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. The designer debuted his Atelier Versace line — which was part of his first haute couture collection — in 1989.
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 1989's Gianni Versace Couture — 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 Atelier Versace dresses, evening gowns and more on 1stDibs.
Atelier Versace Spring 1995 Butterfly Silk Full Length Robe
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in London, GB
Spring-summer 1995 Atelier Versace Butterfly print silk robe. We offer this highly elusive Versace silk robe from the Haute Couture 'Atelier Versace...
Atelier Versace Magical Golden Waterfall Swan Tail Dress Gown
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Atelier Versace custom-made beaded gown fashioned of golden champagne gossamer silk. Gown features halter sweetheart neckline, corset interior boned bodice, open T-back; fully line...
1998 ATELIER VERSACE haute couture silk floral mini RUNWAY dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare Atelier Versace couture mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1998 runway collection, made of lustrous silk with a sleek, body-skimming silhouette. The piece is cut sleeveless w...
1990's strapless blue silk feather and strass evening dress Versace Couture
By Atelier Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Vintage strapless long strapless dress in quilted blue silk sewn with feather and rhinestone stripes, Atelier Versace label, side zip and deep neckline. ...
$17,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rare 1990 Versace Atelier Egyptian One-of-a-Kind Heavily Beaded Runway Gown
By Atelier Versace, Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 1990 custom made gown designed by Gianni Versace for his Versace Atelier label. High neck sleeveless dress fashioned of rich green damask silk; adorned throughout with weighty...
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1999 Runway Embellished Sheer Cutout Black Gown Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1999 Runway Embellished Sheer Cutout Train Black Gown Evening Dress Originally seen in ivory on F/W 1998 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway. The black ...
S/S 1999 Atelier Versace Documented Runway Black Beaded Gown worn by Carmen Kaas
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace ATELIER Runway Black Beaded Gown S/S 1999 Collection Italian Size 38 - US 4 Actual Runway sample worn by Carmen Kaas Color: Black Retail back in 1999 was $57,600 Meas...
Rare Early Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Plaid Embroidered Vest Top
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and important vintage GIANNI VERSACE early black and white houndstooth plaid sleeveless dolman sleeve shirt waistcoat ! Perfect layered with a blouse, or alone. Avant Garde styl...
Rare 2013 Versace Atelier Gold Metal Fringe Tie Dyed Gabardine Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Atelier Versace Gold Chain Fringe Dress — Haute Couture 2013 As seen on Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion Rare museum-level piece. Archive treasure. A...
2000S ATELIER VERSACE GIANNI Black Silk Chiffon Crystal Beaded and Metal Mesh
By Atelier Versace
Located in New York, NY
This dress is tagged size 42, however the fit is very small. We recommend size 2 or smaller. 2000S ATELIER VERSACE GIANNI Black Silk Chiffon Haute Couture Crystal Beaded Silk chiffo...
S/S 2000 Atelier Versace by Donatella Lime Green Silk Rococo Buddha Shirt
By Atelier Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring / Summer 2000 Atelier Versace shirt by Donatella Versace in a beautiful Green Silk Rococo print with Buddha and hibiscus flower decoration. The shirt features a fitted silhou...
NWT Vintage VERSACE ATELIER F/W 2002 Runway Gold Lace Mini Dress It 42 - US 6
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE ATELIER Runway Gold Lace Mini Dress F/W 2002 Collection Italian size 42 - US 6 Silk Gold Metallic Floral Lace Mini Dress, Front and Back Slit, Fully Lined, Side Zip Closure. ...
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Crystal Embellished Cutout Train Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Swarovski Crystal Embellished Cutout Open Back Long Train Black Evening Dress Gown Size IT 42
Atelier Versace Couture Chartreuse Silk and Black Lace Mini Dress, c. 2002
By Atelier Versace
Located in London, GB
Atelier Versace custom couture mini dress from the year 2002, constructed in chartreuse silk crepe with black lace inserts in sharply angular, flame-like motifs radiating from the n...
Atelier Versace Couture F/W 1998 Runway Embellished Sheer Cutout Gown Maxi Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace Couture F/W 1998 Runway Embellished Sheer Cutout Gown Evening Dress IT 42 Seen on F/W 1998 Haute Couture Runway. Atelier Versace sleevele...
Vintage Versace Atelier 90's Black Silk Embellished Tulle Open Back Dress It 42
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Versace Atelier Black Embellished Tulle Long Dress Gown Circa 90's Italian size 42 - please check measurements Jet Black Silk Embellished w...
Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Haute Couture Embellished Evening Dress Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Haute Couture Embellished Black Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Atelier Versace backless evening dress with V-...
New Atelier Versace Wisteria Purple Silk Fully Beaded Dress Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Atelier Versace Wisteria Purple Fully Beaded Silk Dress Gown Designer size 42 ( run smaller - measurements provided ) 100% Silk Wisteria Purple Dress...
S/S 2004 Atelier Versace by Donatella Metallic Green Halterneck Runway Gown
By Donatella Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a truly stunning metallic green Atelier Versace halterneck gown, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2004 collection, this dress debuted on the ready-to-wear runway as look 53, modeled by Daria Werbowy. This custom-handmade version features an internal corset and boning to help shape this spectacular dress...
Atelier Versace F/W 1993 Iconic Silk Velvet Maxi Coat
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous full length silk velvet maxi jacket from Atelier Versace from Gianni Versace in red with brightly colored variegated vertical stripes in yellow, blue, green and black. The...
S/S 1996 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Copper Lace Leopard Rhinestone Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible leopard print chiffon and copper lace Atelier Versace mini dress, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1996 collection, a version of this super...
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Embellished Sheer Cutout Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Embellished Sheer Cutout Mini Dress IT 42 Atelier Versace sleeveless mini dress ...
F/W 2002 Atelier Versace by Donatella Maya Rudolph Sheer Orange Sequin Gown
By Atelier Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous light orange strapless Atelier Versace gown, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2002 Atelier Versace collection, this gown debuted on the seaso...
S/S 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Mini Dress Rhinestone Tassel Set
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting this incredible black Atelier Versace mini dress set, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1991 Haute Couture collection, this mini dress debuted on the seas...
VERSACE Atelier A/W 2005 Black Leather Beaded Sequin Strapless Corset Dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
VERSACE Atelier A/W 2005 Black Leather Beaded Sequin Strapless Corset Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Versace Collection: Autumn / Winter 2005; ...
ATELIER VERSACE Multicolor Beaded Evening Mermaid Haute Couture Gown & Heels 39
By Atelier Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
Just breathtaking - a rare ATELIER VERSACE Evening Gown An amazing Haute Couture Piece Seen on Selma Blair One of the most famous pieces by Atelier Versac...
New Atelier Versace S/S 1994 Collection Velvet Lace Purple Pink Dress Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Atelier Versace Velvet Lace Watercolor Purple/Pink Dress Gown S/S 1994 Collection Purple and Pink Watercolor Crushed Velvet and Lace, Corset Style, Fully Lined in Crinkle Silk, S...
S/S 1997 Atelier Versace by Gianni Beaded Floral Dress Corset Removable Strap
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an intricate Atelier Versace Haute Couture dress designed by Gianni Versace for his final spring collection before his death. This dress was created for the Spring/Summer ...
Vintage Versace Atelier Embellished Jersey Sheer Panels Sexy Dress S
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Versace Atelier Sheer Panels Embellished Dress No size as it is a haute couture piece. Approx. S/XS. Purple jersey, sexy sheer silk chiffon light purple panels with silver to...
Atelier Versace Vintage F/W 1990 Runway Skirt Suit
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
F/W 1990 Vintage Atelier Versace Runway Skirt Suit Approx. Italian Size 38/40 - US 2/4 ( please check measurements). Finished with Enamel Butto...
Atelier Versace Couture Printed Silk Shirt Circa 2004
By Atelier Versace
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2004/2011 Italy - France An iconic Couture shirt in silk twill printed with baroque and eccentric Indians by Donatella Versace from the years 2004/2011. Loose and fluid cut pri...
Atelier Versace F/W 2004 Runway Crystal Embellished Black Evening Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace F/W 2004 Runway Embellished Silk Black Evening Mini Dress IT 40
S/S 1992 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Leopard Silk Gold Lace Coat Dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Crafted entirely by expert artisans by hand, this Spring/Summer 1992 Atelier Versace leopard coat dress debuted on the season's runway, modeled by Yasmeen Ghauri. This double-breast...
1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Beaded Mesh Silk Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
Breathtaking Atelier Versace Evening Dress An amazing Haute Couture piece One of the most stunning pieces by Atelier Versace From the 1990s, created by Gianni Versace Fully hand-bea...
S/S 1999 Atelier Versace Runway Donatella Sequin Embroidered Leather Skirt Set
By Atelier Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a soft and supple embroidered Atelier Versace leather jacket and skirt set designed by Donatella Versace. This set features a gorg...
F/W 1999 Atelier Versace Coral Beaded Sheer Corset Two-Piece Pants Set Donatella
By Atelier Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning Atelier Versace corset-boned top bodice and matching pant set designed by Jørgen Simonsen under the creative direction of ...
2013 Versace Atelier Crystal Embellished Patent Leather Bondage Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE F/W 13 Look #46 Versace Atelier Black Embellished Tulle and Patent Leather Corset Dress. Directly from the Runway to you. Actual runway ...
1991 Vintage Versace Atelier Black Silk Lace Mini Dress Skirt Set
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
1991 Vintage Versace Atelier Black Silk Lace Mini Dress Skirt Set 100% Silk, Top + Skirt, Pleated Skirt with Lace Detail, Both Fully Lined with Zip Closure. Size tag missing ( please...
Versace by Gianni Versace SS 1995 (Look 54)
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace by Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1995 (Look 54) Dress material is in great condition with no wear and tear however the hardware shows obvious signs of age and missing logo em...
S/S 1991 Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Grecian Tunic Two Piece Dress Set
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning Atelier Versace dress set from the S/S 1991 collection, designed by Gianni Versace. This extraordinary piece can be seen on the season's haute couture runway, c...
Atelier Versace Couture Metallic Gold Open Back Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our floor skimming Atelier Versace Couture dress is a stunning, one of a kind, piece of history to own for your next special occasion. This dress can be worn as an extremely unique bridal gown, or, the ultimate special occasion and red carpet gown. It features a halter neckline, plunging V-neck, and, open cross back. The dress is made from gold metal threading and crystal accents. Create a show...
ATELIER VERSACE 1999 Black Strapless Boned A-line Front Slit Dress
By Atelier Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
ATELIER VERSACE 1999 Black Strapless Boned A-line Front Slit Dress Circa: c.1999 Label(s): Atelier VERSACE Designer: Donatella Versace Style: Co...
Atelier Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 1996 Embellished Sheer Evening Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 1996 Custom Made Embellished Sheer Black Evening Dress Gown Condition: Good vintage condition, size and fabric tags removed, many embellish...
1998 ATELIER VERSACE haute couture silk RUNWAY coat
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare Atelier Versace coat from the Spring 1998 collection, made in lustrous purple silk. The silhouette falls in a subtle A-line with a gently fitted bodice, long sleeves, and a...
F/W 1994 Atelier Versace Haute Couture White Black Cropped Fringe Bolero Coat
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible creme fringe Atelier Versace cropped coat. From the Fall/Winter 1994 collection, this voluminous coat is constructed of creme wool fringe with black spots sc...
Atelier Versace Haute Couture c.2003 Embellished Top Swimwear Romper Bodysuit
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace Haute Couture c. 2003 Heavily Embellished Top Swimwear Romper Bodysuit Condition - Looks Unworn. Size None - since it is a haute...
ATELIER VERSACE S/S 1990 Mini Navy Embellished Medusa Cuff Sleeve Tunic Dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
ATELIER VERSACE S/S 1990 Mini Navy Embellished Medusa Cuff Sleeve Tunic Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Atelier Versace Collection: S/S 1990 Designer: Gianni Versace Style: Mini tunic d...
S/S 2001 Atelier Versace by Donatella Runway Blue Beaded Strapless Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning vibrant blue beaded strapless Atelier Versace mini dress, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, this mini dress debuted in green ...
1991 Vintage Runway Atelier Versace blazer & skirt suit worn by Claudia Schiffer
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
1991 Vintage Runway Atelier Versace blazer & skirt worn by Claudia Schiffer Actual runway piece. No size. Skirt: waist 24", hips 34", length 17" Blazer: shoulders 15", bust 32"-34", ...
Vintage Versace Black Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit
By Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning vintage one-piece swimsuit by Versace, crafted in Italy in the early 2000s. This bold and seductive piece features a deep black hue, a plunging neckline, and a sheer mesh pa...
Versace Mint Green Suede Mini Skirt With Giant Gems and Slit
By Atelier Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Versace mint green suede mini skirt featuring giant gem detailing on the waistline, side slit, and a hidden zipper at center back. ...
Vintage Atelier Versace Black Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Atelier Versace Black Dress – Rare Archival Elegance An exquisite creation from the exclusive Atelier Versace line, this rare vintage dres...
$2,840Sale Price|20% Off
1991 Vintage Versace Atelier Black Crocodile Shoes 37.5 - 7.5 NWT
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
1991 Vintage Versace Atelier Black Crocodile Shoes It 37.5 - US 7.5 100% Crocodile skin Leather sole Made in Italy New, in original box
New Versace Atelier Burgundy Red Patent Leather Platform Shoes 41 - 11
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Atelier Burgundy Red Patent Leather Platform Shoes Editor’s note: If you want to anchor your feminine and sophisticated look, better ground your outfit with footwear that...
F/W 1991 Atelier Versace Evening Jacket by Gianni Versace Haute Couture Runway
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gianni Versace designed this gorgeous coat for his F/W 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture runway. This same piece can be seen on the runway modeled on Li...
F/W 1992 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Medusa Studded Leather Shorts
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible pair of black studded Atelier Versace mini shorts, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1992 'Miss S&M' season, these mini high-waisted shorts de...
Early 1990s Atelier Versace Navy Gold Baroque Print Silk Square Scarf
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful baroque Atelier Versace square silk scarf designed by Gianni Versace. This scarf features a classically gold Versace floral baroque...
1990s Atelier Versace Black White Abstract Beaded Collared Shirt
By Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic abstract black and white Atelier Versace sheer top, designed by Donatella Versace. From the 1990s, this chic sheer black top features...
Vintage 1990's Versace Orange Textured Boucle Zip Jacket
By Atelier Versace
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1990's Versace jeans couture textured cropped jacket. The jacket features a vibrant textured boucle fabric in bright orange , two front zip pockets, silver hardware detailing...
F/W 1997 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Rhinestone Satin Appliqué Beaded Skirt
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare beaded satin appliqué skirt designed by Gianni Versace for his Fall/Winter 1997 Atelier Versace Haute Couture collection. Part of his last ever couture collection, this piece features the Japanese influences that were prominently featured in the runway presentation. Pieces of yellow silk satin were applied with a rhinestone beaded trim to create a "GV" monogram in Japanese characters. A skirt with similar appliqués debuted as part of look 29 on Elsa Benitez. Check out our storefront for more vintage Atelier Versace...