by a Greek frieze. Fold over clasp. Embossed GIANNI VER...
Versace Gold Metal Garden V-Floral Hand Cuff Bracelet Black
By Versace
Located in Rome, Rome
Versace Gold Metal V-Floral Garden Hand Cuff. Floral filigree design. Black crystals. Medusa logo in the center of the flower. 'Versace - made in Italy' engraved on the back. Total L...
Gold
1990's Gianni Versace Silver Large Massive Blue Stone Bangle Medusa
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Silver Blue Stone Bangle, rare brand new vintage stock with tags. A collector piece that you won't find anywhere else. Minor scratch on main stone, otherwise e...
Silver
Versace Greca Mother of Pearl 18 Karat Rose Gold Bracelet
By Versace
Located in London, GB
A vintage Versace Greca mother of pearl 18 karat rose gold bracelet. This elegant disc bracelet is from a discontinued design from Versace's 'Greca’ collection. Designed with four...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Fendace Versace X Fendi Gold Wide Zucca Bangle Bracelet SOLD OUT RARE
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Introducing the Fendace Zucca Wide Bracelet, a striking accessory that combines the iconic designs of Fendi and Versace. This bracelet showcases the renowned Zucca print, featuring i...
Gold
Versace Gold Metal V-Floral Garden Hand Cuff Bracelet Black
By Versace
Located in Rome, Rome
Versace Gold Metal V-Floral Garden Hand Cuff. Floral filigree design. Black crystals. Medusa logo in the center of the flower. 'Versace - made in It...
Gold
1990's Gianni Versace Silver Large Massive Blue Stone Bangle Medusa
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Silver Blue Stone Bangle, rare brand new vintage stock with tags. A collector piece that you won't find anywhere else. Minor scrat...
Silver
1990's Gianni Versace Glaze Gripoix Medusa Gold Chain Medallion Coin Bracelet
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace matted glaze medusa bracelet, rare brand new vintage stock with tags. A collector piece that you won't find anywhere else. Feature Material: Gold-tone Metal C...
Silver