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 Magical Golden Waterfall Swan Tail Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Atelier Versace
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...
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...
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; ...
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...
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. ...
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...
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 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 Versace Silk Pleated Corset and Draped Maxi Skirt Ensemble, SS 2004
By Atelier Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Atelier Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2004 ▪ Fabric: Silk ▪ Size: IT40 - FR36 - UK8 - US4 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condition: Excellen...
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 ...
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...
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1999 Runway Embellished Sheer Cutout Black Gown Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
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 ...
Atelier Versace Couture F/W 1998 Runway Embellished Sheer Cutout Gown Maxi Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
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...
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 Haute Couture F/W 1998 Crystal Embellished Cutout Train Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Swarovski Crystal Embellished Cutout Open Back Long Train Black Evening Dress Gown Size IT 42
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...
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...
Atelier Versace F/W 2004 Runway Crystal Embellished Black Evening Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Atelier Versace F/W 2004 Runway Embellished Silk Black Evening Mini Dress IT 40
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...
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Embellished Sheer Cutout Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Embellished Sheer Cutout Mini Dress IT 42 Atelier Versace sleeveless mini dress ...
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...
S/S 1991 Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Grecian Tunic Two Piece Dress Set
By Atelier Versace, Gianni 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 Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 1996 Embellished Sheer Evening Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
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...
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...
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...
TIBI Size 6 Green Black White Silk Abstract Cowl Neck Dress Top
By Tibi
Located in San Francisco, CA
TIBI dress top in a green, black, and white silk featuring an abstract pattern, short sleeves, and cowl neck.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 6 Measurements: Shoulder:...
Azzaro Paris 80's Gold Lamé Sunray Pleated Met Gala Evening Gown
By Loris Azzaro
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
A veritable museum piece, this 1988 Loris Azzaro gown was worn by supermodel Amber Valletta to the ‘Gilded Glamour’ themed 2022 Met Gala where she was f...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Sheer Chinoiserie Print Mesh Mini Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Sheer Chinoiserie Print Mesh Mini Dress Size: IT 40 Condition: Good vintage condition, a bit stretched out, can be easily adjusted smaller or can stretch m...
New Chanel Spring 2010 CC Logo Monogram Silk Halter Open Back Wrap Dress
By Chanel
Located in Englishtown, NJ
New Chanel CC Logo Monogram Silk Halter Open Back Wrap Dress FR 34 Black and white Chanel silk halter wrap dress featuring Camellia and CC logo print throughout, open back and self ...
Alexander McQueen F/W 2010 “Angels & Demons” Medieval Art Royalty Gown Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Chicago, IL
From Alexander McQueen’s final collection, this spectacular piece features digitally printed imagery depicting Medieval religious ar...
Thierry Mugler Rare Black w/ Coral Inserts Petal Dress Rare Collectible
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare circa 1989-90 Thierry Mugler petal dress. During this period the designer created a few different versions of this style of which this ...
Chanel S/S 1999 Sheer Knit Mesh Black Maxi Dress Gown
By Chanel
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Chanel S/S 1999 Sheer Knit Mesh Black Maxi Dress Gown FR 34 Black Chanel sheer stretchy dress with rib knit pattern throughout, V-neck and logo adornme...
Fendi Fall Winter F/W 1999 Runway Vintage Cow Print Floor Length Leather Skirt
By Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi
Located in Baar, CH
Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld Fall/Winter 1999 Cow Print Brown Leather and Fur Detail Wrap Skirt A striking piece from Fendi's Fall/Winter 1999 runway collection, designed by Karl Lagerfe...
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Ivory Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Dress Gown Versace sleeveless gown featuring plunging neckline, beaded embellishments throughout, slit at high-low hem and concealed zip clo...
Roberto Cavalli c.2005 Bustier Abstract Print Train Maxi Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli c.2005 Bustier Bra Abstract Print Train Maxi Evening Dress Gown IT 42
Roberto Cavalli FW 2004 Runway Red Gold Brocade Print Bodycon Fringe Scarf Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2004 Runway Red Gold Brocade Print Bodycon Fringe Scarf Print Dress Size S Look 5 from the Fall 2004 Collection.
Roberto Cavalli Resort 2008 Runway Bustier Embellished Lace Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Resort 2008 Runway Bustier Embellished Lace Dress Size: IT 44 Condition: Excellent condition
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...
Atelier Versace Haute Couture S/S 1997 Seafoam Embellished Silk Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Exquisite Atelier Versace dress from the Spring /Summer 1997 Haute Couture collection — one of the final couture seasons overseen by Gianni Versace before his untimely passing. A rar...
Atelier Gianni Versace Couture F/W 2001 Runway Embellished Sheer Lace Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Atelier Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 2001 Runway Embellished Sheer Lace Backless Mini Dress Look 28 from the Gianni Versace Couture Fall 2001 Collection. Condition: Very good v...
Vintage Versace Atelier Embellished Silk Dress Gown worn by Melanie Griffith
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Ultra-Rare VERSACE Atelier Gown. Worn by Melanie Griffith at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival, this is not just couture — it’s a moment frozen in fas...
Early 2000s Atelier Versace Haute Couture Rhinestone Yellow Chiffon Mini Dress
By Donatella Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning light yellow strapless Atelier Versace mini dress, designed by Donatella Versace. From the early 2000s, this ultra-sexy mini dress is constructed of light yello...
Size: Approx. IT40 - FR36 - UK8 - US4
Atelier Versace Couture silk evening dress with beaded cheetah print, fw 1996
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Atelier Versace evening dress ▪ Haute Couture, Fall-Winter 1996 ▪ Museum Grade ▪ Constructed from a cheetah-printed silk, featuring warm tones of tan, brown, and black ▪ T...
Versace Atelier Vintage 1991 Crystal Embellished Black Cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace Atelier Crystal Embellished Black Cocktail Dress Vintage 1991 Runway Collection Size Tag not Available - Please check Measurements Black Turtleneck Cocktail Dress...
Atelier Versace black python sheer mesh cut out backless fitted maxi dress gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Atelier Versace An absolutely breathtaking and incredibly rare gown in black cut out patent python and sheer mesh Spaghetti straps that criss cross at the ba...
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10
Atelier Versace Haute Couture magenta pink lace evening dress and purse, ss 1996
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Atelier Versace Haute Couture magenta pink lace evening dress and purse ▪ Corseted bodice with a built-in bodysuit ▪ Silk criss-cross shoulder straps with crystal-encrusted Medusa's ▪ Fishtail trained skirt ▪ Metallic lace with silk underlay ▪ Sold with matching lace purse...
Atelier Versace Couture F/W01 purple black silver sequin low cut silk dress gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A very rare dress from Versace Couture Fall 2001 (look 36) Label reads Versace Atelier Purple gown with black and grey floral print that is overlaid in sheer mesh and covered with li...
Size: Approx. XS / S
Atelier Versace brown Oroton chainmail and lace embellished mini dress, ss 1996
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Atelier Versace brown Oroton and lace embellished mini dress ▪ 100% metal 'Oroton' chainmail ▪ Lace appliques ▪ Silk chiffon mini skirt ▪ Built-in bra ▪ Concealed zipper at sid...
Atelier Versace Haute Couture S/S2004 Swarovski Crystal Embellished Evening Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Atelier Versace Haute Couture S/S 2004 Swarovski Crystal Embellished Mesh Evening Dress Gown IT 42