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...
1990’s GIANNI VERSACE Iconic Betty Boot Colourful Top & Mini Skirt Matching Set
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990’s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture ensemble in the most Iconic Betty Book & Marilyn Monroe print jersey. Featuring a fitted tank top and matching high waisted mini skirt. MADE ...
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...
Versace Gold Safety Pin Cut-Out Black Top IT 38
By Gianni Versace, 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,...
Gianni Versace Couture Spring 1995 Black Silk Bias Evening Gown
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ingeniously simple, drop dead gorgeous gown by the master himself, Gianni Versace. Couture label. As seen on the Spring 1995 Versace Ready-To-Wear runway in pink. THE look of the '90...
Vintage Gianni Versace Jeans Couture 1990's Blue High Waisted Monkey Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990's Gianni Versace Jeans Couture 'Swinging Monkey' patterned, High waisted jeans with silver medusa Hardware details in pastel blue. MADE IN ITALY Features: Button / Zi...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage purple jewel bead embellished crop turtleneck IT38 XS
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage purple jewel bead embellished crop turtleneck IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00984 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Wool, Blend Color: Purple...
1990s Gianni Versace Vintage Bodycon Dress with Colourful Betty Boop Print XS-S
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
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. ...
Vintage Gianni Versace 1990s High Waisted Jeans with Colourful Betty Boop Print
By Gianni Versace, 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 Off White Leather Jacket with Fringe and Lacing , SS 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...
Collectible Vintage Gianni Versace Two-Piece Suit (1996)
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
For Sale: Collectible Vintage Gianni Versace Two-Piece Suit (1996) Description: A rare archival two-piece set (jacket and skirt) by the legendary Gianni Versace from the 1996 collect...
1990s Versace Leopard Print Silk Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
This jacket was designed by Gianni Versace in Italy the early 1990s, before his tragic death in 1997. Tailored from leopard print silk, it is lined with flamboyant, clashing silk-sat...
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, 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 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...
Versus by Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1992 Orange Cotton Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Versus by Gianni Versace dress from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection. Made from red/orange cotton, this fitted shirt dress features short sleeves, gold-tone Medusa buttons...
Gianni Versace Vintage Black Leather Jacket & Skirt Set, 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 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 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...
Gianni Versace Vintage Red Patent Leather Jacket & Skirt Set, 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 Vintage A/W 1992 Black Leather Jacket & Pants Set 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 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 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...
1980s Gianni Versace Vintage Color Block Black White Leather Pumps
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This is a pair of authentic vintage Gianni Versace pumps, crafted in Italy from high-quality leather. Featuring a distinct 1980s aesthetic, the shoes present a striking asymmetrical ...
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 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...
2000’s Versace Butterfly Print Backless Cotton Mini Dress - Beachwear
By Gianni Versace, 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...
Gianni Versace 1980 Black Leather Cropped Swing Jacket with Silver Toggle Closur
By Gianni Versace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sculptural black leather jacket from Gianni Versace's 1980 collection, from the very beginning of his own house. The jacket has a layered construction. A cropped outer layer flares...
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 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 Sculptural Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning red wool dress by Gianni Versace. It has great lines with square cut armholes, a fitted bodice and fabulous flared skirt with the back a few inches longer and fuller than ...
Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 2007 Pink Chiffon Evening Dress IT 40
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Krakow, PL
Stunning Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 2007 runway evening dress in pink, featuring a draped satin V-neck bodice, signature gold-tone chain straps and a flowing chiffon skirt with a d...
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...
Gianni Versace Fall 1992 Bondage S&M Collection Runway Leather Fringe 92 Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare museum worthy vintage Gianni Versace Fall/Winter 1992 S&M Bondage Collection runway leather pants ! Naomi Campbell strutted down the runway in these trousers. High waisted fit w...
$154Sale Price|60% Off
Vintage Versace Blue Leathet Ostrich Small Make Up Pouch Bag Black
By Gianni Versace, 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...
$588Sale Price|40% Off
Versace Virtus Waist Chain Sling Leather Quilted Small Bag Black
By Gianni Versace, 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...
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 Vintage Cashmere American Flag Colorblock Sweater, 46
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,...
Gianni Versace Couture Color Block Dress with Leather Trim SS 2001
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
$1,056Sale Price|35% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Signature Medusa Head Gold Medallion Shoulder Bag
By Versace, Gianni 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...
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 ...
$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-...
$228Sale Price|25% Off
1990s Vintage Versus Versace Tweed Patent Leather Stiletto Heels Geometric Print
By Versus Versace, Gianni 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...
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 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...
1990's VERSACE Light Green Floral pattern high waisted Vintage Jeans w25"
By Gianni Versace, 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...
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...
1990's Versace Jeans Couture Zip Down Black Short Sleeve Crop Top
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
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...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 292 - 42K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 42 mm / 1 5/8 in Bridge: 15...
$502Sale Price|25% Off
Versace Green Satin Tailored Pants IT 38
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Versace Green Satin Tailored Pants Elevate your wardrobe with these sophisticated Versace satin tailored pants in a striking olive green hue. Expertly crafted with a sleek, straight...
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...
Early Gianni Versace Late 1970's Dress Jungle Parrots Print 100% Silk
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Very early Gianni Versace Caftan dress jungle parrots print from late 1970's. Good condition.Please see pictures with couple off flaws showing. Strap show some wear but since its ...
Versace Spring 2008 Runway Purple Blue Cape Back Jersey Avant Garde Dress Sz 42
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy Spring 2008 Runway ( Look # 40 ) GIANNI VERSACE Avant Garde cape back sleeveless purple Grecian style dress! Features the perfect vibrant purp...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Miss S&M Embellished Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 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 ...
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 ...
Gianni Versace Vintage Sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 312 MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 52 mm Lens height: 45 mm Bridge: 20 mm Temple-to-temple width: 1...
Gianni Versace Python and Medusa Chain sandals SS1995
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 ...