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...
GIANNI VERSACE 1997 Vintage Blue Ruffle Wrap Long Maxi Dress Runway Style
By Gianni Versace
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Gianni Versace Vintage SS97 Cornflower blue Ruffle wrap long dress IT40 NWT's, but has very minor signs of wear as pictured Honestly, 10/10 recommend this dress is so new and FRESH l...
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 Couture Vintage 1990s Draped Medusa Button Black Cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
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 Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 ...
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...
Rare 2000s Gianni Versace White Bondage BodyCon Vintage Dress w/ Medusa Harness
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy rare vintage early 2000s GIANNI VERSACE white bondage linen dress! Flattering BodyCon fit that does wonders for the body! Fully lined. Features a wh...
Versace Spring 2008 Runway Purple Blue Cape Back Jersey Avant Garde Dress Sz 42
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for 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...
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...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Kate Moss Runway Black Corset Detail Babydoll Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black Gianni Versace mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1995 collection is cut in a babydoll silhouette. The dress features a ruched bust and short puff sleeves. The front featur...
Gianni Versace New Strapless Lace Up Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk strapless dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is fitted with flattering seaming and center back lacing, functional on the skirt portion with fine leather lac...
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 ...
NWT 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Size 40 / 4 Black Silk Vintage Bondage Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 1990s NWT deadstock GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE black silk scrappy bondage style silk body on dress ! Features rose gold metal Medusa heads at each strap. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Fully lined. The perfect timeless little black dress. Brand new with original store tags still attached. In great unworn condition Made in Italy Marked Size 40 / US 4 Measurements: 32 inch bust...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Dress with Leather Hip Band A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
Gianni Versace Couture Color Block Dress with Leather Trim SS 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. The long sleeve bodice crosses in the front creating an adjustable neckline. It has a tan colored leather inset around...
Gianni Versace New F/W 1996 Red Leather Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red leather dress by Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a squared neckline and armholes and flap patch pockets each with a large mat...
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 ...
Gianni Versace Couture Print Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 Fall 2001 Black Silk Chiffon Tan Leather Belted Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare Fall 2001 runway GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE, by Donatella, Museum Worthy black silk chiffon and leather full length evening dress! Kylie Minogue also stunned in the gown o...
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 Spray Paint Silk Slip Dress, Spring Summer 1996
By Gianni Versace
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
This vibrant Spring Summer 1996 dress by Gianni Versace embodies the playful, sensual energy that defined mid 90s Versace. Crafted from fluid silk crepe, the piece features a softl...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Yellow Stretch Terrycloth Garden Berry Print Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 1995 collection, this sleeveless bodycon dress is crafted from yellow stretch terrycloth and features an all-over garden-inspired print of berries...
Documented Gianni Versace Couture Vintage F/W 1994 Black PVC Boucle 90s Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Documented rare GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Fall/Winter 1994 runway dress! THE Linda Evangelista strutted down the runway in this beauty (see photo). Vogue magazine perfectly summarized V...
Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous bodycon dress in black silk eyelet by Gianni Versace Couture. It has a plunging neckline with lacing and straps crossing at the upper back. The dress has flattering seam...
Gianni Versace Leather Dress with Mink Hem F/W 1997
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A soft, supple black leather dress with 2" of mink fur around the hem by Gianni Versace. It is a simple, subtle A-line silhouette with small straps, a back zipper, and a full silk li...
1990s Gianni Versace Sushi Novelty Print Versus Bodycon Vintage Sequin 90s Dress
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Fun vintage 90s GIANNI VERSACE colorful sushi novelty print bodcon sequin dress! Features vibrant colors of purple, yellow, green, turquoise, orange a...
Gianni Versace New Leather Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather dress from Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a V neckline front and plunging V to the waist in the back. The shoulders are gathered onto a fine gold meta...
Gianni Versace Color Block Dress 1980s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous dress from Gianni Versace Couture in black light weight wool and green silk. It is semi fitted with fold back cuffs with elaborate cufflinks and inset shoulders all in br...
VERSUS Gianni Versace rare black leather jumpsuit dress
By Versus Versace, Gianni 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...
Gianni Versace Safety Pin Skirt 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk blend skirt from Gianni Versace. It overlaps at the side waist and has 3 signature Medusa head safety pins in silver and gold along that side leaving it open be...
Gianni Versace Purple 1990s Dress with Origami Hem
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous light weight purple wool dress by Gianni Versace. It is semi fitted with a stand up collar and long sleeves. The hem has intricate layers folds at angles front and back....
Gianni Versace Vintage Dress with Cut out Waist S/S 1998
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk knit dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is semi fitted with a waist cut out at one side, elbow length sleeves and contrasting white lines of angora yarn abs...
Gianni Versace Net Shoulders Bodycon Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous purple dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is semi fitted, sleeveless with a scoop neckline and matching purple mesh insets at the shoulders. The dress is fully lined in...
Gianni Versace Silk Dress with Beaded Straps
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black silk dress with beaded straps from Gianni Versace Couture. It is a simple dress that skims the body with 2 straps at each shoulder mad...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Red & Yellow Poly/Lycra Jersey Iconic Novelty Marilyn Monr
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Red & Yellow Poly/Lycra Jersey Iconic Novelty Marilyn Monroe Print Dress Stretch
Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Bell Sleeve Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 ...
1990s Gianni Versace Versus Black and White Abstract Vintage 90s Halter Dress
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Flirty early 1990s GIANNI VERSACE 'Versus" black band white abstract print keyhole jersey halter dress! Features an allover print in classic black and white on a luxurious rayon jers...
2000s Gianni Versace Black Silk Side Cut Out Rhinestone Bodycon Vintage Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy early 2000s GIANNI VERSACE black silk bodcon dress! Features a cut-out mesh panel encrusted with golden rhinestones down each side of the dress. Flattering cut hugs the body in ...
1995 Gianni Versace Black Sweetheart Neckline Rhinestone Medusa Black Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From 1995, this fitted black Gianni Versace dress debuted on the Spring season's Atelier Versace runway, modeled by Shalom Harlow. This dress was further highlighted by model Claudia...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Gold Metallic Sleeveless Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace Couture dress from the Fall/Winter 1994 collection is cut in a fitted mini silhouette in gold metallic fabric with a crew neckline and sleeveless construction. Cu...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Metallic Brown Floral Lace Medusa Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing a stunning brown lace Gianni Versace dress, designed by Gianni Versace for his Fall/Winter 1996 collection. This exquisite dress showcases the same intricate lace-overlay...
Gianni Versace Runway c.1993 Hot Pink Fuchsia Crochet Knit Cut out pleated Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Beautiful, vibrant Gianni Versace runway dress (circa 1993) in a Fuchsia crochet with cut out detailing at the waist and an A-line pleated skirt to the knee. MADE IN ITALY. Measu...
1990s Vintage Gianni Versace Black Wool Blend Sleeveless Jumper Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Gianni Versace Couture black jumper dress, likely dating to the early to mid 90s. Made in Italy, this chic and timeless sleeveless dress is cut in a clean...
Gianni Versace Laser Perforated Leather Halter Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous laser cut black leather halter dress by Gianni Versace. It has a plunging neckline and low cut back accentuated with 2 fine leather straps crossing it. The leather is intr...
Gianni Versace Fuchsia Floral One Shoulder Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Fabulous one-shoulder short dress designed by Gianni Versace in the 1990s, made in Italy. ORIGINAL LABEL. The dress is very seductive, made entirely of a soft fuchsia fabric with a f...
Gianni Versace New Turquoise Leather Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible turquoise leather dress from Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a V neckline and plunging V to the waist in the back. The shoulders are gathered onto fine gold metal...
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage 1990s Pale Pink Chenille Body Con Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sparks, NV
Super soft pale pink body con dress in a velvety chenille by Gianni Versace Couture. The cut on this is so flattering! Simple, elegant and chic. Details: Fully Lined Size Zip...
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Houndstooth Satin Appliqué Skirt Set
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful check pattern Gianni Versace skirt set, designed by Gianni Versace. From the late 1980s / early 1990s, this beautiful set is m...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress with Cut out
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from Gianni Versace. It is comprised of a one shoulder bodice attached by one side to the skirt portion leaving a wedge of exposed skin between the two. ...
S/S 1996 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Copper Lace Leopard Rhinestone Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible leopard print chiffon and copper lace Atelier Versace mini dress, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1996 collection, a version of this super...
Versus Mini Dress with Zipper - '90s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Versus mini dress in bold orange features a fitted silhouette, full sleeves, closed neck, and a striking open front with zipper for edgy elegance. Remarks: Some missing stitches at...
UNWORN Gianni Versace 1994 Medusa Metallic Golden Leather Dress Museum Piece 44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
ULTRAFAMOUS DRESS BY GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE THE DRESS OF THE SEASON - FEATURED IN VERSACE AD CAMPAIGN OWN A PIECE OF FASHION HISTORY - A TRUE GEM SO HAR...
Gianni Versace Intensive Vintage C. 1990's Cutout Open Back Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace Intensive Vintage C.1990's Cutout Open Back Mini Dress IT 42 mannequin 84.5 cm x 62 cm x 91 cm mannequin 33.35 in x 24.49 in x 35.79 in Versace Intensive vintage...
Gianni Versace Vintage Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a bright pink, red, white and grey feather print. It has long sleeves and a V neckline which meets a wide front black lea...
Gianni Versace New Leather Dress with Chain Trim 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous soft supple black leather dress from Gianni Versace. It is semi fitted with an asymmetrical neckline and intricate horizontal rows of fine silver chain forming a line sta...
Gianni Versace Graffiti Dress and Jacket A/W 1991
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A brightly colored abstract pattern light weight wool dress and jacket set from Gianni Versace in blue, red, purple, green, yellow and black. T...
1990s Gianni Versace Neon Lime Green Bodycon Wool Vintage 90s Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing early 1990s GIANNI VERSACE neon green wool mini dress! Features soft virgin wool, with gold metal balls shaped in triangles above the bust. Hidden zipper up the back with hoo...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Metallic Brown Floral Lace Medusa Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace dress from the Fall/Winter 1996 collection is cut in a fitted mini silhouette with a sweetheart neckline, scalloped hem, and low back. It is constructed in metall...
Gianni Versace Asymmetric Dress with Net
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great black light weight wool and net dress from Gianni Versace Couture. One shoulder, the low cut asymmetric back and the sleeves are comprised of ...