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 the first Versace 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 Gianni Versace Couture bags, dresses and more on 1stDibs.
S/S 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Off-White Shimmery Mini Dress
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace by Donatella’s Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this off-white mini dress features shimmering fabric and an elegant, body-hugging silhouette. The plunging neckline ...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace Black Lace Sheer Leather Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage black lace mesh leather panelled gown from the Fall Winter 2001 collection. Has original tags! Draped neckline Leather straps, inserts and buckle detailing at ...
1994 Gianni Versace Black Patent Leather Safety Pin Handle Bag
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Rare vintage 1994 Gianni Versace Couture black patent leather safety pin top handle bag. Features silver-tone grommets and Medusa safety pins. The standout on this bag is the large j...
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1998 Silver Oroton Chainmail Corset
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An absolutely iconic piece from the Fall/Winter 1998 Gianni Versace Couture collection, designed by Donatella Versace. This strapless chainmail corset made its runway debut that seas...
Gianni Versace Couture Chartreuse & Black Skirt Suit, 1998
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gianni Versace Couture skirt suit from 1998. Electric chartreuse green and black color-blocking. Sleek and futuristic. So very Y2K. Black Medusa toggle buttons at side waist on the ...
Gianni Versace Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous full length black silk gown from Gianni Versace Couture. It has a front scoop neck, a deep cut out back and fabulous tan leather shoulders. It is semi fitted though the ...
Gianni Versace Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a gorgeous caramel tan color. It has a plunging neckline and a wide matching leather inset waist. The skirt is straight, t...
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 1995 Runway Beige Sculpted Corset Top
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Presenting an exceptional Gianni Versace corset tank top from the Spring Summer 1995 collection, designed by Gianni Versace. This iconic piece debuted on the runway in yellow as part...
1994 Gianni Versace Green Leather Punk Safety Pin Bag
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Rare Gianni Versace 1994 safety pin top handle large leather bag in a vibrant green. Features bold silver-tone grommets and Medusa safety pins...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Iconic S/S 2000 Plunging Jungle Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Silk jersey jungle dress Spring Summer 2000 Collection 100% silk Made in Italy Measures: Length cm. 100 Shoulders cm. 42 Bust cm. 48 Waist cm. 38 Sleeve cm. 64...
Gianni Versace Couture, Yellow twin suit
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace Couture, Yellow twin suit with versace details on the belt and medusa buttons. Suit is in very good condition. little stain under the left pocket.
Gianni Versace Couture SS 2003 Pink Metallic Miniskirt by Dontella Versace
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in London, GB
Metallic pink chain mail miniskirt from Versace Spring/Summer 2003 collection by Donatella Versace with chain/belt detail. The skirt is in a good condition only slight signs of wear...
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt and Top Set with Hardware
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fine silk jersey one shoulder top and matching skirt from Gianni Versace Couture in pink scrolls and lines print on a black background. The top is fitted and has a gold metal signature Versace Greek key hardware...
Lifetime Gianni Versace Couture 1990's Ivory Wool Coat with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lifetime 1990's Gianni Versace Couture soft ivory wool overcoat. This chic and edgy medium weight coat has peak lapels that are punctuated with leather laser-cut serrated leather tri...
1999 Gianni Versace Couture Sparkly Pastel Pink Strapless Bustier Cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A superbly crafted Gianni Versace Couture dress from 1999. Designed from a pastel pink linen with a silver metallic lamé textured finish, the dress has a hand stitched pleated ruffle...
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 1998 Royal Blue Blazer with Leather Stripe
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Electrifying Gianni Versace Couture blazer from S/S 1998. The Versace Spring 1998 collection was Donatella's first collection for the House. This c...
Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous Gianni Versace Couture full length black silk and lace dress. it has a scoop back, one short sleeve and is asymmetrically cut with web pattern lace covered cut outs at on...
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage 1990s Draped Medusa Button Black Cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sparks, NV
Amazing and collectible 1990s asymmetric black dress by Gianni Verace Couture. Iconic Medusa button on one shoulder and Grecian style draping. A rare piece! Details Unlined Si...
Documented Versace Silk-Twill Baroque Print Shirt Blouse, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
Just one glimpse at this shirt and you'll know it's Versace ! The "Greco-inspired Baroque" print is so genuinely Gianni's style and iconic that Donatella re-issued the same shirt blo...
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...
Gianni Versace New Dress with Hardware
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
In muted shades of grey a fine jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has one shoulder with a silver metal triangle joining the front and back. ...
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt with Leather Band 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous semi sheer silk skirt with colorful flowers on a black background from Gianni Versace. It has a wide leather band with intricately braided leath...
Vintage 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Runway Red Dress Gown NWT
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
A rare Gianni Versace Couture dress from 1997, dating to the final and most celebrated period of the house under Gianni Versace. Crafted from a substantial fabric with an internal m...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Teal Turquoise Blue Silk Jersey Vintage 90s Skirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
The ultimate 1990s vintage GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE turquoise / teal blue slink silk jersey skirt! The perfect vibrant blue color adds a pop of color to any outfit. Sits on the hips, w...
Documented Gianni Versace Couture Vintage F/W 1994 Black PVC Boucle 90s Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Documented rare GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Fall/Winter 1994 runway dress! THE Linda Evangelista strutted down the runway in this beauty (see photo). Vogue magazine perfectly summarized V...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Vogue Pop Art Printed Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Vogue vintage multicolored printed pop art shirt from the Spring 1991 collection. Featuring the iconic Vogue print with Vogue magaz...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous orange one shoulder silk knit dress by Gianni Versace Couture. The dress is highlighted with lines of light blue angora yarn over the one shoulder which extend down the f...
Gianni Versace Couture Rare Spring 1998 Vintage Black and White Cut - Out Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and collectible vintage GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Spring / Summer 1998 black and white houndstooth dress! Sheer cut-out details at the side bodice on the front and back of this 1990s...
Gianni Versace Silk Patchwork Print Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk dress from Gianni Versace in a compilation patchwork of some of his most notable colorful prints including scrolls, feathers and flowers. It is sleeveless and has a ...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Dress with Leather Hip Band A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace in an abstract bright pink, taupe, black and white print. It is sleeveless with a V neckline, a top stitched leather inset around the hips...
Gianni Versace New Strapless Lace Up Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk strapless dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is fitted with flattering seaming and center back lacing, functional on the skirt portion with fine leather lac...
Rare 1990's Gianni Versace Couture Runway Pink Python Skin Trousers Pants
By Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
Incredibly Rare early 1990's Gianni Versace Couture runway trousers, made from full pelts of soft, pink glossy Python skin. Features: High waisted Silver tone Versace Medusa hardw...
Gianni Versace Silk Dress with Beaded Straps
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black silk dress with beaded straps from Gianni Versace Couture. It is a simple dress that skims the body with 2 straps at each shoulder mad...
S/S 1996 Gianni Versace Purple Beaded Runway Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Spectacular Gianni Versace purple stretchy beaded mini dress from the Spring Summer 1996 collection and as seen on the runway in a different color variation. This eye-catching piece...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway Gray Pinstripe Medusa Medallion Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Chic Gianni Versace gray pinstripe skirt suit from the Spring Summer 1995 collection and as seen on the runway. The double breasted blazer features Medusa buttons at the front and cu...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Leopard Animal Print Blazer - Tailored Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A superb Spring / Summer 1992 Runway blazer by Gianni Versace, crafted in a beautiful and iconic house leopard print featuring large decorative Gold Buttons, long sleeves, hip pocket...
Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Panels Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress Size: IT 42 Condition: light pulling throughout which is common with this material, no...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Buckle Bustier Bra Top Miss S&M
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Couture black bustier bra top from the Fall/Winter 1992 “Miss S&M” collection. As seen on Yasmeen Ghauri, and Helena Christensen on the Fall Winter 1992 runway, and on...
Gianni Versace Safety Pin Skirt 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk blend skirt from Gianni Versace. It overlaps at the side waist and has 3 signature Medusa head safety pins in silver and gold along that side leaving it open be...
Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Bell Sleeve Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace. It has a square neckline with a notched center and long subtly belled sleeves. The dress is semi fitted with inner boning for ...
Gianni Versace - Yellow Embellish Coat with Fur Fall/Winter 1998 Size 40IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianni Versace - Yellow Embellish Coat with Fur Fall/Winter 1998 Size 40IT
Black velvet and wool cocktail dress with jewellery button GIANNI VERSACE COUTUR
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet and wool cocktail dress with jewellery button closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. ( 2 extra button provided) Lining composition probably rayon or acetate. Hook...
Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Panels Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Black Dress Condition: Very good vintage condition, brand and size tags have been removed, fi...
F/W 2000 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Fur Coat as seen on Jen in "Hastlers"
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
F/W 2000 Gianni Versace Couture Fur Coat with lizard collar and belt. As seen on Jennifer Lopez in "Hastlers" Size IT 38 - US 4 Total length is about 40 inches Content: 100% polecat ...
Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous bodycon dress in black silk eyelet by Gianni Versace Couture. It has a plunging neckline with lacing and straps crossing at the upper back. The dress has flattering seam...
Sleeveless denim dress VERSACE COUTURE
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless denim dress ended with fringes . Fabric composition: 98% cotton, 2% elastane Zip closure on the middle back with branded zip puller. Cut-work. Branded snap SIZE 40 (It) XS
$717Sale Price|40% Off
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1995 Royal Blue Wool Pant Suit
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1995, from his final collection before his tragic death. Royal blue wool twill pant suit. Beautifully tailored jacket that closes at the front with Medusa...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Pant Suit with Cut outs 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk pant suit from Gianni Versace Couture. The jacket has a V neckline, princess seaming for a flattering fit, lightly padded shoulders, a front zipper closing, and a mesh covered wedge cut out from underarm to pocket on each side. The straight leg mid rise pants have 2 fine curved nude...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Baroque and Carnation Print Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing Gianni Versace black label Couture silk shirt from the early 1990s. Front features baroque style and paisley details. Sleeves and back are ...
Shiny black double-breasted sleeveless jacket GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Shiny black double-breasted sleeveless jacket with Medusa button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Main fabric composition: 97% wool, 3% polyester. Rayon lining. Snap closu...
Gianni Versace Couture Print Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a colorful pink, lavender and blue abstract print on a white background. The bodice has a front adjustable drawstring square nec...
Gianni Versace New Color Block Strapless Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk bustier color block dress in black and lime green with a high low asymmetrical pleated hemline from Gianni Versace. The strapless dress has an inner boned corset for ...
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture GV Millennium Black Embellished Gown NWT
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture GV Millennium Gown A breathtaking piece from the GV Millennium Collection, this Gianni Versace Couture gown is a true collectible from the early 2000s, crea...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Camel Skirt Suit with Red Fox Fur and Coral Closure
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Camel Skirt Suit with Red Fox Fur and Coral Closure A sensational piece from the Versace Couture archives, this 1990s camel-c...
$2,400Sale Price|39% Off
S/S 2000 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Runway Black Deep V-Neck Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
S/S 2000 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Runway Black Deep V-Neck Dress Finished with crystal buttons Long sleeves, knee length, unlined. Stretch j...
Gianni Versace Vintage Dress with Cut out Waist S/S 1998
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk knit dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is semi fitted with a waist cut out at one side, elbow length sleeves and contrasting white lines of angora yarn abs...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress with Cut out
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from Gianni Versace. It is comprised of a one shoulder bodice attached by one side to the skirt portion leaving a wedge of exposed skin between the two. ...
Gianni Versace F/W 2002 Star Flower Collage Print Plunge Neck Fit & Flare Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Donatella Versace for the fall/winter 2002 collection. This Gianni Versace Couture labeled piece features a multicolor psychedelic floral and star cluster pattern, featured in fashion...
Gianni Versace Cut out Gown 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black full length silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has lots of detail including a side cut out at the waist and an asymmetric neckline with a lower V in ...
Gianni Versace Couture FW 2001 Red Silk Tulle Feather Printed Cocktail Dress 40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
An exquisite example of early 2000s couture, this dress is ideal for collectors, red carpet moments, or those seeking a wearable work of art. Crafted from layers of silk and tulle, t...