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 FW 1993 Medusa Leather Boots 38.5 Vintage
By Gianni Versace
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Iconic Gianni Versace Couture boots belonging to the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, one of the maison's most recognizable designs. The design recalls the theatrical and baroque aesthet...
1980s Gianni Versace Vintage Color Block Black White Leather Pumps
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This is a pair of authentic vintage Gianni Versace pumps, crafted in Italy from high-quality leather. Featuring a distinct 1980s aesthetic, the shoes present a striking asymmetrical ...
$226Sale Price|25% Off
1990s Vintage Versus Versace Tweed Patent Leather Stiletto Heels Geometric Print
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in London, GB
Vintage pumps from Versus Versace capture the distinctive aesthetic of the early to mid-1990s — a decade defined by bold silhouettes, playful textures, and architectural design detai...
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
$175Sale Price|28% Off
Gianni Versace Caramel Brown Leather Ankle Strap Pumps Size 41
By Gianni Versace
Located in University City, MO
Gianni Versace Caramel brown leather ankle strap pumps Size 41 The stylish Italian pumps are designed with high stiletto heels Designed by Gianni Versace Made in Italy Stamped Size 41 The spike heels measure 3" inches high The interior length from the center rounded toe to the back edge of the heel following the curve measures 10.75 inches The interior ball of the foot measures 3 inches wide The shoes apprear new have a few tiny minor exterior scuffs The original ankle strap has been replaced with a dark brown velvet ankle strap; that is not original to the shoe or Versace Does not come with Versace shoe...
Versace black leather triple platform heels.
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Versace black leather triple platform heels These striking Versace heels are crafted from smooth black leather and set on an ultra-high triple platform with a sculptural gold metal...
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...
$928Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Red Shoes with Jewel
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
F/W 1996 NOS Gianni Versace Baby Blue Crystal Pump Heel 36
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of baby blue open-toe Gianni Versace heels, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, these heels debuted as part of look 9 on the season's runway modeled by Trish Goff...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Medusa Gem Rhinestone Chain Medallion Black Satin EU37
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning pair of Gianni Versace shoes created by the house's creator. This fabulous pair of satin strap heels are perfectly elevated with gold Versace Medusa medallions ...
Silver leather sandal with chain on the heel VERSACE
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silver leather sandal with chain along the heel . Buckle closure on the top side. Heel height : 10cm Shoe size : 39 (It)
Versace Chocolate Brown Leather Pumps in Versace Box Size 39 c 1990
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in University City, MO
Versace brown leather pumps in Versace box Size 39 The stylish Italian pumps are covered with glossy chocolate brown leather Designed with a matching s...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Mare Heel Heels 36EU
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of gold Gianni Versace Mare motif sandal heels, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, similar gold ...
New S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Rhinestone Black Suede Kitten Heels 37
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Gianni Versace mule heels from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection by Donatella Versace are crafted in black suede with a sharply pointed toe and slender heel. The vamp is embell...
GIANNI VERSACE FW 2001 Demin Style Distressed Leather Clutch Bag & Boots Set
By Gianni Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
FANTASTIC GIANNI VERSACE DENIM/JEANS-STYLE DISTRESSED LEATHER CLUTCH BAG & BOOTS SET AS SHOWN ON THE RUNWAY SHOW AND AD CAMPAIGN SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY Impossible to find! ...
Gianni Versace Sandals - 1980s Vintage - Gold Leather Plaited Straps - EU 37.5
By Gianni Versace
Located in KENT, United Kingdom
Product Details: Gianni Versace - 1980s Vintage - Sandals - Gold Leather + Black Cord Plaited Front Strap Detailing - Electric Blue Leather Soles - Made in Italy Era: 1980s Vintage ...
$336Sale Price|49% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s Pink Red Leather High Heels with Medusa
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Gianni Versace rare iconic pinkred high heels from the 90s with a little Medusa head on it are a real eyecatcher! Gianni Versace was an iconic Italian fashion designer known for his ...
Gianni Versace Python Heels
By Gianni Versace
Located in Eivissa, ES
This exquisite pair of Gianni Versace heels showcases the brand’s dedication to luxury and bold design.Crafted from vibrant blue genuine python leather, these heels are a true statement piece, seamlessly blending exotic materials with refined craftsmanship. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of high-end vintage footwear, they exude sophistication and allure. · Material: genuine python leather in a striking blue finish · Color: vibrant blue with natural python patterning · Size: EU 39 / US 8.5, ideal for a standard fit · Condition: excellent vintage condition These Gianni Versace python...
Gianni Versace Fur and Water Snake Leather Heel Sandals
By Gianni Versace
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Gianni Versace high heel sandals in white leather, size 36 EU. Condition: Really good.
Gianni Versace by Donatella Purple 3" Beaded Heel Pumps EU38
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beaded heel purple linen Versace pump, designed by Donatella Versace. This pair of heels is constructed primarily of lilac linen and feature...
Vintage Gianni Versace Cone Heels Sandals
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gianni Versace Cone Heels Sandals Vintage multistrap black Gianni Versace Sandals with plastic heels imitating elephant tusks. Year: 1991 100% leather Size: 38 Heels: 11...
Gianni Versace Camel Leather Pumps by Sergio Rossi
By Gianni Versace, Sergio Rossi
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and refined vintage Gianni Versace pumps crafted in smooth camel leather, featuring striking black geometric inserts along the sides and heel...
NEW F/W 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Ad Runway Black Patent Leather Heel Boots 37C
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of iconic black patent leather Gucci heeled boots designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, these boots debuted ...
NEW Gucci Burgundy Strappy Patent Leather Sandals with Knot Detail Size IT 36
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
Strappy patent leather sandals Knot detail at side Adjustable buckle closure High heel Heel height: 4.1 in Leather sole Color: Burgundy (Rosso Ancora) Finish: Patent leather Made in ...
1990s Manolo Blahnik Feather Embroidered Kitten Heel Mules
By Manolo Blahnik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990s Manolo Blahnik kitten heel mules. Dark navy blue grosgrain with large tan and beige embroidered feathers on the toe box. Rounded pointed toes. Size 39. Worn vintage condition, ...
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld 14P Runway Patent Sock Boots – EU 39
By Chanel
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Step into high fashion history with these rare CHANEL sock boots from the 2014 Spring Runway Collection, designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld. A standout piece from the show, these ...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era Lotus Slides * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 His Final Coll...
Dior John Galliano Vintage Screw Logo Plaque Bondage Wedge Slide Mules 35.5
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Dior John Galliano Vintage Screw Logo Plaque Bondage Wedge Slide Mules 35.5 Color Black Size 35.5EU Heel Height 4.25in Patent leather Leather instep Sculpted high heel Slip on Hard...
CHRISTIAN DIOR Brown Quilted Knee-High Stiletto Boots circa 2000
By Christian Dior
Located in Genève, CH
An elegant pair of brown quilted knee-high stiletto boots by Christian Dior, distinguished by the house’s iconic Cannage stitching. Crafted with an almond-shaped toe and softly ruche...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL SS 2005 Avocado Heels Suede Pumps Sz 39
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent Debut Collection Brand New Size 39 Spring Summer 2005 * Detachable Feather Embellishment * Leather Insole * Square Toe * 3.5" Heel * With Box...
Gucci Black Strappy Heels Braided Leather Sandals 7.5 Y2K Tom Ford
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Gucci by Tom Ford black leather strappy heels featuring intricate braided leather, a caged silhouette and slim stiletto heel. These Gucci b...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era Lotus Slides * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 His Final Collection for YSL 2004...
90s Gianfranco Ferre Navy Suede Knee High Boots
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous! Navy suede knee high boots with contrasting navy leather detailing around the heel and toe giving off a sort of Edwardian vibe. There is laser cut out design on the toe th...
Dior Spring 2005 Red Leather Whipstitch CD Buckle dOrsay Block Heels 41
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in San Jose, CA
Dior by John Galliano Spring 2005 red leather whipstitch heels from the iconic Dior era that defined early 2000s luxury fashion. Crafted in rich red leather with contrast whipstitch detailing, oversized CD logo hardware, rounded toe silhouette, and substantial block heel. Originally featured in the Spring 2005 collection and highly sought after by collectors of Galliano-era Dior. A standout piece for collectors of vintage Dior, Y2K designer fashion, archive luxury, runway-era accessories, and early 2000s designer footwear. Features: Christian Dior by John Galliano Spring 2005 Collection Red leather construction CD logo buckle detail Contrast whipstitch trim Block heel Made in Italy Size 41 Includes Dior dust bag A rare opportunity to own an authentic piece from one of the most collectible periods in Dior history. Keywords: Galliano Dior, Dior 2005, vintage Dior shoes...
GIANNI VERSACE Size 11 Black Greca Leather High Top Sneakers
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIANNI VERSACE sneakers in a black leather featuring a high top style with woven ankle design, stitched Greca pattern, and lace-up closure. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Conditio...
Gianni Versace Zebra Print Ponny Hair Boots
By Gianni Versace
Located in Eivissa, ES
These rare vintage Gianni Versace boots are a stunning example of the brand's bold and luxurious design ethos. Crafted in genuine pony hair with a striking zebra print, these boots embody the glamour and confidence synonymous with Versace. Featuring a sharp stiletto heel and sleek silhouette, they are a collector’s piece that blends avant-garde style with timeless elegance. Material: Upper: genuine pony hair with a bold black-and-beige zebra print. Trim: smooth black leather accents. Lining: soft leather interior for added comfort. Design Features: Pony hair boots with Side zip closure for easy wear while maintaining a streamlined design. Size: EU 39 1/2 Color: black and beige zebra print with black leather detailing. Condition: excellent vintage condition Perfect for evening wear or as a statement piece, these Gianni Versace zebra...
Versace Leather Medusa Platform Loafers
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Current Season - Versace Leather Medusa Platform Loafers Baby pink, leather loafers with block high heel, black contrasting soles and a gold metal M...
Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Purple Satin Open Toe Slingback with Rhinestones
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
The vintage 90s Gianni Versace purple satin open-toe slingback with rhinestones is a glamorous and iconic shoe design from the fashion house of Gianni Ver...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Metallic Python Heel Boots Size 37
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of metallic python skin Gianni Versace heel boots designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1999 collection, these boots debuted on the season's Atelier Versace runway with a similar pair worn by Lil Kim. These heeled boots are constructed entirely of metallic python and are complete with gold studs at the heel. Add these sexy ultra-rare Gianni Versace boots...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Python Feather Heel Boots Size 40
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a pair of metallic python skin Gianni Versace heel boots, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1999 collectio...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Runway Medusa Black Snakeskin Loafer Sling Pump Size 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of black faux snakeskin Gianni Versace pumps, designed by Gianni Versace. From Fall/Winter 1994, these pumps are constructed with a loa...
F/W 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Versace Black Quilted Beaded Heel Size 37
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a pair of black velvet embroidered Gianni Versace heels, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, these beautiful heels feature quilted velvet, a floral and star motif beaded embellishment, and ankle straps. The matching bag for this perfect pair of Y2K heels...
1990s Gianni Versace Gold Medusa Red Croc Embossed Patent Leather Boots
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a pair of red hot crocodile embossed Gianni Versace boots, designed by Gianni Versace. These stunning heels boots are from the 1990s and feature a golden Medusa...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Coral Beaded Embroidered Pony Hair Heels
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: coral-beaded pony hair kitten heels by Donatella for the Gianni Versace S/S 1999 collection. Botanic-inspired embroidery on camel-toned pony hair is sure to elevate any look. These heels feature the same coral beading that is featured on our haute couture Atelier Versace corset...
Gianni Versace New Size 37.5 Safety Pin Boots 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous black leather boots from Gianni Versace Versus Collection. They are calf height with a lug sole and heel and a large gold 3.5" medusa head adorned safety pin in the back. ...
1980s GIANNI VERSACE 8 Gold Metallic VOGUE Print Leather Pumps
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
These iconic vintage circa late 1980's GIANNI VERSACE pumps come in a metallic gold leather with asymmetrical, multi-color patchwork VOGUE tribute...