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.
GIANNI VERSACE long black leather skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE F/W 1992 "Bondage" Collection Long skirt in black lambskin. Gold thread stitching, side slits up to the knee. Made in Italy The composition and size label are not pres...
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 1993 Spring Runway Atelier Pure Silk patterned Colourful Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1993 'ATELIER VERSACE' Baroque patterned Long sleeve Shirt, crafted from a vibrantly printed Silk displaying beautiful imagery of Various Classic...
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 ...
VERSUS by Gianni Versace 1990's Black Tailored Skirt Suit
By Versace, Gianni 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...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Black Jersey Dress with Perforated Mesh Back, late 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
A sleek, body-sculpting sheath from Gianni Versace Couture, cut from fluid black jersey with a high round neckline and sleeveless cut. From the front it reads as a sophisticated litt...
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage 1995 New York Jazz High Waisted Skinny Jeans 26"
By Gianni Versace
Located in Oakland, CA
Whimsical vibrant vintage Versace Jeans Couture stretch jeans. Jeans feature all over print with New York Jazz Age motif. High rise with skinny leg. ...
Versace S/S 2006 Navy & Bronze Tropical-Print Body-Con Midi Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
From the S/S 2006 collection of Versace, this midi dress presents a fluid, body-conscious silhouette in a large-scale tropical-leaf print rendered in bronze and deep amber tones agai...
Gianni Versace New Leather Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather dress from Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a V neckline front and plunging V to the waist in the back. The shoulders are gathered onto a fine gold meta...
Gianni Versace Runway c.1993 Hot Pink Fuchsia Crochet Knit Cut out pleated Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Beautiful, vibrant Gianni Versace runway dress (circa 1993) in a Fuchsia crochet with cut out detailing at the waist and an A-line pleated skirt to the knee. MADE IN ITALY. Measu...
Versace blue 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...
1991 Gianni Versace Couture Black Pleated Gold Medallion Halter Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
Gianni Versace SS 1994 biker jacket in black leather with Medusa details
By Gianni Versace
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Vintage Gianni Versace biker jacket from the SS 1994 season, made of 100% leather with 100% rayon lining, as indicated on the inside label. Short model with asymmetrical zipper closu...
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 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...
Rare Early Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Plaid Embroidered Vest Top
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and important vintage GIANNI VERSACE early black and white houndstooth plaid sleeveless dolman sleeve shirt waistcoat ! Perfect layered with a blouse, or alone. Avant Garde styl...
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 2000s Size 44 / 8 10 Black Chain Encrusted Y2K Halter Top Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
New VERSACE F/W 2005 black silk and elastane chain encrusted halter top ! Gunmetal chains around the neck. Simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Adjustable hook-and-eye c...
Gucci Runway 1920's Showgirl Style Chain Mail Evening Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Gucci 2018 runway show presented a featured array of exciting eventful evening wear. From designer Andre Michelle, a lovely soft lilac chain mail evening dress. A 1920's show...
Gianni Versace Leather Dress with Mink Hem F/W 1997
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A soft, supple black leather dress with 2" of mink fur around the hem by Gianni Versace. It is a simple, subtle A-line silhouette with small straps, a back zipper, and a full silk li...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
Versace Vintage 1990s Fitted Long Sleeve Flag Pattern Shirt with Medusa Logo
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 1990's 'Versace Jeans Couture' fitted, long sleeve shirt, with the USA & UK's Union Jack flags as well as the Versace Medusa logo pattern decoration throughout. The Material is...
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 F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown IT 44 Gianni Versace couture evening dress featuring sheer top, embellished medusa logo straps, square ne...
$388Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Monochrome Wool Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace
Located in Miami, FL
Gianni Versace gorgeous tailoring on this monochrome checkered skirt suit. The jacket is boxy with an asymmetrical left side button hidden closure. The mini pencil skirt is unique ...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress with Cut out 1990s
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. ...
1991 Versace Jeans Couture Pop Art Printed Jeans
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Versace Jeans Couture vintage rare pop art printed jeans from 1991. These bold whimsical jeans feature a colorful graphic print of graffiti, music notes, and plaid. Size: 27 Condi...
1998 ATELIER VERSACE haute couture silk floral mini RUNWAY dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare Atelier Versace couture mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1998 runway collection, made of lustrous silk with a sleek, body-skimming silhouette. The piece is cut sleeveless w...
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...
$242Sale Price|38% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Black & White Wool Cardigan, Size M, Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versace Black & White wool Cardigan totally made in italy in size M
Gianni Versace Women's Black Fur Wool Coat, FW 1999, vintage
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Vintage Gianni Versace coat, Fall/Winter 1999. Wool, straight, classic fit. Very good condition, no wear or defects. Measurements (lay flat): Shoulders - 44 cm (17.3") Sleeve - 62...
Gianni Versace Couture Rare Spring 1998 Vintage Black and White Cut - Out Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
VERSACE Atelier A/W 2005 Black Leather Beaded Sequin Strapless Corset Dress
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
VERSACE Atelier A/W 2005 Black Leather Beaded Sequin Strapless Corset Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Versace Collection: Autumn / Winter 2005; ...
GIANNI VERSACE c.1990s Gold Tortoiseshell Medusa Emblem Oval Shaped Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIANNI VERSACE c.1990s Gold Tortoiseshell Medusa Emblem Oval Shaped Sunglasses Brand / Manufacturer: Gianni Versace Circa: 1990s Designer: Gianni Versace Style: Sunglasses Color(s):...
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...
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Appliquéd Cutout Plunged Backless Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Appliquéd Cutout Plunged Backless Dress Gown Size: IT 42 Condition: good vintage condition, some small runs throughout not noticeable when worn, a s...
$334Sale Price|35% Off
Gianni Versace Suede Straight-Leg Pants 1980s Brown
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
An extraordinary and hard-to-find similar piece size 36 from the iconic 1980s era of Gianni Versace; a time when bold luxury and exquisite craftsmanship defined Italian fashion. Thes...
Gianni Versace 1990s Vintage Black Leather Rhinestone Women's Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This very rare beautiful in new condition 90s Istante black belt by Gianni Versace with rhinestones is a luxurious and highly collectible piece from the iconic Italian fashion house'...
GIANNI VERSACE c.1990's Gold Metal Medusa Emblem Chain Coin Link Clasp Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIANNI VERSACE c.1990's Gold Metal Medusa Emblem Chain Coin Link Clasp Belt Brand / Manufacturer: Gianni Versace Circa: 1990's Designer: Gianni Versace Style: Coin belt Color(s): Go...
Gianni Versace FW 1991 jeans with leather
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace FW 1991 jeans with leather size 42 the condition is good, see the photo
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...
Gianni Versace Runway F/W 1992 Bondage Collection Leather Fox Astrakhan Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare museum piece vintage GIANNI VERSACE Couture Runway Fall / Winter 1992 Bondage Collection leather, fox fur and astrakhan fur black runway jacket ! Angelina Kallio modeled this on the runway for Look # 46. Leather jacket is stuffed with down for warmth. Gold Medusa head zipper up the front. Adjustable gold buckles at each side of the waist. Signature baroque silk lining. Hood can be removed with hidden buttons. This 90s vintage Versace...
1990’s VERSACE Intensive Black Mesh Sporty body con mini dress
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990’s VERSACE intensive body con mini dress featuring a sporty silhouette with cut out black mesh panel sides, key hole back with Versace Medusa Clasp hardware and mini length hem. ...
1997 Runway Documented Versace Lime Green Embellished Dress
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This dress walked the runway as part of Versace’s Fall 1997 show - the last ready-to-wear collection that Gianni Versace ever designed. The final time he appeared on the runway to ta...
Gianni Versace Couture Barocco Crucifix Silk Print Mens Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Couture Barocco silk twill mans shirt printed with vari jeweled crucifixes ,signed in script Gianni Versace on the front left placket, and Atelier Versace lower cen...
Gianni Versace Vintage Lime Green Metal Mesh Dress with Medusa Buttons
By Gianni Versace
Located in Pescara, IT
Gianni Versace Vintage Green Oroton Metal Mesh Dress with Jeweled Medusa Buttons, 1983–1989 An exceptional vintage Gianni Versace short evening dress in the iconic green Oroton metal mesh, dating from 1983–1989. This striking early Versace design features a fitted, sleeveless silhouette with a boat neckline and narrow shoulder straps. The shimmering green Oroton metal mesh is lined with luxurious green silk satin and features a delicate light-green silk organza underskirt, creating a sophisticated layered effect. The front features eleven original, jeweled Gianni Versace buttons, each bearing the designer’s signature logo, along with a concealed zipper. The bodice is structured and padded at the bust, while the interior continues into a distinctive, integrated bodysuit design. The combination of Oroton metal mesh, silk satin, silk organza, and jeweled branded buttons is one of the most recognizable elements of Gianni Versace’s early and highly innovative approach to eveningwear. Designers Gianni Versace (1946–1997) Period 1983–1989 Type Vintage evening dress Materials Oroton Metal Mesh Silk satin Silk organza Designer buttons with gemstones Construction Metal mesh weaving and construction, silk lining, and couture-style sewing. Details Vibrant Green Oroton Metal Mesh Boat neckline Narrow shoulder straps Fitted bodice Padded bust Eleven original bejeweled Gianni Versace buttons Concealed front zipper Green silk satin lining Light-green silk organza underskirt Integrated bodysuit closure Original Gianni Versace label Made n Italy Measurements Bust: 40 cm flat, from armpit to armpit Shoulder to hem: 86 cm Approximate size: EU 40 Condition Very good vintage condition. The dress is exceptionally well-preserved for its age, showing only minor signs consistent with its age and previous storage. The Oroton metal mesh, silk lining, and original jeweled buttons are still in very good condition. No significant alterations or restorations are known. Historical & Archival Reference This design is documented as a Gianni Versace evening dress from 1983–1989, described as a short green Oroton dress...
Versace Jeans Couture Graffiti Print Cotton Button-Up Shirt circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Versace Jeans Couture Graffiti Print Cotton Button-Up Shirt from the circa 1990s is a striking example of late 20th-century high-end streetwear infused with luxury fashion. The ...
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Lace Gold Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Embellished Lace Gold Dress Size: IT 40 Condition: New with tags, chainmail and lace layer are in pristine condition. The under lining has discolorations due to age and storage which are not visible when worn. Gold vintage Gianni Versace metal mesh...
Gianni Versace Couture, Boucle 2 piece set
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace Couture, Yellow and white boucle 2 piece set. Lining has light discoloration on the armpits and buttons have discoloration. The top two buttons have left marks on the ...
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage Multicolour Cherry Print Semi Sheer Blouse Size S
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
VERSACE JEANS COUTURE vintage lightweight semi sheer pale blue blouse featuring a multicolour cherry print. Hidden front buttoning. MEDUSA head buttons to close collar and cuffs. L...
$343Sale Price|40% Off
Versace Classic V2 Vintage Baroque Leopard Print Cotton Shirt Unisex Size 42
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage 1990s Baroque leopard print cotton shirt. Label reads VERSACE Classic V2. Made in Italy. Size tag reads : 42 (Italian). Please refer to measurements. Compos...
$907Sale Price|20% Off
Atelier Versace 90's Silk Blanket
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in PARIS, FR
Lovely reversible Atelier Versace 90's silk blanket with velvet trim. Good condition, it has some light signs of use but nothing really noticeable. Exquisite piece from there real Gi...
Gianni Versace vintage glasses frame
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 621 - 945 MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 48 mm / 1 7/8 in Lens height: 39 mm / 1 9/16 in Bri...
VERSACE multicoloured cotton STRIPED TIE FRONT CROP TOP Shirt S
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Versace Jeans Couture sleeveless crop top in striped cotton (100%) in blue, red, yellow and mint. Opens with a self-tie on the front. Has been worn and is in excellent...
1990’s Gianni Versace Loud Colourful Printed fitted Cotton Crop Jacket
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Superb 1990’s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Jacket crafted in a colourful Cotton print, featuring long sleeves, zip down the centre and waist length cropped hem ! MADE IN ITALY. R...
Gianni Versace Quilted Leather Jacket Fall Winter 1990
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
A rare Gianni Versace jacket from the early 1990s, featuring quilted leather detailing that blends flamboyant visual impact with a sharply structured silhouette — a signature balance...