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 golden metal medallion bracelet 1990'
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Golden metal medaillon bracelet 1990' Composed of medallions of various sizes with the symbols of the house Bayonet closure Made in Italy Width cm. 18 Height cm....
Gianni Versace Vintage Iconic Gold Toned Medusa Crystal Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage iconic large gold toned Medusa links surrounded with clear crystals. Box clasp closure. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : len...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Gold Tone Medusa Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage gold tone bracelet featuring iconic Medusa links. Fold over clasp closure. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : length approx. 1...
Gilt Metal
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Wide Silver-Tone Cuff Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage wide silver‑tone asymmetric modernist cuff bracelet with a ribbed, sculptural texture. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : inner...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Gold Tone Medusa Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage gold tone bracelet featuring iconic Medusa links. Fold over clasp closure. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : length approx. 1...
Gilt Metal
Early Gianni Versace Enamel Floral Cuff
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Early and Rare Gianni Versace Enamel Floral Cuff from the 1990's made under his creative direction. Handmade scroll and cabochon elements are soldered together to form a large, impre...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Early Gianni Versace Art Deco Modernist Cuff
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Early and Rare Gianni Versace Art Deco Revival Cuff from the 1990's made under his creative direction. Handmade Modernist forms akin to Art Deco skyscapes and architecture are mounte...
Silver Plate
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Multicolour Resin Bead Cluster Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage gold tone metal chainmail link bracelet featuring a multicoloured cluster of resin beads and metal balls. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE M...
Gilt Metal
$348Sale Price|59% Off
1990's Gianni Versace ball bracelet with cut out detailing
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This bracelet by Gianni Versace is rare with it's unique detailing of balls with different cut-out patterns. The silver tone complements beautifully against the sparkling stones. The...
$522Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace gold circle and star bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Made in Italy this Gianni Versace gold bracelet features five circular motifs with engraved star emblem linked with the traditional curb detail. ...
$424Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace 1990’s oval bracelet with blue stones
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace oval bracelet features large over shaped links with the Greek tile motif engraved in each link. They also have dark blue stones at the top and bottom which contra...
$315Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace silver tone Versace bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace silver tone bracelet is a statement. The curb silver chain is reminiscent of the 90's era in which Gianni Versace became most popular in. It's unique chain along ...
Silver Plate, Gilt Metal
$571Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace multicoloured beaded bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This bracelet by Gianni Versace is very rare with it's multicoloured cluster beaded design. It definitely is a collectors item for any Gianni Versace enthusiast. Features multi-brigh...
1990s Gianni Versace Rhinestone Medusa Medallion Silvertone Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 1990s Gianni Versace bracelet features iconic Medusa medallions adorned with rhinestones set in a silvertone finish. The bold design showcases four Medusa faces, each encircled ...
1990s Gianni Versace Silver Medusa Medallion Costume Link Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a two-tone silver and gold Gianni Versace Medusa costume link bracelet. From the 1990s, each link in this bracelet features a silver-tone Versace Medusa logo relief surrou...
F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Ad Gold Tone Greek Key Link Rhinestone Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous gold tone crystal rhinestone Gianni Versace bracelet, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1995 collection, this bracelet was highlighted in the season's ad campaign on Kristen McMenamy...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Gold Tone Medusa Crystal Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage iconic gold tone Medusa links embellished with clear crystals. Fold over clasp closure. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : len...
Gilt Metal
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Runway Medusa Costume Pearl Gold Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible faux pearl gold tone Gianni Versace costume bracelet designed by Gianni Versace. This truly rare bracelet from the Fall/Winter 1994 collection features rows ...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Silver Tone Medusa Chain Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage silver tone chain bracelet featuring a Medusa medallion on an iridescent resin disc at the center. Toggle clasp. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indi...
$381Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace ‘Versace’ bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace ‘Versace’ cuff bracelet features silver tone lettering. Made in Italy the bracelet is crafted from soft Italian leather whic...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Bracelet and Half Hoop Earring Set
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage silver tone bracelet and matching half hoop earrings (clip-on) embellished with pale yellow resin elements embossed with greek friezes, clear crystals. Emboss...
Vintage Iconic GIANNI VERSACE Medusa Bangle Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Iconic GIANNI VERSACE Medusa Bangle Bracelet Measurements: Diameter Medallion: 1.73 inches (4.4 cm) Inner Circumference: 7.87 inches (20 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic GIAN...
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1987 Gianni Versace Runway Ad Rhinestone Silver Tone Crystal Cuff Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic silver-tone rhinestone Gianni Versace abstract cuff designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1987 collection, this cuff debuted on the season's runway and...
Gianni Versace Iconic Medusa Wide Bracelet Cuff
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
This Vintage Gianni Versace Iconic Medusa Wide Bracelet Cuff is a RARE piece. A treasure for Versace collectors. A must have! Features: - 100% Authentic ...
Gold Plate
$1,095Sale Price|20% Off
L 7.09 in
Tiffany & Co. 18ct Rose Gold Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet 0.07ct
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This elegant Tiffany & Co. Diamonds by the Yard® bracelet by Elsa Peretti is crafted in luxurious 18ct rose gold and features a delicate bezel-set round brilliant cut diamond wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Gorgeous 18k White Gold, Emerald and Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in San Francisco, CA
For the art deco lover with bold style! This back-hinged 18k white gold cuff bracelet is designed with 'stripes' of pave-set round brilliant-cut diamonds, and black enamel, with an e...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$13,550
W 1 in L 8.13 in
Wide 14 Karat Yellow Gold Braided Woven Motif Bracelet 38.2 Grams 8.13 Inches
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold bracelet featuring a braided woven motif weighing 38.2 grams. Great looking bracelet!
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Big Chunky Italian "HWC" Vintage Yellow Gold Link Bracelet 25.8gr, C. 1980s
Located in New York, NY
An Amazing Italian Vintage Gold Chunky Link 14K Gold Bracelet from 1980s! It's the 1980s. Big hair. Power suits. And a gold bracelet that says, "I have arrived." This vintage Italia...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Wide Bamboo Link Wide Bracelet 63.9 Grams 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow gold bracelet featuring a Bamboo motif link weighing 63.9 grams. More link bracelets available. Search Harbor Diamonds DM for more pictures and videos.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sabbadini 18k Yellow and White Gold Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds
By Sabbadini
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely Late-20th century Sabbadini, flexible bangle bracelet is comprised of repeating slightly puffed links, each edged with delicate gold rope and with three white gold links ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Lucea New York Hammered Cuff Rustic Diamond and Emerald Bracelet
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Collection Hammered metal with star fish motif bangle cuff set with emerald and rustic diamond on sterling silver 14k gold plating. Emerald : 15.21ct total weight Diamond : ...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate, Si...
Pair of 14k Yellow Gold Oval Bangles with Pave Diamonds on across the Top
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of oval shaped, 14K Yellow Gold bangles, set on top with 88 round brilliant cut diamonds, weighing an approximate total of 5CT of G Color and VS1 Clarity. The oval sh...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,600
W 0.9 in L 7.2 in
14k Gold and Colored Stone Mid-20th Century "Victorian Tribute" Slide Bracelet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Mid-20th century slide bracelet is from a genre of similar pieces, all derived and created as a tribute to slides which were primarily used in Victorian period ladies necklaces....
Agate, Amethyst, Chalcedony, Citrine, Coral, Garnet, Pearl, Tiger's Eye,...
French 19th Century Sapphire Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Flexible, this antique bracelet represents a snake rolled up whose body is a woven mesh. The head is decorated with a blue sapp...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet with 0.08 Carat Round Diamond
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany & Co Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Elegant 18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet with 0.08 Carat Diamond DESCRIPTION: Elevate any occasion with this charming...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 85 Carats Diamond Pave Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Impressive diamond cuff bangle made with round cut diamonds paved all over the cuff's surface. Made in 18K White Gold mounted with 85.00cttw of round cut diamonds. Wrist circumfrern...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Iconic 1990s Gianni Versace Gold-Tone Medusa Charm Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingston, NY
Capture the essence of 1990s luxury with this rare and iconic Gianni Versace gold-tone charm bracelet. Designed during the peak of the supermodel era, this statement piece features a...
Gold, Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.28 in L 8.08 in
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Greca Black Logo Circle Charm Chain Gold Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Wokingham, England
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage 1990s Unisex Adjustable Iconic Greca Black Logo Circle Round Pendant Charm Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss, stil...
Gold Plate
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage gold tone Medusa greca chain clasp bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage gold tone Medusa greca chain clasp bracelet Reference: TGAS/C01859 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Metal Co...
Gold
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Gold Toned Four-Strand Medusa Cuff Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage iconic gold toned four-strand layered cuff bracelet featuring greek key links and round Medusa coins. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measu...
Gilt Metal
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Gold and Black Enamel Cameo Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting Gold cameo bracelet with black enamel and black rhinestone accents designed by Gianni Versace. Variations of this bracelet can be seen o...
Gianni Versace 1990’s silver love heart link bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace silver tone cuff love heart bracelet features a link bracelet made up of four Large love heart motifs. The curb chain features the iconic Greek tile...
Silver Plate
Gianni Versace multicoloured glass beaded bracelet, 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This bracelet features a multicoloured cluster of vibrant glass beads. The designer Gianni Versace captures his iconic colourful designs in this piece. Each coloured bead is hanging ...
Gianni Versace 1990s Medusa Medallion Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add some Versace to your jewelry collection with this amazing bracelet! Circa 1990s, this Versace link bracelet is gold plated and features medallions embossed with the signature Med...
Vintage Iconic 1992 GIANNI VERSACE Medusa Starfish Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Iconic 1992 GIANNI VERSACE Medusa Starfish Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.36 inches (6 cm) Chain: 1.10 inches (2.8 cm) Length: 8.46 inches...
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Iconic Medusa Rhinestone Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Iconic Medusa Rhinestone Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1 1/8 inches (2.85 cm) Wearable Length: 7 3/8 inches (18.73 cm) Features:...
Vintage Iconic GIANNI VERSACE Medusa Safety Pin Wide Leather Bracelet Cuff
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Iconic GIANNI VERSACE Medusa Safety Pin Wide Leather Bracelet Cuff Measurements: Height: 3 5/8 inches Wearable Length: 7 4/8 inches Features: - 100% Authentic GIANNI VERSAC...
1980s Gianni Versace Stainless Steel Modernist Ridged Cuffs - Pair
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
A striking and rare pair of 1980s Gianni Versace stainless steel Modernist ridged cuffs. Marked on inside (see photo) A dramatic pair when worn together or seperate!