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 Early 1990's Medusa Metal Studded Black Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Gianni Versace - Early 1990's - Medusa Metal Studded Black Belt - Studs and metal medallions engraved with Medusa - Good condition: metal medallions damaged by time - M...
Gianni Versace, Medusa chain belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, Medusa chain belt in black and gold. The item is in good condition. Light discoloration on the hardware and light scratches.
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...
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...
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Belt triple golden greek chain Medusa medallion F/W 1992 Bondage
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE F/W 1992 "Bondage" Collection Belt with triple golden greek chain and Medusa medallion Measures: Width cm. from 78 to cm. 88 Medallion diameter cm. 7 - deep cm. 2...
$200Sale Price|30% Off
Istante by Gianni Versace 1990s Belt with Rhinestones Collectors Item
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This very rare beautiful in new condition 90s Istante belt by Gianni Versace with rhinestones is a luxurious and highly collectible piece from the iconic Italian fashion house's more...
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...
NWT 1980s Gianni Versace Black Oversized Studded Waist Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black patent leather Gianni Versace belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the late 1980s, this wide belt has a large angular silver-tone buckle and studs along ...
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
90-s Vintage Gianni Versace Atelier Barocco Scarf Silk with Bondage Belt Buckle
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
90-s Vintage Gianni Versace Atelier Barocco Scarf Silk with Bondage Belt Buckle Truly unique statement piece! It can be worn in many different ways! Plea...
GIANNI VERSACE great belt Bondage F/W 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Belt F/W 1992/1993 "Bondage" Extremely rare and iconic belt composed of 5 golden metal and black leather panels. On the front, in the center of the panel covered in bl...
1991 Versace Gold Medusa Chain Belt With Frosted Glass and Diamantés
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This incredible, iconic circa Fall 1991 Gianni Versace gold tone chain belt with frosted glass and diamanté Medusa charms is in absolutely impeccable vintage condition. The models wa...
$488Sale Price|66% Off
Gianni Versace Medusa Gold Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace iconic Medusa gold chain belt. Its definitely a collectable items since all the models were wearing it on the runway and champ...
Gianni Versace, Green croc stamped leather waist belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, Green croc stamped leather waist belt. The item has signs of wear on the leather (scratches and wrinkles) Hardware is in good condition.
Vintage Gianni Versace Gold Chain Medallion Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage Gianni Versace gold coin belt. Can be worn as layered necklace. Length is 110 cm. Minor tarnishing on the hardware. Comes with dust bag.
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'...
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE belt 65FR
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
Exceptional! Vintage GIANNI VERSACE belt in black leather, hardware in gilt metal. The buckle is set with multicolors rhinestones (missing 2 rhinestones see photos). In very good condition. Made in Italy. Size: 65 Length to 1st hole, last hole: 62 - 68 cm Middle hole length: 65 cm Total length buckle + Leather: 83 x 5 cm. Will be delivered in its original VERSACE...
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Medusa Eyelet Beige Belt Bag Waist Pouch
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous light beige Gianni Versace leather waist bag belt designed by Donatella Versace. From the early 2000s, this wide leather belt features a removable small envelop...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Metal Rhinestone Jaguar Motif 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 Fall/Winter 1992 collection, this incredibly rare ...
Fushia satin belt with gold metal belt-lop and red rhinestone Gianni Versace NEW
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Fushia satin belt with gold metal belt-lop and red rhinestone embellishment. Red leather lining. SIZE 70 Total lenght : 95 cm Width: 5,5cm NEW with tag
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Roman Mask Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a large gold-tone Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this belt debuted on the ...
$554Sale Price|57% Off
Gianni Versace 1990s zebra print metal belt with diamantes
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Gianni Versace is know for his use of bold prints. This metal silver tone belt from his 1990s era highlights just what the designer i known for. The belt features 17 circular links w...
1990's GIANNI VERSACE black leather belt with silver Medusa heads & Greek key
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Textured black leather belt with Greek key stamping and cutouts with silver-tone Medusa heads designed by Gianni Versace dating to the 1990's. Belt is labeled a size 70. Belt holes f...
1980s Versace Dark Purple Crocodile Belt with Gold Hardware
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Fabulous Versace belt from the 1980s made from exquisite dark purple crocodile. The rich, deep purple hue is perfectly complemented against the polished gold-tone hardware, featuring...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Rhinestone Safety Pin Medusa Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an extremely rare gold-tone Gianni Versace safety pin chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this rhinestone accented belt debuted on the season's runway as part of Look 82, modeled by Christy Turlington Burns. This belt features a Greek key chain and is complete with clusters of gold safety pins. The safety pin, a Versace house code, was made infamous when worn by Elizabeth Hurley and has been reused in more recent collections by Donatella. If this iconic house code was not Versace enough, each safety pin features a Versace Medusa relief...
Gianni Versace three chain medusa head belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Gianni Versace Gold Tone Three Chain Medusa Belt, Circa 1990s This iconic Gianni Versace belt from the 1990s exudes timeless luxury and style. Featuring a bold gold-tone finish, the...
Gianni Versace Black Satin and Rhinestone with Medusa Buckle Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace black satin and rhinestone trim with silver medusa buckle closure belt. - Made in Italy. - Size 75/30.
Gianni Versace chainmail and diamante belt c.1980's
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Gianni Versace Circa 1980s era Chainmail Gold Belt with Diamantes This iconic Gianni Versace belt, crafted in the 1980s, is a stunning example of luxury and craftsmanship. Made from...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Medusa Silk Scarf Lady Bug Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This pink scarf belt from Gianni Versace's Spring/Summer 1995 collection is crafted from silk and features a playful ladybug print. It includes large Versace Medusa medallions for de...
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Metal Black Rhinestone Roman Motif Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous gold-tone cameo Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1991 collection, similar chain belt...
$886Sale Price|46% Off
1990s Gianni Versace curb chain medusa head belt with rhinestones
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace belt is made from a gold tone gild metal. The style of the chain reflects the 90s era as it has a curb shaped chain. The belts chain is covered with clear rhinest...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace "Miss S&M" Medusa Bondage Gold Chain Fringe Large Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black leather Gianni Versace belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1992 'Miss S&M' collection, this ...
1990s Gianni Versace Purple Velvet and Pearl Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gianni Versace belt from the early 1990s. Purple cut velvet with heavy gold tone hardware and large faux pearls. Interesting details on buckle. Tonal purple top stitching. Black leat...
Gianni Versace Belt Bag - 1990s Vintage - Silver & Brass ‘Medusa Head' Studs
By Gianni Versace
Located in KENT, GB
Product Details: Gianni Versace Belt Bag - 1990s Vintage - Black Leather + Silver & Brass Stud & ‘Medusa Head’ Stud Detailing - 'Floral' Etched Silver...
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...
Vintage Gianni Versace Oversized Lizard Embossed Leather Medallion Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Gianni versace lizard embossed oversized belt with medusa hardware detailings. Such a vintage statement piece. Peeling and rubbing on the corners. Slight scuffing throughout. Slight ...
Gianni Versace, suspenders
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, Vintage suspenders with silver and gold medusas. This piece is in excellent condition.
Gianni Versace couture, Blue waist belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace couture, Blue waist belt with medusa applications. The item has some aging signs, but overall in very good condition. (1993)
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Gold Medusa Medallion Greek Key Chain Belt Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning gold Medusa Greek key Gianni Versace chain belt/necklace designed by Gianni Versace. This gorgeous belt is constructed of gold-colored metal and features a Greek key chain...
1990s Gianni Versace Gold Tone Rhinestone Greek Key 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 early 1990s, this incredibly rare chic belt featur...
VERSATILE by GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Medusa and Greek Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
VERSATILE by GIANNI VERSACE vintage iconic silver tone belt featuring greek key links and clear resin Medusa coins embellished with clear crystals. Hook clasp closure Adjustable len...
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
NWT Early 1990s Gianni Versace Red Velvet Gold Tone Pearl Accent Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous red velvet Gianni Versace belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the early 1990s, this incredible wide velvet belt features a gold-tone buckle and cluster of fau...
Rare Vintage Gianni Versace Silver Metal Safety Pin Medallion Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Very rare Gianni Versace safety pin chain belt. Such a collectible piece. In very good vintage condition with minor scuffs. Length of the belt is 80 cm, adjustable.
1980s Gianni Versace Oversized Buckle Black Croc Embossed Leather Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black leather crocodile embossed Gianni Versace belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the late 1980s, this wide belt is complete with a large angular silver-ton...
1990s Gianni Versace safety pin leather belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Gianni Versace safety pin leather belt This Gianni Versace belt from the 1990s is crafted in black leather and adorned with the house’...
Gianni Versace Belt - 1990s Vintage - Silver Medusa Head Disc - Black Leather
By Gianni Versace
Located in KENT, GB
Product Details: Gianni Versace - RARE - 1990s Vintage - Medusa Head Belt - x 3 Silver Metal ‘Medusa Head’ Discs / Front Belt - Black Leather / Main B...
1980s Gianni Versace Chain Buckle Red Crocodile Embossed Leather Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous red crocodile Gianni Versace belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the 1980s, this belt is complete with a chain belt bu...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Honors & Glories Jewelled Plate Link Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage HONORS & GLORIES belt featuring gold tone striped plate links with medals and crowns embellished with multicolor crystals, acrylic crystals, resin cabochons and enamel. Hook clasp closure Adjustable length. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy...
90s Gianni Versace Neon Green/Yellow Lambskin Leather Studs Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace neon green/yellow lambskin leather with gold and silver studs belt. - Featuring embedded gold toned Medusa and silve...
1993 GIANNI VERSACE Flower Medusa Medallion Tiered Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
A rare collectors' piece from GIANNI VERSACE 1993 Spring/ Summer collection. Features: - 100% Authentic GIANNI VERSACE. - Colourful flowers in resin, ...
90-s Rare Vintage Gianni Versace Embellished chain belt NWT
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
90-s Rare Vintage Gianni Versace Embellished chain belt Gold-Tone Metal Chain, Multi-Color Glass Beads, Enamel Gold-Tone Metal Rose, *Versace* Engraved. Total Length - 36 inches (waist size is adjustable) Prefect condition, with original tag. Shown with vintage Roberto Cavalli dress...
$311Sale Price|50% Off
1990's Versace Safety Pin Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Glasgow, GB
Vintage Leather Gianni Versace safety pin belt. Black leather with silver toned buckle embossed with silver logo stamp featuring head of medusa...
1990s Gianni Versace Double Chain Black Medusa Greek Key Gold Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful gold-tone Gianni Versace chain link belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the 1990s, this incredible belt features a Greek key link broken up black Versace Medusa...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Medusa Faux Pearl Patent Leather Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Fall/Winter 1994 collection, this chic tan patent leather Gianni Versace belt features tan patent leather straps outfitted with gold and faux pearl Versace...
$336Sale Price|48% Off
Gianni Versace Black Silk and Rhinestone with Medusa Buckle Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace black silk and rhinestone trim with silver medusa buckle closure belt. - Made in Italy. - Size 75/30.
S/S 1988 Gianni Versace Ad Oversized Rhinestone Black Ribbed Satin Black Leather
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning black wide Gianni Versace belt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1988 collection, this beautiful cloth belt features a ribbed fabric at the st...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Thin Gold Tone Rhinestone Medusa Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible thin gold-tone Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. This chic belt is constructed from the Spring/Summer 1...
S/S 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Baroque Print Black Belt Gold Chain
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed by Donatella Versace for the Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this leather cloth-covered belt features a bold blue and orange floral pattern. Not fully wrapping...
Gianni Versace Silk Scarf Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Silk Scarf Belt from the 1990's. A silk twill Versace scarf is folded on the bias and then leather belt tabs are added. They a...
Gianni Versace, White leather and metal braided belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, White leather and metal braided belt. The item is in good condition. Metal has light scratches and white leather has light discoloration.
Gianni Versace gold tone square chain belt c.1990's
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Gianni Versace Gold Heavy Square Belt with Medusa Head Details This stunning Gianni Versace gold belt is a bold statement piece, combining lu...