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 Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
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 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...
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 ...
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 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 Skirt with Leather Band 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
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 Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 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 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 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...
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 ...
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 Silk Skirt and Top Set with Hardware
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
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...
Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 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 ...
Gianni Versace Couture Spring 2002 Runway Red Cut Out Vintage Y2K Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy and collectible GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2002 runway red cut-out dress ! Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Stretch cotton fabric with cut-outs all over. Gre...
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 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...
Documented Versace Silk-Twill Baroque Print Shirt Blouse, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 New Color Block Strapless Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 ...
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 ...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress with Cut out
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 vintage top, 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace vintage top, 1990s Size: 38 (IT) Length: 64 cm (~25.2 inches) Composition: No composition tag (cut off) Condition: Excellent – no sta...
Rare 1990's Gianni Versace Couture Runway Pink Python Skin Trousers Pants
By Gianni Versace Couture, Versace
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...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway Gray Pinstripe Medusa Medallion Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
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.
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...
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...
Lace overlay pants and blouse set Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold lamé Pants and blouse outfit covered with gold embroidered flower lace and inlaid with gold studs by Gianni Versace French Size 38 Italian Size 42...
NWT 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Size 40 / 4 Black Silk Vintage Bondage Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 1990s NWT deadstock GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE black silk scrappy bondage style silk body on dress ! Features rose gold metal Medusa heads at each strap. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Fully lined. The perfect timeless little black dress. Brand new with original store tags still attached. In great unworn condition Made in Italy Marked Size 40 / US 4 Measurements: 32 inch bust...
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...
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 S/S 1991 Orange Letter Jacquard Tailleur IT 40 - S
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Gianni Versace - Spring Summer 1991 - Two-piece skirt suit in a bold, saturated tangerine orange - Matching fabric throughout: jacket and mini skirt cut from the same j...
1990s Vintage Gianni Versace Black Wool Blend Sleeveless Jumper Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Gianni Versace Couture black jumper dress, likely dating to the early to mid 90s. Made in Italy, this chic and timeless sleeveless dress is cut in a clean...
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...
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...
21st Century Gianni Versace Couture Red Patent Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exceptional shoulder bag by Gianni Versace is a true testament to 21st-century luxury and sophistication, merging timeless design elements with modern artistry. The bag's exteri...
$585Sale Price|34% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Green & Fuchsia ensemble
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Couture two-piece ensemble is Green with detailing of deep Fuchsia hue. The suit is double breasted and fully lined. The sleeves cuff have two buttons detailing. The s...
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...
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 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 Couture Fall 2001 Black Silk Chiffon Tan Leather Belted Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare Fall 2001 runway GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE, by Donatella, Museum Worthy black silk chiffon and leather full length evening dress! Kylie Minogue also stunned in the gown o...
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...
$3,352Sale Price|30% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Iconic Fall/Winter 1991/92 Teather Drape Print Jacket
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE vintage iconic theater drape print wool jacket. From the Fall/Winter 1991/92 Collection. I Sipari / Theater Drapes print from Theater series...
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 Net Shoulders Bodycon Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous purple dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is semi fitted, sleeveless with a scoop neckline and matching purple mesh insets at the shoulders. The dress is fully lined in...
$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 F/W 2002 Runway One Shoulder High Slit Silk Black Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace F/W 2002 Runway One Shoulder High Slit Silk Black Mini Dress IT 40 Look 42 from the Fall 2002 Collection (in neon yellow color)
90's Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Gold Lace Over Tulle Button-Up Mini Dress 42
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
This piece embodies the glamour and boldness of 1990s Versace, perfect for collectors and fashion connoisseurs seeking a standout archival garment. A rare and exquisite piece from th...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Baroque and Carnation Print Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 ...
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 F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Sheer Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Look 57 from the Fall 2000 Collection. Futured in the Fall 2000 Versace Campaign.
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe James Dean Warhol Printed Skirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 Vintage Orange Silk Short Sleeve Jacket/Top - Size 6
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gianni Versace Couture Orange Silk Damask Sun Pattern Short Sleeve Jacket/Top - Circa 90’s. This fantastic and highly collectible piece has an incredibly vibrant orange damask color,...
Pink and white checkered wool suit Gianni Versace couture
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Vintage suit in angora wool and cashmere with pink and white checks Gianni Versace couture, silver plated metal buttons with a fake cameo in the centre with the brand's emblem French...
$11,846Sale Price|54% Off
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Long Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A true collector’s piece, this Gianni Versace embellished sheer evening gown from the Fall/Winter 1996 runway collection is one of the most iconic designs from the legendary Italian ...
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...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Medusa Orchid Print Crystal Button Dress
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 2000 collection under Donatella’s creative direction, this sleeveless button-front dress features the season’s vibrant orchid and Greek key motif....