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.
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Light Green Ribbed Knit Bodycon Mini Dress Cap Sleeve
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This ribbed bright green Gianni Versace mini dress, designed by Gianni Versace for the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, is a form-fitting bodycon piece. It features off-the-shoulder pe...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Sheer White Sleeveless Ruffle Top
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Spring/Summer 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella sheer white sleeveless ruffle top debuted on the season's runway. The lightweight, semi-transparent fabric is adorned with delicat...
Y2K Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Draped Medusa Button Black Cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sparks, NV
Amazing and collectible 1990s asymmetric black dress by Gianni Verace Couture. Iconic Medusa button on one shoulder and Grecian style draping. A rare piece! Details Unlined Si...
1990s Versace black leather mini halter dress with zip front
By Gianni Versace
Located in Austin, TX
1990s VERSACE black leather mini halter dress with zip front Made in Italy 31" bust, 26" waist, 32" hips, 28" length Condition; Very good size S / M
GIANNI VERSACE 1995 Iconic Vintage Runway Red & Black Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Gianni Versace Vintage Runway FW95 Brick Red + Black Oversized black medusa buttons IT44 Excellent Condition, one micro hole in lining, otherwise no flaws, looks like new Perfect for...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Miss S&M Embellished Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Exceptionally rare Gianni Versace black bondage top from the Fall Winter 1992 “Miss S&M” collection and as seen pictured on the runway. This statement piece is constructed with b...
Gianni Versace VERSUS Black Tailored Skirt Suit, New/Old, 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From Gianni Versace's Versus comes this sleek and chic, ultra 1990's suit. Jacket has an arch opening in the dart area. See Photo #2. Black crepe wool. Fully lined in matching blac...
Gianni Versace Lace-up Leather Jacket S/S 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous soft, supple, off white leather jacket from Gianni Versace. It is fitted with vertical seaming which is highlighted with intricate braiding plus 4" long fringe at the cuffs, back of sleeves and bottom hem. The back is incredible with adjustable functional matching leather lacing across the cut out. It closes with a front metal zipper with a leather tassel pull...
Gianni Versace Leather Lace up Dress S/S 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
An extraordinary and collectible supple black leather dress from Gianni Versace. This has all of the couture details Versace is known for- a fine fringe hem, laser perforated leather...
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt with Leather Band 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous semi sheer silk skirt with colorful flowers on a black background from Gianni Versace. It has a wide leather band with intricately braided leath...
Gianni Versace Mixed Flower Print Silk Skirt 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous brightly colored flowered silk skirt from Gianni Versace. It has a 2" waistband, falls straight to the hem with a panel draping across the front and is comprised of diffe...
Gianni Versace Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a gorgeous caramel tan color. It has a plunging neckline and a wide matching leather inset waist. The skirt is straight, t...
Gianni Versace Reversible Skirt with Elaborate Applique 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous lightweight black and off white plaid wool skirt from Gianni Versace. It has an elaborate pieced applique abstract design in green and yel...
GIANNI VERSACE black leather coat with ostrich feathers
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
We are pleased to present an extraordinary lambskin coat from the Gianni Versace collections of the early 90s. A long coat that wraps like a large cloak in a swirl of black ostrich ...
Gianni Versace Fall 1992 Bondage S&M Collection Runway Leather Fringe 92 Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare museum worthy vintage Gianni Versace Fall/Winter 1992 S&M Bondage Collection runway leather pants ! Naomi Campbell strutted down the runway in these trousers. High waisted f...
Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous and rare red patent leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt from Gianni Versace. It has all of Versace's amazing attention to detail includ...
Gianni Versace New Vintage Cashmere Colorblock American Flag Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous cashmere American flag sweater from Gianni Versace. It has a flag on the front and back with red and white stripes crossing the chest,...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace Black Lace Sheer Leather Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage black lace mesh leather panelled gown from the Fall Winter 2001 collection. Has original tags! Draped neckline Leather straps, inserts and buckle detailing at ...
$869Sale Price|25% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Corals silk shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage skirt 90s for men Corals silk shirt Size. M - IT 48 Made in Italy As you can see there are some pulled threads, they are very small, two of which are on the s...
$187Sale Price|75% Off
2021 VERSACE PYTHON Print VISCOSE CADY MINI SKIRT SZ 38
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Snake-embossed viscose twill mini skirt in pink featuring multicolor snake pattern printed throughout. Mid-rise. Cut-out with O-ring hardware at hem. Zip closure at side. Darts at ba...
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown IT 44 Gianni Versace couture evening dress featuring sheer top, embellished medusa logo straps, square ne...
Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Gianni Versace Mens Bomber from the 1980's. Striped Charcoal Gray Wool cut with deep dolman sleeves and attached leather belt of smooth and ...
Gianni Versace Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous full length black silk gown from Gianni Versace Couture. It has a front scoop neck, a deep cut out back and fabulous tan leather shoulders. It is semi fitted though the ...
Versace Top by Gianni Versace Summer 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VERSACE - Spring/Summer 1994 Ready-to-Wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Gianni Versace. Silver metallic mesh top with silver leather tie. Very good overall condition...
$194Sale Price|60% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Gold Greca Sandal Heels Women's Shoes Vintage 36
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace gold greca heels in size 36. Feature Material: Gold-tone Leather Condition: Very good, light signs of wear as pictured. Colour: Gold Size: IT 36 Period: 1990-...
Gianni Versace A/W 1992 Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Pants With Chain Trim
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece supple black leather motorcycle jacket and pant set from Gianni Versace's A/W 1992 Collection. The jacket is motorcycle style wi...
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Appliquéd Cutout Plunged Backless Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Appliquéd Cutout Plunged Backless Dress Gown Size: IT 42 Condition: good vintage condition, some small runs throughout not noticeable when worn, a s...
Versace Spring 2008 Runway Purple Blue Cape Back Jersey Avant Garde Dress Sz 42
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy Spring 2008 Runway ( Look # 40 ) GIANNI VERSACE Avant Garde cape back sleeveless purple Grecian style dress! Features the perfect vibrant purp...
Atelier Versace F/W 1993 Iconic Silk Velvet Maxi Coat
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous full length silk velvet maxi jacket from Atelier Versace from Gianni Versace in red with brightly colored variegated vertical stripes in yellow, blue, green and black. The...
Gianni Versace Starfish Jacket S/S 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black cotton jacket with a colorful starfish and shells pattern from Gianni Versace's much photographed, notable Spring Summer 1992 collection. It has 2 front flap breas...
Gianni Versace Leather and Lace Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather and lace dress by Gianni Versace. It has flower pattern lace cap sleeve semi fitted bodice and around the hem. The le...
Early Gianni Versace Late 1970's Dress Jungle Parrots Print 100% Silk
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Very early Gianni Versace Caftan dress jungle parrots print from late 1970's. Good condition.Please see pictures with couple off flaws showing. Strap show some wear but since its ...
Gianni Versace Couture Print Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a colorful pink, lavender and blue abstract print on a white background. The bodice has a front adjustable drawstring square nec...
Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Bell Sleeve Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace. It has a square neckline with a notched center and long subtly belled sleeves. The dress is semi fitted with inner boning for ...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Pant Suit with Cut outs 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk pant suit from Gianni Versace Couture. The jacket has a V neckline, princess seaming for a flattering fit, lightly padded shoulders, a front zipper closing, and a mesh covered wedge cut out from underarm to pocket on each side. The straight leg mid rise pants have 2 fine curved nude...
Gianni Versace Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece black leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt set from Gianni Versace's FW 1994 collection which are becoming increasingly...
1990s Gianni Versace Red Lace Insert Silk Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage red long slip dress with sheer lace inserts and a criss cross back. Size: No size tag, refer to measurements for best fit Condition: Excellent condition Me...
Documented Versace Silk-Twill Baroque Print Shirt Blouse, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Geneva, CH
Just one glimpse at this shirt and you'll know it's Versace ! The "Greco-inspired Baroque" print is so genuinely Gianni's style and iconic that Donatella re-issued the same shirt blo...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Seashell Starfish Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
An iconic piece from Gianni Versace's Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this structured bustier features striking gold baroque and colorful seashell and starfish motifs evoking the gran...
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...
2000s Donatella Versace Green Pink ethereal mesh corset bustier cocktail dress
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
2000's Donatella Versace Green & Pink ethereal mesh corset cocktail dress MADE IN ITALY. Spaghetti strap shoulders, fitted Body, Concealed zip up back, hand sewn sequin detaili...
Gianni Versace White Ruched V-Neck Midi Dress circa Y2K
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Gianni Versace White Ruched V-Neck Midi Dress circa Y2K exudes timeless elegance and sophisticated style, making it a standout piece for any wardrobe. Crafted from luxurious fab...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Teal Turquoise Blue Silk Jersey Vintage 90s Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
The ultimate 1990s vintage GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE turquoise / teal blue slink silk jersey skirt! The perfect vibrant blue color adds a pop of color to any outfit. Sits on the hips, w...
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt and Top Set with Hardware
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fine silk jersey one shoulder top and matching skirt from Gianni Versace Couture in pink scrolls and lines print on a black background. The top is fitted and has a gold metal signature Versace Greek key hardware...
Gianni Versace 1993 Spring Runway Atelier Pure Silk patterned Colourful Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1993 'ATELIER VERSACE' Baroque patterned Long sleeve Shirt, crafted from a vibrantly printed Silk displaying beautiful imagery of Various Classic...
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Black Floral-Printed Sleeveless Midi Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
From the S/S 1995 collection of Gianni Versace, this sleeveless midi dress is executed in a body-conscious, stretch jersey cut to follow the figure closely from shoulder to knee. The...
1991 Versace Jeans Couture Pop Art Printed Jeans
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Versace Jeans Couture vintage rare pop art printed jeans from 1991. These bold whimsical jeans feature a colorful graphic print of graffiti, music notes, and plaid. Size: 27 Condi...
Gianni Versace Low Back Mesh Insert Dress, 1999
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, 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 1995 Silk Women's Evening Dress Look 54 Antique Vintage
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace by Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1995 (Look 54) Dress material is in great condition with no wear and tear however the hardware shows obvious signs of age and missing logo em...
Iconic 1990s Versace Jeans Couture Black Zip up Crop Top in Black Psychedelic
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Versace Jeans Couture Zip up Crop Top in a Black Psychedelic textured jacquard with the iconic Medusa zip detailing. Size; Small (UK 6-8) Measurements are provided in inches ...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Dress with Leather Hip Band A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace in an abstract bright pink, taupe, black and white print. It is sleeveless with a V neckline, a top stitched leather inset around the hips...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway Gray Pinstripe Medusa Medallion Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Chic Gianni Versace gray pinstripe skirt suit from the Spring Summer 1995 collection and as seen on the runway. The double breasted blazer features Medusa buttons at the front and cu...
Gianni Versace Silk Jacket 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jacket with a brown line star pattern from Gianni Versace Couture. It is a long blazer style jacket with incredible elaborat...
Gianni Versace Sculptural Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning red wool dress by Gianni Versace. It has great lines with square cut armholes, a fitted bodice and fabulous flared skirt with the back a few inches longer and fuller than ...
Versace Vintage 1990s Fitted Long Sleeve Flag Pattern Shirt with Medusa Logo
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 1990's 'Versace Jeans Couture' fitted, long sleeve shirt, with the USA & UK's Union Jack flags as well as the Versace Medusa logo pattern decoration throughout. The Materia...
$1,130Sale Price|35% Off
GIANNI VERSACE long black leather skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE F/W 1992 "Bondage" Collection Long skirt in black lambskin. Gold thread stitching, side slits up to the knee. Made in Italy The composition and size label are not pres...
Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs SS 1998
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous Gianni Versace Couture full length black silk and lace dress. it has a scoop back, one short sleeve and is asymmetrically cut with web pattern lace covered cut outs at on...
Gianni Versace vintage top, 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace vintage top, 1990s Size: 38 (IT) Length: 64 cm (~25.2 inches) Composition: No composition tag (cut off) Condition: Excellent – no sta...
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage 1990s 90s Color Block Wool Shift Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture label color block shift dress in purple, yellow and brown. Details: Fully Lined Back Zip and Hook Closure Marked Size: 40 Color: Purple/ Yellow/ Bro...
Gianni Versace F/W 1998 Couture Ivory Smocked Crystal-Embellished Empire-Line Midi Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
From the F/W 1998 collection of Gianni Versace Couture, this empire-line midi dress is constructed in an ivory crinkled semi-sheer fabric with vertical pin-tuck striations throughout...