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 IT44
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 ...
Gianni Versace Couture Fall 1999 Black chainmail bustier silk skirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in CANNES, FR
Gianni Versace Couture Fall/Winter 1999-2000 Collection Black patent-finish chainmail bustier, featuring matching-colored lace trim at the bust; designed to be worn with a matching-...
F/W 1994 GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Runway Pink Python Snake Skin Trousers Pants 27"
By Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of Incredibly Rare F/W 1994 'Gianni Versace Couture' runway trousers. Crafted from full pelts of soft, glossy pink Python skin. Features: High waisted silhouette / Silver Ver...
Vintage Gianni Versace Black Silk Pant Suit with Cut Outs, 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
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...
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 Lace up Halter Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
Gianni Versace Silk Dress with Beaded Straps
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
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 Vintage Dress with Cut out Waist S/S 1998
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 Couture Print Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 Reversible Skirt with Elaborate Applique 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous lightweight black and off white plaid wool skirt from Gianni Versace. It has an elaborate pieced applique abstract design in green and yel...
Gianni Versace F/W 2002 Runway One Shoulder High Slit Silk Black Evening Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2002 Runway One Shoulder High Slit Silk Black Evening Dress Size: IT 42 Condition: Very good vintage condition
Gianni Versace Couture Color Block Dress with Leather Trim SS 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. The long sleeve bodice crosses in the front creating an adjustable neckline. It has a tan colored leather inset around...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Teal Turquoise Blue Silk Jersey Vintage 90s Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Miss S&M Embellished Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Exceptionally rare Gianni Versace black bondage top from the Fall Winter 1992 “Miss S&M” collection and as seen pictured on the runway. This statement piece is constructed with b...
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...
Kate Moss Gianni Versace Couture 1994 White Lace Size 44 8 10 Crop Top 90s
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy and rare Gianni Versace Couture Spring Summer 1994 Runway white lace sheer crop top blouse ! Kate Moss opened the Versace Spring 1994 Runway show in the same shirt. Features silk French Chantilly lace with hidden buttons up the front center. Large silver Medusa buttons at center collar and at each sleeve cuff. Can easily be dressed up or down. Great with shorts, jeans, trosuers or a skirt. The pictured 1996 vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Safe Sex...
Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Bell Sleeve Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 ...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace Black Lace Sheer Leather Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 ...
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...
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...
Gianni Versace Vintage Turquoise Silk Dress with Cutout Back & Grommets S/S 2003
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous turquoise stretch silk dress from Gianni Versace. From the front is it a simple fitted sleeveless dress. The back is dramatic and detailed in contrast with cut outs at th...
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 Rare Spring 1998 Vintage Black and White Cut - Out Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Model in video is a US Size 6, and 5’8 feet tall 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 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...
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 Couture S/S 1996 Embellished Sheer Mesh Lace Black Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 1996 Runway Embellished Sheer Mesh Lace Black Mini Dress Seen on the Atelier Versace Spring 1996 Couture Collection in the long version. Condition: good ...
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 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 Couture F/W 1992 Runway S&M Bondage Black Jacket-Size 6
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1992 Runway S&M Bondage Black Jacket-Size 6 This very collectible Versace Couture Jacket is from one of his most famous collections. The chic semi cro...
Gianni Versace Python and Medusa Chain sandals SS1995
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Roma, IT
Incredibile sandalo di Gianni Versace della collezione SS1995 Realizzati in vera pelle di pitone, dettagli catena e medusa in finitura argento. Sono un pezzo di storia, indossati da ...
1991 Gianni Versace Couture Black Pleated Gold Medallion Halter Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
1991 Gianni Versace Couture black mini dress featuring intricate knife pleating, a high halter neckline, and contrasting satin trim throughout. The dramatic bodice is defined by a pl...
1995 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Runway-Referenced Evening Dress — 1995 Black Version Size IT 42 Excellent / Pristine Condition An exceptionally rare archival Gianni Versace Couture evening d...
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1998 Runway Silver Oroton Chainmail Corset
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fashion History: This coveted piece from the Fall/Winter 1998 Gianni Versace Couture collection was shown on the runway on none other than supermodel Naomi Campbell. This strapless s...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Buckle Bustier Bra Top Miss S&M
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
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...
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Cut Out Gown, Size 42, 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture black evening gown from the Gianni Versace era, retaining its original boutique hang tag. An elegant study in line, proportion and restraint, this exc...
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 ...
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...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 purple lace dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Rubiera, RE
Gianni Versace Couture purple lace macramé dress vintage 90s Size IT 42 Made in Italy - Atlas SpA 55% cotton 17% polyamid 11% silk 9% acetate Lined Flat...
21st Century Gianni Versace Couture Mini Geometric Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite mini shoulder bag from the Gianni Versace Couture collection is a masterpiece of luxury and design, embodying the bold elegance for which the brand is renowned. The ba...
Gianni Versace Couture Fall 2001 Black Silk Chiffon Tan Leather Belted Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Model in video is US Size 6, and 5’8 foot tall Extremely rare Fall 2001 runway GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE, by Donatella, Museum Worthy black silk chiffon and leather full length evening...
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 ...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe James Dean Warhol Printed Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Incredible Gianni Versace Couture pencil skirt from the Spring Summer 1991 collection featuring an Andy Warhol inspired pop art motif of pop culture icons Marilyn Monroe and James De...
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...
1990s Gianni Versace Black Skirt Suit with Silver Leather Accents
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1991 Gianni Versace Couture black wool skirt suit. Jacket has incredible perforated metallic silver leather collar and cuffs that contrast so beautifully against the black. It is fur...
Gianni Versace Couture 1998 Chartreuse Green and Black Skirt Suit
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 ...
1990's Gianni Versace Black Raw Silk High Waisted Cigarette Pants - Trousers
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A finely tailored pair of Gianni Versace Couture cigarette pants from the 1990s. Crafted from 100% Raw Silk, featuring a Zip & Farrier hook fasten closure, tailored leg and Ankle...
Gianni Versace Couture White Leather and Brass Luxury Beauty Case
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Gianni Versace Couture white leather and brass beauty case is a breathtaking expression of luxury, opulence, and impeccable craftsmanship, embodying the bold aesthetic that defi...
Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
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...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Floral Beaded Runway Pants
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Couture vivid eye-catching floral printed beaded pants from the Spring Summer 2002 collection designed by Donatella Versace. Intricate b...
1996 Rare Gianni Versace Couture Dress as seen on Princess Diana
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
1996 Rare Gianni Versace Couture Dress as seen on Princess Diana. Her dress was custom made in royal purple color, but had the same cut. IT Size 40 67% Silk, 33% Rayon Fully lined le...
Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
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...
Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs SS 1998
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...
2003 GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE black RUNWAY dress with grommets & cut out back
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare and striking Gianni Versace runway dress from Spring of 2003. The front is cut in a simple, body-skimming sheath silhouette, made in a highly stretchy black fabric that molds pe...
Gianni Versace Couture Open-Back Tropical Print Runway Silk Jersey Dress, SS2000
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Geneva, CH
Versace's garments deliver glamour, sex-appeal and sophistication, fit for any occasion ! This 2000 Spring-Summer dress is no exception ! Modeled by Erin O'Connor in look 14 on the r...
Gianni Versace F/W 1993 Runway Couture Sheer Knit Mesh Lace Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1993 Runway Couture Sheer Knit Mesh Lace Bustier Black Evening Dress Gown Size: IT 42 Condition: good vintage condition, some of the velvety strings have lost so...
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Red Evening Mini Dress Size: IT 42 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, some missing embellishments at straps w...