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.
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 ...
1990s Gianni Versace Sushi Novelty Print Versus Bodycon Vintage Sequin 90s Dress
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Fun vintage 90s GIANNI VERSACE colorful sushi novelty print bodcon sequin dress! Features vibrant colors of purple, yellow, green, turquoise, orange a...
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:...
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...
1990s Vintage Black Leather and Plastic Medusa Hand-Bag by Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a striking 1990s vintage handbag by Gianni Versace, reflecting the bold and extravagant style that defined the brand during that era. The bag is crafted from a combination of...
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 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...
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...
Versace SS1995 Navy Silk Ballerina Mini Skirt (XS)
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
VALHALLA VINTAGE Versace Spring Summer 1995 navy silk bias cut ballerina mini skirt. As seen on Kate Moss. A satin waistband and double lay...
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...
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
2000s Donatella Versace Green Pink ethereal mesh corset bustier cocktail dress
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
2000's Donatella Versace Green & Pink ethereal mesh corset cocktail dress MADE IN ITALY. Spaghetti strap shoulders, fitted Body, Concealed zip up back, hand sewn sequin detaili...
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 One Shoulder Dress with Cut out 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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. ...
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 Color Block Dress 1980s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous dress from Gianni Versace Couture in black light weight wool and green silk. It is semi fitted with fold back cuffs with elaborate cufflinks and inset shoulders all in br...
$510Sale Price|25% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Flat Cap
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth flat cap, silver tone metal small Medusa logo o side, 100% wool. Made in Italy Size: small Circumference: 59 cm ...
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...
Gianni Versace shoes 90s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
Gianni Versace White leather shoes vintage 90s Gold metal chain with Medusa and strass Made in Italy Size 39 1/2 - US 9 1/2 Heel cm. 10 Good condition Defects and marks as in the photo
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...
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 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...
2000s Versace Collection Orchid Crepe Medusa Open-Back Mermaid Gown Size 40
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A glamorous circa early-to-mid 2000s Versace Collection evening gown from the Donatella Versace era, rendered in a vivid orchid-purple crepe-textured fabric with a fluid, body-skimmi...
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 ...
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Runway Black Viscose Wrap-Style Asymmetric Dress IT42
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace's penultimate collection, this dress from the Spring/Summer 1997 season is constructed in black stretch viscose with a fluid asymmetric silhouette. It features a ...
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...
Gianni Versace New F/W 1996 Red Leather Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red leather dress by Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a squared neckline and armholes and flap patch pockets each with a large mat...
Blue draped tank top Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue draped rayon tank top
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 70s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 312 - Olive MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: SMALL Lens width: 50 mm / 1 15/16 in Lens height: 44 mm / 1 3...
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...
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. ...
Gianni Versace S/S 2000 Runway Cutout Embellished One-Piece Swimwear Swimsuit
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 2000 Runway Cutout Embellished Gold Charm One-Piece Swimwear Swimsuit Look 57 from the Spring 2000 Collection Size: IT 42 Condition: Excellent
S/S 2001 Versace by Donatella Couture Runway Pink Stripe Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Versace sunglasses from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection by Donatella Versace feature bold pink and black striped acetate frames with an angular, sculptural silhouette. The le...
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...
Vintage Versace Pink Crocodile Sunglasses with Gold Medusa
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace sunglasses from the 1990s, model 417 in color 930. Crafted with a glossy pink frame and dark tinted lenses, finished with pink crocodile leather detailing across the t...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
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...
Iconic 1990s Versace Jeans Couture Black Zip up Crop Top in Black Psychedelic
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Versace Jeans Couture Zip up Crop Top in a Black Psychedelic textured jacquard with the iconic Medusa zip detailing. Size; Small (UK 6-8) Measurements are provided in inches ...
1991 Versace Jeans Couture Pop Art Printed Jeans
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
Vintage Gianni Versace Metallic Medusa Monogram White Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is an exquisite vintage Versace shoulder bag, showcasing the brand's iconic aesthetic with luxurious detailing and craftsmanship. The bag features a metallic-toned leather and c...
A/W 1994 - 1995 Gianni Versace Pale Gold Leather Pencil Skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
An iconic Autumn / Winter 1994 -1995 Gianni Versace pencil skirt, crafted from a pale gold leather featuring a high waisted silhouette, past the knee length hem, fully lined interior...
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 ...
NWT 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Size 40 / 4 Black Silk Vintage Bondage Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Seashell Starfish Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
An iconic piece from Gianni Versace's Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this structured bustier features striking gold baroque and colorful seashell and starfish motifs evoking the gran...
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 Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for 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...
$932Sale 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 80s vintage sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 292 - 41K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 56 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 40 mm / 1 9/16 in Br...
$1,147Sale Price|35% Off
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...
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...
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...
Gianni Versace Couture Barocco Crucifix Silk Print Mens Shirt
By Versace, Gianni 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...
Versace Vintage 1990s Fitted Long Sleeve Flag Pattern Shirt with Medusa Logo
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
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...
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Blue Pop Art Heart Print 3-Piece Bikini Sarong Skirt Set
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace 3-piece bikini set from the Spring/Summer 1997 collection features an abstract pop art heart print inspired by the artwork of Jim Dine. The set includes a structu...
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Versace Tribute Collection Byzantine Baroque Print High-Waisted Jeans SZ 27
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Make a bold statement with the Versace Byzantine Baroque High-Waisted Jeans, an iconic piece from the Spring/Summer 2018 Tribute Collection, famously...
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...
$249Sale 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
Pink Versus Gianni Versace Satin Bustier Dress Size IT 40
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Pink satin bustier mini dress by Versus Gianni Versace. Sweetheart neckline. Narrow straps. Back gold-tone clasp closure. 28" bust, 30" waist, 29.5" length, 10.5" shoulder width.
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...
1997 Runway Documented Versace Lime Green Embellished Dress
By Gianni Versace, 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...