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.
NWT Vintage Gianni Versace Zebra Print Fur Leather Men's Coat Italian 56 US 46
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Vintage Gianni Versace White Label Zebra Print Fur Leather Men's Coat F/W 1999 Collection Iconic Zebra Print Leather Pony Hair, Double Breasted, Four P...
1990s Gianni Versace Black Shiny Latex Cropped Jacket with Medusa Buttons
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Vintage 1990's classic Versace cropped jacket in a glossy black latex fabric with iconic silver metal Medusa buttons and plush quilted lining. MADE IN ITALY. Features: Chest pocke...
F/W 2000 Vintage Gianni Versace Nude Python Runway shoes 38.5-8.5 NWT
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE shoes From Iconic F/W 2000 Collection As seen on runway and ad campaign Content: 100% Python skin Gold leather trim Heel is 4" Lining: 100% leather Made in Italy Siz...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage blue lace satin panels blue crystal body suit top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage blue lace satin panels blue crystal body suit top Reference: TGAS/D00361 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Feels like polyester Color: B...
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Blue Marmot Fur Jacket Coat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Blue Marmot Fur Jacket Coat Seen on Look 8 on the Runway in the beige color and on Kim Kardashian in the cropped version. Size IT 42 Condition: great vint...
$266Sale Price|25% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Houndstooth Wool Leather Winter Gloves
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace Houndstooth wool winter gloves, black leather, Medusa silver toned metal logo, Made in Italy Condition: 1990s, vintage, good, slight sig...
Gianni Versace Massive Medusa Heads and Flower Iconic Belt Spring Summer 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE iconic quadruple gold toned greca motif belt featuring massive red resin Medusa head medallions and multicolored resin flowers embellishement. 1993 Spring/Summer Coll...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 312 - Red Marble MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 52 mm / 2 1/16 in Lens height: 45 mm / 1 3/4...
Gianni Versace Black wool skirt with overlapping pleats, vintage 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Genova, IT
Black Gianni Versace skirt from the 1980s with overlapping pleats ABOUT An elegant vintage Versace skirt with a design that blends tailoring and modernity through an interplay of ...
$6,480Sale Price|34% Off
1992 Gianni Versace 'Malevich' inspired unisex bomber jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
A rare and important '90s Gianni Versace ‘Malevich’ inspired bomber jacket – designed for the men's 1992 Spring/Summer Collection – but with its cheerful, ...
$582Sale Price|40% 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...
Rare 1991 Gianni Versace Embroidered Shell Buster
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Rare 1991 Gianni Versace Embroidered Shell Buster. Shell cups densely embroidered with red bugle beads; cobalt and clear rhinestone striatio...
Lace overlay pants and blouse set Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Cream Wool Crepe Cigarette Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Cream Wool Crepe Cigarette Pants
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Runway Black Wool Coat with Leather Paneling
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Oakland, CA
F/W Dontella Versace-era Gianni Versace Couture peak lapel wool runway coat with leather paneling. The coat has snap-front closure and two front zipper pockets. The coat is tagged ...
Gianni Versace 1994 Barocco Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Oakland, CA
Gianni Versace 1994 "Barocco" patterned silk shirt. The color are vibrant with no fading. Button down collar. Hidden button placket. Fabric is s...
Long evening pencil black skirt fully embroidered Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long evening pencil black skirt fully embroidered with glass beads on a black velvet base. Split on middle back in the bottom lenght: 23 cm
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Multicolor Geometric Silk Men's Shirt Sz 50
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Multicolor Geometric Silk Men's Shirt Sz 50
GIANNI VERSACE gold barocco baroque leopard print leather top handle micro bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE gold barocco baroque leopard print leather top handle micro bag Reference: KNCN/A00005 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Model: Barocco micro bag Collecti...
Gianni Versace sunglasses for women
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 294 - 07K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 80s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 54 mm / 2 1/8 in Lens height: 48 mm / 1 7/8 in Bridge...
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...
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...
Gianni Versace Low Back Mesh Insert Dress, 1999
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Gianni Versace Low Back Mesh Insert Dress, 1999 Sensual and unmistakably late 1990s, this rare Gianni Versace black evening dress from 1999 embodies the sleek body conscious glamour ...
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 Black Fringe Leather Pants, Fall/Winter 1992.
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Fringe Leather Pants, F/W 1992. Documented Gianni Versace black leather fringe pants with studded accents. Fall/Winter 1992 Front...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Broderie Anglaise Mini Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace by Donatella mini skirt suit from the Spring/Summer 2002 collection is cut in a fitted silhouette with a long-sleeve jacket and matching mini skirt. It is crafted...
Sheer blouse by Gianni Versace.
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Sheer blouse by Gianni Versace. Description: This blouse is made of sheer white mesh with floral embroidery. Details: The blouse has long cuffed sleeves and a turn-down collar. The ...
Gianni Versace for Istante Vintage Black Embossed Black Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sparks, NV
Unlined Back Zip and Hook Closure Designer: Gianni Versace Label: Istante Estimated size: S-M Color: Black Bust: 36" Waist: 28" Hips: 34" Shoulder: 16.5" Sleeve: 14" Tot...
GIANNI VERSACE S/S 1997 Runway Vintage Satin Lace Embroidered Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
GIANNI VERSACE S/S 1997 Runway Vintage Satin Embroidered Dress Gown IT 42 Gianni Versace sleeveless satin maxi dress with V-neck, embroidery at top, slit ...
1990s Gianni Versace Napoleon cropped tailored jacket with contrast leather trim
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Gianni Versace Napoleon cropped tailored jacket with contrast leather trim This cropped Napoleon-style jacket from Gianni Versace’s 1990s production features bold contrast lea...
$578Sale Price|20% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Size 8 Black Python Leather Side Zipper Ankle Boots
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIANNI VERSACE boots in a stunning black python leather featuring an ankle style, leather sole, and side zipper closure. Note: these boots are two slightly different sizes. Size in l...
$1,347Sale Price|40% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Sheer Black Lace Panel Leather Blazer Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 1990s Gianni Versace blazer jacket is crafted from smooth black leather and features a tailored, fitted silhouette. A notched lapel collar and three-button closure define the fr...
1980s Gianni Versace metallic chainmail belted leather jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1980s Gianni Versace chainmail belted leather jacket This 1980s Gianni Versace jacket is a rare archival piece featuring chainmail inserts, s...
$842Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Bordeaux Faux Leather Handle Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Amazing and rare handle bag designed by Gianni Versace in the 1990s in burgundy crocodile print faux leather. The bag is medium to small in size and has the shape of a bowling bag wi...
Gianni Versace Men's leather coat Coat Size L - D0762
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kaunas, LT
Gianni Versace leather coat for Men in brown. Leather material. Comparable new Gianni Versace coats typically retail for around 1,200 € to 4,500 €. Condition: pre-owned; good vint...
Gianni Versace Intensive Vintage C. 1990's Cutout Open Back Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace Intensive Vintage C.1990's Cutout Open Back Mini Dress IT 42 mannequin 84.5 cm x 62 cm x 91 cm mannequin 33.35 in x 24.49 in x 35.79 in Versace Intensive vintage...
1995 Gianni Versace Black Sweetheart Neckline Rhinestone Medusa Dress 44IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From 1995, this fitted black Gianni Versace dress debuted on the Spring season's Atelier Versace runway, modeled by Shalom Harlow. This dress was further highlighted by model Claudia...
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...
Versace Spring/Summer 2009 Runway Look 6 Ivory Gold Zip Halter Dress
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
An exceptional documented runway design from Versace’s Spring/Summer 2009 Ready-to-Wear collection under Donatella Versace, this sculptural ivory dress embodies the precise, body-con...
1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Black Wool Jumpsuit with Medallions
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Iconic 1992 Gianni Versace Black Wool and Silk Jumpsuit with original tags. Features Silk Faille Bands over Embroidered Net Bodice; Gold-tone Medallion Accents with inset Amber Color...
$1,977Sale Price|40% Off
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Metallic Brown Floral Lace Medusa Mini 40IT
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing a stunning brown lace Gianni Versace dress, designed by Gianni Versace for his Fall/Winter 1996 collection. This exquisite dress showcases the same intricate lace-overlay...
Versace HOBO bag in cream leather and suede with metal studs, 2000
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Hobo women bag by the Italian stylist Gianni Versace in 90s. Designed in a unique and beautiful silhouette, this Versace hobo bag will be a special addition to any wardrobe. It is ma...
Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Embellished Backless Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Embellished Backless Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Look 46 from the Spring 2001 Collection. Coral Gianni Versace embellished...
Gianni Versace Medusa safety pins golden metal chainmail top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Gianni Versace 1990s top Golden metal chainmail Medusa safety pins and enameled decor Signed on the closure Measurements: armholes circumference 28 cm - 11 in Good condition, some...
1990s Gianni Versace Black and Gold Iconic Medusa Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1990s Gianni Versace black and gold scarf embodies the brand’s bold and luxurious aesthetic, featuring the iconic Medusa motif, a signature symbol of power and opulence. The sca...
Gianni Versace Typhoon Line Short Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace bright purple wool blend faced with chrome yellow satin short evening dress. Cowl neckline and asymetrical front draping forming t...
NWT Gianni Versace S/S 2002 Plunging Backless Semi Sheer Lace Ivory Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
NWT Gianni Versace S/S 2002 Plunging Neckline Halter Backless Semi Sheer Corset Style Lace Up Ivory Dress Gown IT 44
Gianni Versace Couture 90s Metallic Mesh Silver Top It. 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Iconic from 90's Metallic Mesh Italian size 38 Silver-tone Metallic Mesh This top has a matching draping metal scarf that is perma...
21st Century Gianni Versace Couture Red Patent Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
Gianni Versace Gold Metal Mesh Evening Dress with Crystal Barbed Straps, FW 1998
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This rare Gianni Versace dress from the Fall-Winter 1998 collection is constructed from gold-tone metal mesh, showcasing a structured, fitted silhouette with a straight-cut design. T...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Safety Pin Medusa Pierced Black Leather Belted IT38
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black leather Gianni Versace mini skirt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this skirt debuted on the s...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Safety Pin Cut Out Black Leather Mini Runway Backpack
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare punk-inspired mini backpack designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1994 collection. Multiple variations of this bag were worn in various looks in the season's runway presentation and the ad campaign on Linda Evangelista, shot by Richard Avedon. This bag is covered in the house's iconic Medusa safety pins, made famous by the safety pin dress worn by Elizabeth...
$10,396Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Rhinestone Bustier Catsuit Documented IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible Gianni Versace Couture bustier catsuit designed by Gianni Versace. This fabulous one-piece debuted on Carla Bruni on the Fall/Winter 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture runway and Beverly Peele...
Gianni Versace S/S 1998 Runway Vintage Wet Liquid Look Cutout Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1998 Runway Vintage Wet Liquid Look Cutout Evening Dress Gown IT 38 Gianni Versace black and red lining strapless evening dress featuring high leg slit and a body...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage blue lace satin panels blue crystal body suit top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage blue lace satin panels blue crystal body suit top Reference: TGAS/D00361 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Materi...
Gianni Versace 1995 Jazz Age Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
All the funky vibes in these jazz age print jeans by Gianni Versace Couture! From spring/summer 1995, these funky jeans feature a multi-colored design of blue...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Red Embossed Leather Medusa Large Tote Bag
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vibrant red crocodile-embossed Gianni Versace top-handle bag, designed in the 1990s. Constructed of bright red leather, it prominently features a gold-tone Medusa at the front a...
Gianni Versace Vintage 1980s 80s Gray Wool Pleated Pants or Trousers
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sparks, NV
Simple and chic vintage dark gray trousers with pleated front by Gianni Versace. Details: Unlined Side Pockets Side Hook Closure Marked Size: 44 C...
$792Sale Price|20% Off
VERSUS Gianni Versace rare black leather jumpsuit dress
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
VERSUS Gianni Versace early 1990's Rare black leather mini dress. Overalls suspender style design, a-line skirt, side zipper, gunmetal silver lion head details. 100% leather Size It...
Vintage Versace Rimless Metallic Pink Frame Sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace Mod 1080 Rimless Metallic Pink Frame Sunglasses Holding pair of Medium Rose lenses. New, Never worn. It May Show So Minor Sign Of Wear Due To more Than 20 Year...