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 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...
$1,497Sale Price|40% Off
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Yellow Leather Lace Overlay Mini Sleeveless Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Fall/Winter 1996 collection, this sleeveless mini dress features a bold yellow leather base with an intricate floral lace overlay. Approximate measurements: S...
F/W 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Mens Silver Snakeskin Moto Zip Jacket IT48
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a silver snakeskin Gianni Versace moto-style jacket, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2000 men’s collection, a version of this jacket debuted on the sea...
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...
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 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...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Halter Plunging Neckline Medusa Logo Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Halter Plunging Neckline Medusa Logo Fuchsia Dress IT 44 Vintage preowned condition, some lights marks throughout.
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...
21st Century Gianni Versace Couture Red Patent Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
Vintage Versace Mod N55 Sleek Silver Frame Sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Super 1990'S Gianni Versace Mod N 55 Sleek Silver Frame. Light Mirrored ( Uv Protection ) Lenses. New, Never Worn Or Displayed. This Pair Show Some Sign Of Wear Due To Storage, M...
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Printed Silk Medusa Medallion Button Down IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque patterns and features a vibrant ancient monument motif. This stunning archival top...
Vintage Gianni Versace Mod 2034 Rimless Shield Sunglasses 1990's Italy Y2K
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace Rimless Metallic Grey frame Holding a Medium Grey Mono lense. New, Never worn. It May Show So Minor Sign Of Wear Due To more Than 20 Years Of Storage. Made i...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Navy Shearling Trench Coat IT40
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible navy and grey Gianni Versace shearling coat designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, this coat d...
Gianni Versace Red Silk Bondage Corset Top, fw 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Gianni Versace Bondage Corset ▪ Creative Director: Gianni Versace ▪ Fall-Winter 1992 ▪ Museum Grade ▪ Constructed from multiple red channel sti...
90s Gianni Versace Vintage Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
90s Gianni Versace Vintage Dress size 46-48 tag is worn out Armpit Width: 43 cm / 16.93 inches Length: 130cm / 51.18 inches Hips (volume/width): 92 ...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Lady Bug Garden Baroque Button Up Silk Top IT44
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque pattern and ladybug/butterfly print. This stunning archival top...
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...
$789Sale Price|20% Off
VERSUS Gianni Versace rare black leather jumpsuit dress
By Gianni Versace, Versus 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...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Medusa Silk Baroque Horology Button Top IT38
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a splendid printed silk button-up blouse designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1993 collection. Featuring multiple King Louis XIV-style clocks, multiple Medusa cameos, Roman numerals, golden sun buttons, and a hidden-button front closure, this shirt is truly a work of art. Reminiscent of the house's iconic 'Le Roi Soleil' print, this piece expresses Gianni's famed love for art and its history. Perfect for any art lover or Versace collector...
Gianni Versace herringbone tweed coat with blue fox fur collar, fw 1999
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace tweed coat ▪ Designed by Donatella Versace ▪ Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Constructed from blue and white herringbone cashmere-wool tweed ▪ Deta...
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 / 2 1/16 in Lens height: 45 mm / 1 3/4 in Bridge: 20 mm ...
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 Mod 2091B Half Frame Shield Sunglasses 90's Italy Y2K
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace Half Frame Shield Silver and Dark Purple frame with Medium Grey lenses. New, Never worn. It May Show So Minor Sign Of Wear Due To more Than 20 Years Of Storag...
RARE Gianni Versace Couture 1998 Embroidered Evening Dress Gown as on Courtney
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
A VERY RARE AND UNIQUE DRESS CREATED BY GIANNI VERSACE BEFORE HIS DEAD OWN A PIECE OF FASHION HISTORY A TRUE GEM - SO HARD TO FIND Gorgeous GIANNI VERSACE gown Pink and black silk Hand-stitched embroidey Designed by Gianni Versace himself, it was on of the last items before his death This dress was seen on Courtney Love and Stella Tennant...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Cream Silk Satin Sharply Fitted Dress With Stretch Wool At
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
There are a few minor flaws and this dress is priced as-is. Still very wearable just not mint condition. 1990S GIANNI VERSACE Cream Silk Satin Sharply Fitted Dress With Stretch Wool ...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Strap Black Leather Medusa Mini Bag Crossbody
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace black leather mini bag from the Fall/Winter 1992 collection features signature bondage straps and gold-tone Medusa hardware. The bag comes with dual top handles a...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Versace Crystal Pump 39
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of gorgeous gold rhinestone Gianni Versace heels, designed by Donatella Versace. From the collection, Spring/Summer 2000 these stunning heels feature an abstract design made up of copper, silver, and gold rhinestones that wrap around the toe and ankle. Featured in the season's ad campaign modeled by Amber Valetta and photographed by Steven Meisel, these heels debuted on the season's runway as part of look 23 modeled by Alexandra Egorova. Well documented, these heels were featured in British Vogue in a 1999 editorial spread by Raymond Meier and were also worn by Beyonce...
1998 ATELIER VERSACE haute couture silk RUNWAY coat
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare Atelier Versace coat from the Spring 1998 collection, made in lustrous purple silk. The silhouette falls in a subtle A-line with a gently fitted bodice, long sleeves, and a...
GIANNI VERSACE 1994 Vintage crystal Medusa button double breasted bondage top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE 1994 Vintage black crystal Medusa button double breasted bondage top Reference: TGAS/D00735 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni V...
$344Sale Price|25% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Denim Contrast Cuff Cropped Mako Cotton Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Denim Blue Contrast Cuff Cropped Mako cotton Blouse, Made in Italy Pit to pit measurement is 44cm, length is 48cm Size: 38 Italian 8 UK 0-2 USA C...
1990s Gianni Versace leather jacket with gold studs details
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Gianni Versace leather jacket with gold studs details This 1990s Gianni Versace leather jacket features bold gold stud detailing across the chest, creating a powerful graphic ...
Gianni Versace green oroton metal chainmail evening top, ss 2003
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace green Oroton metal chainmail evening vest ▪ 100% Aluminium, 100% Silk ▪ Spaghetti straps ▪ Zip fastening at side seam ▪ IT 40 - FR 36 - ...
Versace 1991 Marilyn Monroe / Betty Boop Pop Art dress jacket suit
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Versace 1991 Marilyn Monroe / Betty Boop Pop Art dress jacket suit Brand line: Versace jeans couture Print is iconic! This archival item was designed by the late Gianni Versace usin...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Pink Printed Silk Convertible Clutch
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This stunning, convertible Versace clutch is constructed in a silk pink jungle print. Front and center, a mirrored gold medusa plaque accents the snap closure. Donatella designed this convertible clutch for the Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 2000 collection and prominently featured versions in the season's runway and ad campaign with Amber Valletta. The yellow version was worn by Lil Kim and captured by David Lachapelle. British Vogue featured this bag in a blue python variation in an editorial spread by Raymond Meier...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Black Bodycon Stretch Dress Leather Metal IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful lack body-con Gianni Versace Couture dress with leather straps, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1995 collection, this dress is constructed o...
Important Vintage 1990s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Op Art Belted 90s Jacket
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Important, and super rare vintage 90s GIANNI VERSACE Jeans Couture fitted op-art geo floral printed jacket! Amazing fit, with an equally impressive signature Versace print. Attached ...
Vintage Versace F/W 2003 Black Angora Wool Fox Cut Out Coat Italian 38
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Rare and iconic Versace runway coat from the Fall/Winter 2003 collection, designed by Donatella Versace. This striking black coat is crafted from soft Angora wool, featuring luxuriou...
Vintage Gianni Versace 1990's Colorful Pop Art Corduroy Waistcoat - Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Vibrant 1990's Vintage VERSACE JEANS COUTURE waistcoat in a colorful corduroy Horse Print material, The Garment features a pop-art'esque pattern with Various abstract pictures of H...
1980s Gianni Versace Camel Cashmere Overcoat W/ Faux Leopard Lining
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Gianni Versace Camel Color Wool & Cashmere Overcoat W/ Faux Leopard Lining. Sculpted fur collar, brass buttons at collar. Full, boxy, overcoat...
Gianni Versace 70s sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 310 - 926 MADE IN: ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 50 mm Bridge: 18 mm Temple-to-temple width: 135 mm COLO...
1990s Gianni Versace Black Nylon Medusa Embroidered Drawstring Tote
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 1990s, this black nylon Gianni Versace tote showcases a large embroidered Versace Medusa on the front. It is accented with gold-tone Versace Medusa reliefs at the base of ea...
2003FW Gianni Versace runway gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Introducing a breathtaking masterpiece: the mesmerizing purple Gianni Versace gown, expertly crafted by the visionary designer Donatella Versace. This remarkable creation hails from ...
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...
$928Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Red Shoes with Jewel
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning pair of Gianni Versace decolletè from the 90s. Exceptionally designed and made wonderfully detailed. Gianni Versace's label inside the shoe. The heel measures 7 cm. The shoe...
Gianni Versace "Native American" Print Silk Shirt
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A very rare true piece of wearable art created by Gianni Versace, circa 1993. A beautiful Gianni Versace Silk Print in excellent condition, the "Nat...
S/S 2000 Vintage Gianni Versace Crystal Embellished Pink Sandals 39.5 – 9.5 NWT
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Editor’s note: S/S 2000 Vintage Gianni Versace Crystal Embellished Sandals Details: Size 39.5 – 9.5 Silk, PVC, Crystals Condition: Brand new, in original box
Versace Dress With Assymetric Hem
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace, sheer, mesh jersey, slip dress with asymmetric hemline. Bias cut panels are placed at the bust at the center of the dress and at the back. Biker shorts underpinning ...
Gianni Versace Vintage 80s Bustier Top & Balloon Trousers Black Silk Set
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Versace by Gianni Versace Vintage 1980s silk/wool mix and velvet fabric set . This elegant designer outfit shows the bold, structured style that was popular in the 1980s. The set is ...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Gold Tone Medusa Medallion Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible gold-tone Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this chic belt debu...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Ad Red Genuine Eel Skin Shoulder Bag
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace shoulder bag from the Spring/Summer 2002 collection by Donatella Versace is crafted in glossy red genuine eel skin. The sculptural silhouette features a strap wit...
1990's Vintage Gianni Versace Jeans off White Ribbed Turtle Neck Bodysuit XL
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Vintage 1990's Versace Jeans Couture white long sleeve, high leg bodysuit with Zip down Medusa collar. Made from stretchy, white ribbed fabric. MADE IN ITALY. Features: Long sleev...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Rhinestone Gold Shell Jewel Chain Crossbody Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a truly incredible sea motif Gianni Versace shoulder bag, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this bag debuted on the season’s runway as pa...
$4,177Sale Price|52% Off
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 1997 Runway Naomi Campbell Sheer Gray Lace Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Milano, IT
- Gianni Versace Grey lace evening logo strap dress - Sold by Skof.Archive - Designed by Gianni Versace - Spring-Summer 1997 Couture - Debuted on Naomi Campbell who walked with Gia...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Yellow Poly Blend Stretch Gown With High Slits And Matchin
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Yellow Poly Blend Stretch Gown With High Slits And Matching Shorts
1990s Gianni Versace Black Braided Leather Chain Accent Mini Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace mini skirt from the mid-1990s is cut in a fitted silhouette with a straight hem. It is made from black textured leather with horizontal rows of gold-tone chain li...
Gianni Versace 1990s Multi-Colored Plaid Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gianni Versace 1990s, this colorful Silk button down shirt features a layered multi-colored plaid print mixed with Versace's signature Baroque designs and Medusa heads. Includes a hi...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 70s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 314 - Blue Marble MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Small Lens width: 50 mm / 1 15/16 in Lens height: 45 mm / 1 3/...
Gianni Versace Arlecchino Print Silk Print Button-Up Shirt circa 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Gianni Versace Arlecchino Print Silk Print Button-Up Shirt from circa 1992 exemplifies the bold, eclectic aesthetic characteristic of early '90s high fashion. Crafted from luxur...
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 293 - 41K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 51 mm / 2 in Lens height: 37 mm / 1 7/16 in Bridge: 19 mm ...
1980s Gianni Versace Red Kid Leather Gloves w Cashmere Lining & Tassel Chain
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Gianni Versace Red Kid Leather Gloves with Tan Cashmere Lining & Chrome Chain Link with Tassel at wrist. Ready to wear, in beautiful condition. Fits up to size 8.