The signature extravagance of legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace — forever aligned with glamour, sex, celebrity and spectacle — can overshadow the Italian couturier’s broad and deep engagement with history and culture. Today, his vintage dresses and gowns, handbags, sunglasses and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration, and his subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” he once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life.
Gianni Versace was born in 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, he 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 Gianni Versace Couture, which debuted in 1989 — 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. 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” — as the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace's 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 evening dresses, handbags, day dresses and more on 1stDibs.
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Light Green Ribbed Knit Bodycon Mini Dress Cap IT42
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This ribbed bright green Gianni Versace mini dress, designed by Gianni Versace for the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, is a form-fitting bodycon piece. It features off-the-shoulder pe...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway White Sleeveless Ruffle Top IT44
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Spring/Summer 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella sheer white sleeveless ruffle top debuted on the season's runway. The lightweight, semi-transparent fabric is adorned with delicat...
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage 1990s Pale Pink Chenille Body Con Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sparks, NV
Super soft pale pink body con dress in a velvety chenille by Gianni Versace Couture. The cut on this is so flattering! Simple, elegant and chic. Details: Fully Lined Size Zip...
1990s Gianni Versace Vintage Bodycon Dress with Colourful Betty Boop Print XS-S
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 1990's Versace Jeans Couture by Gianni Versace turtle neck bodycon dress. Made from super stretchy, figure hugging fabric, with a colourful and extremely iconic Betty Boop print. ...
Versace Gold Safety Pin Cut-Out Black Top IT 38
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A signature statement piece from Versace, this sleek black top embodies the brand's iconic glamour with its instantly recognizable gold-tone safety pin hardware. Crafted from a soft,...
Vintage Gianni Versace 1990s High Waisted Jeans with Colourful Betty Boop Print
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of 1990's Vintage Versace Jeans Couture high waisted jeans, with super colourful and extremely iconic Betty Boop print. MADE IN ITALY. Features: High waisted / Classic x4 poc...
Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s Fitted Grey Pin Stripe Long Sleeve Short Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Chic, Vintage early 1990's 'Versace Jeans Couture' fitted, long sleeved mini dress. Made from a stretchy, pin striped Wool in charcoal Grey & white, with concealed zip up the back ...
1990's Vintage Versace Yellow Daisy floral Pattern high waisted Jeans Pants
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Superb Early 1990s Pair of 'Versace Jeans Couture' denim high waisted jeans in a vibrant yellow, floral daisy patterned print. MADE IN ITALY Features: Button fasten / Classic x4 ...
2000’s Versace Butterfly Print Backless Cotton Mini Dress - Beachwear
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 2000s vintage Versace mini dress, crafted in a cotton stretch fabric, with allover Butterfly print decoration, knotted bows on the tops of the shoulders and a deep, scooped back fe...
1990's Loud Vintage Gianni Versace Betty Boop Colourful Cartoon Pattern T-Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's 'Versace Jeans Couture' by Gianni Versace Tee. The T-shirt features a super colourful and extremely iconic Versace Betty Boop / Rolls Royce / Cola pattern print through out in...
1990s Versace black leather mini halter dress with zip front
By Gianni Versace
Located in Austin, TX
1990s VERSACE black leather mini halter dress with zip front Made in Italy 31" bust, 26" waist, 32" hips, 28" length Condition; Very good size S / M
Gianni Versace Couture FW 1993 Medusa Leather Boots 38.5 Vintage
By Gianni Versace
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Iconic Gianni Versace Couture boots belonging to the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, one of the maison's most recognizable designs. The design recalls the theatrical and baroque aesthet...
1990's VERSACE Light Green Floral pattern high waisted Vintage Jeans w25"
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of early 1990's Versace Jeans Couture high waisted denim jeans. Decorated with pink & blue tulips, wrapped in Versace headlined newspaper ! MADE IN ITALY. Features: Zip faste...
Gianni Versace Lace-up Leather Jacket S/S 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous soft, supple, off white leather jacket from Gianni Versace. It is fitted with vertical seaming which is highlighted with intricate braiding plus 4" long fringe at the cuffs, back of sleeves and bottom hem. The back is incredible with adjustable functional matching leather lacing across the cut out. It closes with a front metal zipper with a leather tassel pull...
Gianni Versace Late 1980s Black Draped Rayon Jersey Asymmetric Bateau Neck Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Berlin, DE
A refined Gianni Versace top from the late 1980s, crafted in Italy from soft black rayon jersey. The design features a beautifully draped asymmetric bateau neckline that wraps elegan...
Gianni Versace Black Openwork Ribbon & Lace Fitted Evening Dress, FW 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace, Fall-Winter 1993. Black maxi dress constructed from alternating panels of openwork ribbon lattice and corded floral lace. The fitted bodice has narrow shoulder straps...
Gianni Versace Silk Strapless Jumpsuit 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous purple silk strapless bustier jumpsuit from an early Gianni Versace collection. The fitted, micro pleated, boned bustier bodice crosses and w...
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...
Gianni Versace New Strapless Lace Up Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece black leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt set from Gianni Versace's FW 1994 collection which are becoming increasingly...
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 Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous and rare red patent leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt from Gianni Versace. It has all of Versace's amazing attention to detail includ...
Gianni Versace Leather and Lace Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather and lace dress by Gianni Versace. It has flower pattern lace cap sleeve semi fitted bodice and around the hem. The le...
Gianni Versace Leather Lace up Dress S/S 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
An extraordinary and collectible supple black leather dress from Gianni Versace. This has all of the couture details Versace is known for- a fine fringe hem, laser perforated leather...
GIANNI VERSACE 1995 Iconic Vintage Runway Red & Black Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Gianni Versace Vintage Runway FW95 Brick Red + Black Oversized black medusa buttons IT44 Excellent Condition, one micro hole in lining, otherwise no flaws, looks like new Perfect for...
Gianni Versace A/W 1992 Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Pants With Chain Trim
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece supple black leather motorcycle jacket and pant set from Gianni Versace's A/W 1992 Collection. The jacket is motorcycle style wi...
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 New Vintage Cashmere Colorblock American Flag Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous cashmere American flag sweater from Gianni Versace. It has a flag on the front and back with red and white stripes crossing the chest,...
Archival Gianni Versace F/W 1991 First Edition Barocco Men's Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Silk Shirt BAROCCO gold and pink F/W 1991 Made in Italy Creator: Gianni Versace Brand: Gianni Versace (Mainline / Archival White Label) Design: First-Edition "Barocco...
Gianni Versace Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 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...
$776Sale Price|20% Off
Versace Coral Red Silk Knit Cut-Out Long Sleeve Top IT 38
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Make a bold statement with this striking Versace silk knit top, presented in a vibrant coral red hue. Designed with the house's signature contemporary edge, this luxurious piece feat...
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...
$154Sale Price|60% Off
Vintage Versace Blue Leathet Ostrich Small Make Up Pouch Bag Black
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Step into the glamour of the 1990s with this Gianni Versace blue ostrich-patterned leather pouch. Crafted during one of the most iconic eras of fashion, this pouch encapsulates the b...
Gianni Versace Mixed Flower Print Silk Skirt 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous brightly colored flowered silk skirt from Gianni Versace. It has a 2" waistband, falls straight to the hem with a panel draping across the front and is comprised of diffe...
Iconic 1990's Vintage GIANNI VERSACE High Waist Perfume Bottle Pattern Jeans 26"
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Iconic Vintage 1990's Gianni Versace JEANS COUTURE 'Perfume Bottle' patterned, High waisted jeans with silver medusa Hardware details. The Pants are figure hugging and super flatter...
GIANNI VERSACE black leather coat with ostrich feathers
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
We are pleased to present an extraordinary lambskin coat from the Gianni Versace collections of the early 90s. A long coat that wraps like a large cloak in a swirl of black ostrich ...
$588Sale Price|40% Off
Versace Virtus Waist Chain Sling Leather Quilted Small Bag Black
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A statement piece from Versace’s esteemed collection, this elegant bag merges luxury with functionality, perfect for the modern fashionista. Crafted from premium black leather, this small bag features a timeless quilted design that exudes sophistication and class. The intricate pattern is not just a visual delight but also a testament to Versace’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. Key Features: -Made from high-quality black leather with a quilted pattern that adds texture and depth to the bag. - Adorned with the iconic Virtus emblem a bold, gold-tone V-shaped design that symbolizes strength and beauty. Compact and Stylish: Despite its small size, this bag offers ample space for essentials, making it a perfect companion for day-to-night transitions...
1980s Vintage Gianni Versace Black & White Nappa Leather Clutch Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Vintage Gianni Versace envelope clutch bag from the 1980s, featuring a striking geometric black and white color-block design. The accessory is crafted from soft, smooth nappa leather...
$826Sale Price|30% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Corals silk shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage skirt 90s for men Corals silk shirt Size. M - IT 48 Made in Italy As you can see there are some pulled threads, they are very small, two of which are on the s...
Gianni Versace Long Shearling Coat from the 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
📏 MEASUREMENTS (taken flat): (Please note: this is a vintage Italian size and runs small. Please check the centimeters!) Shoulder to shoulder: 44 cm (≈ 17.3 inches) Sleeve length:...
Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs SS 1998
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...
$169Sale Price|65% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Gold Greca Sandal Heels Women's Shoes Vintage 36
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace gold greca heels in size 36. Feature Material: Gold-tone Leather Condition: Very good, light signs of wear as pictured. Colour: Gold Size: IT 36 Period: 1990-...
GIANNI VERSACE 1992 Vintage S&M bondage buckle leather bomber jacket IT48 M
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE 1992 Vintage S&M bondage buckle Tiger leather bomber jacket IT48 M Reference: TGAS/E00215 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Collection: FW 1992 S&...
Gianni Versace Reversible Skirt with Elaborate Applique 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
$232Sale Price|25% Off
1990s Vintage Versus Versace Tweed Patent Leather Stiletto Heels Geometric Print
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in London, GB
Vintage pumps from Versus Versace capture the distinctive aesthetic of the early to mid-1990s — a decade defined by bold silhouettes, playful textures, and architectural design detai...
$1,137Sale Price|30% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Signature Medusa Head Gold Medallion Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
The 1990s Gianni Versace Signature Medusa Head Gold Medallion Shoulder Bag is a true icon of fashion history. This exquisite accessory captures the essence of Gianni Versace's bold a...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Dress with Leather Hip Band A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
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...
1990's Versace Jeans Couture Zip Down Black Short Sleeve Crop Top
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Vintage Versace Jeans Couture zip down crop top in black featuring short sleeves and silver metal zip collar with medusa detail charm and versace logo tab. The material is str...
VERSUS by Gianni Versace 1990's Black Tailored Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From Gianni Versace's Versus comes this sleek and chic, ultra 1990's suit. Jacket has an arch opening in the dart area. See Photo #2. Black crepe wool. Fully lined in matching blac...
Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber from the 1980's. Striped Charcoal Gray Wool cut with deep dolman sleeves and attached leather belt of smooth and ...
Gianni Versace Couture Fall 2001 Black Silk Chiffon Tan Leather Belted Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
S/S 2007 Versace by Donatella Corset Boned Sheer Tulle Overlay Beige Bustier Top
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Versace by Donatella bustier top from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection is cut in a fitted corset silhouette. It is constructed with a sheer black tulle overlay over a beige bas...
S/S 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Backless Leather Strap Dress IT40
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace by Donatella dress from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection is cut in a black viscose halter silhouette with a flared hem. It features a deep draped neckline, an op...
1990s Gianni Versace Red Lace Insert Silk Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage red long slip dress with sheer lace inserts and a criss cross back. Size: No size tag, refer to measurements for best fit Condition: Excellent condition Me...
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 ...
$187Sale Price|75% Off
2021 VERSACE PYTHON Print VISCOSE CADY MINI SKIRT SZ 38
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Snake-embossed viscose twill mini skirt in pink featuring multicolor snake pattern printed throughout. Mid-rise. Cut-out with O-ring hardware at hem. Zip closure at side. Darts at ba...
1990’s Gianni Versace Studded Black Leather Gold Medusa Head Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Sublime Gianni Versace medusa Belt, (Circa 1992) This heavily embellished leather belt features both silver & gold tone metal decorative hardware. Aswell as the iconic Medusa hea...
NWT S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Red High-Cut Peaked Neckline One-Piece Swimsuit IT40
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace one-piece swimsuit from the Spring/Summer 1991 collection is cut in a fitted high-cut silhouette. It is constructed in red stretch swim fabric with a peaked neckl...