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 2000s Size 44 / 8 10 Black Chain Encrusted Y2K Halter Top Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
New VERSACE F/W 2005 black silk and elastane chain encrusted halter top ! Gunmetal chains around the neck. Simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Adjustable hook-and-eye c...
Sheer blouse by Gianni Versace.
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Sheer blouse by Gianni Versace. Description: This blouse is made of sheer white mesh with floral embroidery. Details: The blouse has long cuffed sleeves and a turn-down collar. The ...
2000S GIANNI VERSACE Jlo Collection Tropical Gold Metal Mesh One Sleeve Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
2000S GIANNI VERSACE Jlo Collection Tropical Gold Metal Mesh One Sleeve Top
Gianni Versace "Native American" Print Silk Shirt
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A very rare true piece of wearable art created by Gianni Versace, circa 1993. A beautiful Gianni Versace Silk Print in excellent condition, the "Nat...
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Printed Silk Medusa Medallion Button Down Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque patterns and features a vibrant ancient monument motif. This stunning archival top...
1980s Gianni Versace Black and White Checkered Off-The-Shoulder Silk Blouse
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Gianni Versace black and white checkered off-the-shoulder long-sleeved silk blouse with pixilated pattern. Slips over the head with ta...
Gianni Versace black and gold leather bondage Medusa vest, fw 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace black leather and wool bondage vest with large gold Medusa encrusted plates. Fall-Winter 1992
Gianni Versace silk off-shoulder cropped blouse, ss 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace silk off-shoulder cropped blouse with signature Versace print. Spring-Summer 1993
$375Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Denim Contrast Cuff Cropped Mako Cotton Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Denim Blue Contrast Cuff Cropped Mako cotton Blouse, Made in Italy Pit to pit measurement is 44cm, length is 48cm Size: 38 Italian 8 UK 0-2 USA C...
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Couture Marilyn Monroe Pop Art Warhol Print Set
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a Marilyn Monroe and James Dean pop art Gianni Versace Couture shirt and shorts set designed by Gianni Versace. From Spring/Summer 1991, this collection was heavily influenced by Warhol’s use of iconography from American popular culture. The inspiration for this print reportedly came during one of Gianni's trips to New York City. The t-shirt debuted on the runway on Look 88, worn by Marpessa Hennink. This iconic print was also featured on other looks on the 1991 runway, in ad campaigns, and Donatella’s 2018 tribute collection. Rarely available, especially as a set, this t-shirt and high-waisted short set...
Gianni Versace green oroton metal chainmail evening top, ss 2003
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace green Oroton metal chainmail evening vest ▪ 100% Aluminium, 100% Silk ▪ Spaghetti straps ▪ Zip fastening at side seam ▪ IT 40 - FR 36 - ...
$1,433Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Silk Unisex Blouse with Gold Medusa Accents
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Gianni Versace rare silk lady blouse with gold Medusa accents We offer more Gianni Versace, Hermes, Gucci and exclusive fur items, view our frontstore. ...
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Runway Sheer Pop Art Floral Abstract Print Tulle Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous bright floral sheer Gianni Versace shirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1997 collection, this top debuted on the season's runway as part of...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Silk "Autumn Nature" Baroque Printed Shirt Sz 40
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Silk "Autumn Nature" Baroque Printed Shirt Sz 40
Gianni Versace Vintage Embellished Knit Black Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace Vintage Embellished Knit Black Top IT 40
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Blue Silk Baroque Leopard Print Shirt With Gold Buttons
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Blue Silk Baroque Leopard Print Shirt With Gold Buttons
Rare 1970s Gianni Versace Cold Shoulder Boho Draped Vintage 70s Silk Blouse Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare late 1970s GIANNI VERSACE cold-shoulder silk boho hippie blouse! This historic shirt comes from one of Versace's first collections in 1979. Draped layers on the front and back. ...
Gianni Versace Vintage c. 1990 Sheer Lace Mesh Black Bodysuit Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace Vintage c. 1990 Sheer Lace Mesh Black Bodysuit Top IT 42
2000s Versace Versus Blue + Red Rayon Jersey Chevron Print Sleeveless Shirt Top
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Flattering early 2000s GIANNI VERSACE Versus blue and red chevron zig zag V logo print sleeveless rayon jersey top ! Features two shades of blue and one shade of lipstick red. Draped...
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Logo Buckles Knit Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Logo Buckles Knit Crop Top IT 40 Excellent Condition
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Black Bohemian Ruffle Button Runway Down Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black button-up Gianni Versace top, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, the white version of this top debuted on the season's ru...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Black Leather 'Miss S&M' Bondage Vest
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gianni Versace featured this stunning and sought-after vest on the 1992 F/W runway. This collection is infamous for its sexually provocative designs and is titled 'Miss S&M' (commonl...
Gianni Versace multicoloured oroton metal chainmail evening tunic, fw 1984
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace multicoloured Oroton chainmail evening tunic ▪ 100% Aluminium, 100% Silk ▪ Wide sleeves ▪ Silk trim ▪ Size Small - Medium ▪ Fall-Winter 1984
Vintage Versace Black & Brass Beaded Top 1990
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Gianni Versace heavily embellished brass colored beaded top that falls off the shoulder into a cap sleeve and side zip closure. Collection 1990. Excellent Vintage Condition....
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Silk Floral Collared Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This bright silk collared shirt features an Atelier Versace original print. With large flowers on the front and back of the blouse, other images on ...
Gianni Versace Silk Floral Motif Print Blouse
By Gianni Versace
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Gianni Versace silk blouse. Cream with pale pink flowers, silver metallic speckles with gold, green, black, red and lavend...
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Silk Black & White Geometric Print Button Down
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning monochromatic silk Gianni Versace Couture shirt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this black and white silk button-up top features geometric optical art designs throughout. This shirt is made with a gold Versace Medusa button...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Runway Silk Pop Art Print Multicolor Tunic Button Up Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous pop art printed oversized tunic blouse designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1991 collection. The front and back feature two contrasting color palettes and four framed vignettes on each side, full of deep colors and rich scenes. A version of this blouse debuted on the runway on Linda Evangelista as look number 66. It also appeared on Stephanie Seymour, shot by Sante D'Orazio for the March 1991 issue of British Vogue, and on Emma Sjoberg, shot by Robbert Erdmann for the January 1991 issue of German Vogue...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Sheer Pink Ladybug Print Medusa Button Blouse
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a light pink ladybug sheer Gianni Versace Couture collared shirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1995, this ladybug print ...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Medusa Logo Black Western Style Button Up Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black button-down Gianni Versace shirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1992 collection, this Western-inspired shirt is covered in gold-tone Ve...
Gianni Versace silver oroton chainmail metal mesh top, fw 1983
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace silver and grey proton chainmail metal mesh top with draped sleeves and elasticated waistband. Fall-Winter 1983
Gianni Versace black Oroton chainmail evening blouse, fw 1983
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace black Oroton chainmail evening blouse with scoop neckline and jewelled front snap-button fastenings. Fall-Winter 1983
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Couture White Rhinestone Medusa French Cuff Button Up Top
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a creme silk satin Gianni Versace Couture blouse designed by Gianni Versace. Since the 1990s, this shirt has been constructed entirely of luxurious silk that glistens with each movement. This top is complete with rhinestone Versace Medusa button...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Purple Geometric Silk Men's Istante Shirt Sz 46
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Has some shoulder fading & a few spots. 1990S GIANNI VERSACE Purple Geometric Silk Men's Istante Shirt Sz 46
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Silk "Legues" Baroque Printed Shirt Sz 40
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Collar Button has chipped enamel. 1990S GIANNI VERSACE Silk "Legues" Baroque Printed Shirt Sz 40
1980s Gianni Versace Lightweight Navy Blue Matte Silk Jersey Cocoon Blouse
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Gianni Versace navy blue lightweight matte silk jersey V-neck and back bias wrapped cocoon blouse. Slips over the head, no closures. Slightly fitted at hips. Fits size 42.
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Lady Bug Garden Baroque Print Button Up Silk Top
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque pattern and ladybug/butterfly print. This stunning archival top...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Multicolor Geometric Silk Men's Shirt Sz 52
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Has a few small spots in the print. 1990S GIANNI VERSACE Multicolor Geometric Silk Men's Shirt Sz 52
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Green Safety Pin Medusa Silk Paisley Wrap Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous Bohemian-inspired safety pin Gianni Versace collared shirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collec...
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Silk Medusa Pop Art Heart Print Mens Button Up
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a silk Gianni Versace shirt designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1997 collection. This shirt steps away from Gianni’s notable baroque designs and takes a more ...
1990S Gianni Versace Pink & Gold Silk Dress Shirt With Original Baroque Scrolls
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Decade: 1990s. Material: Silk . Vintage condition: Excellent.
$1,796Sale Price|25% Off
F/W 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Baroque Technicolor Crucifix Print Button Down
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture cross button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the iconic cross...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Medusa Silk Baroque Horology Print Button Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a splendid printed silk button-up blouse designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1993 collection. Featuring multiple King Louis XIV-style clocks, multiple Medusa cameos, Roman numerals, golden sun buttons, and a hidden-button front closure, this shirt is truly a work of art. Reminiscent of the house's iconic 'Le Roi Soleil' print, this piece expresses Gianni's famed love for art and its history. Perfect for any art lover or Versace collector...
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Silver Lurex Periwinkle Stretch Bodysuit
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a silver and periwinkle lurex, the Gianni Versace Couture bodysuit was designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this fantastic one-piece feature...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Sheer White Lace Button Up Medusa Top
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful white floral lace button-up Gianni Versace Couture top designed by Gianni Versace. A similar blouse from the Spring/Summer 1994 collection opened the season's runway, modeled by Kate Moss, and appeared in the ad campaign on Linda Evangelista, shot by Richard Avedon. The blouse is constructed entirely of lace and features an exaggerated collar, hidden button closures, and a scalloped hem. Made complete with silver Medusa Versace buttons at the cuffs, this top is a summer essential...
Gianni Versace pink neoclassical printed silk pleated mini skirt suit, fw 1991
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace pink skirt suit ▪ 100% Silk ▪ Signature Versace neoclassical print ▪ Loose-fit blouse ▪ High waisted pleated mini skirt ▪ Large go...
Gianni Versace black and white polkadot silk ruffled shirt dress, ss 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace black and white polkadot printed silk shirt dress with ruffled trim. Spring-Summer 1993
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Runway Black White Sheer Polka Dot Floral Ruffle Top
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black button-up Gianni Versace top, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, this top debuted on the season's runway as part of look 51, modeled by Linda Evangelista. Featured in the season's ad campaign on Linda, captured by Richard Avedon and appeared on Niki Taylor...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Lime Green Silk Men's Flag Print Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Lime Green Silk Men's Flag Print Shirt
Gianni Versace silver chainmail evening top with floral print, fw 1983
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace’s silver chainmail top printed with blue flowers and features a cutaway neckline to the front and back. Fall-Winter 1983
$401Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace multicoloured t-shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace multicoloured t-shirt multicoloured t-shirt made in italy in rayon size marked 42 it
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Grey Pinstripe Stretch Medusa Blouse
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace Couture blouse designed by Donatella Versace from the 1990s is cut in a fitted silhouette with long sleeves. It is crafted in grey pinstripe stretch fabric with a...
Gianni Versace Hunting Scene Silk Square Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a hunting motif, the Gianni Versace scarf was designed by Gianni Versace. This scarf features deep reds and blues with vintage French h...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Multicolor Geometric Silk Men's Shirt Sz 50
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Multicolor Geometric Silk Men's Shirt Sz 50
F/W 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Aubergine Rhinestone Button Up Men's Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible men's rhinestone Gianni Versace shirt, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1998 collection, this amazing aubergine shirt debuted on the seaso...
1980s Gianni Versace Midnight Blue Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Silk Jersey Blouse
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Gianni Versace midnight blue off-the-shoulder ruched and draped silk jersey blouse with side zipper. Size 42.
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Red Silk Twill Nautical Flag Printed Miami Beach Collectio
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Red Silk Twill Nautical Flag Printed Miami Beach Collection Shirt
Gianni Versace, Black silk blouse with medusa buttons
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, Black silk blouse with medusa buttons. The item is in very good condition. Buttons have light discoloration. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: IT40 - XS •...