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 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 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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 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 Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 Couture Color Block Dress with Leather Trim SS 2001
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 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 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 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 Atelier Versace, Gianni 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...
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...
Gianni Versace Floral Purple Silk Evening Dress with Appliquéd Cutwork, FW 2001
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Gianni Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2001 ▪ Fabric: Silk ▪ Size: IT42 - FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condition: Excellent ...
Gianni Versace Vintage 80s Bustier Top & Balloon Trousers Black Silk Set
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Versace by Gianni Versace Vintage 1980s silk/wool mix and velvet fabric set . This elegant designer outfit shows the bold, structured style that was popular in the 1980s. The set is ...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Baroque Pale blue Pastel rococo Tutu Cocktail Dress
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring / Summer 1992 Gianni Versace Jeans Couture, Cocktail dress in a pale blue rococo print featuring pink and gold pastel shades with a fitted upper body, strap shoulders and laye...
Gianni Versace Embellished Printed Silk & Mesh Plunging Neckline Dress, SS 1999
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Gianni Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 1999 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Mesh ▪ Size: approx. IT42 - FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condi...
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...
Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
Gucci Runway 1920's Showgirl Style Chain Mail Evening Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Gucci 2018 runway show presented a featured array of exciting eventful evening wear. From designer Andre Michelle, a lovely soft lilac chain mail evening dress. A 1920's show...
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...
Versace F/W 2003 Strapless Silk Mini Dress with Lace Trim
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
Strapless silk mini dress Versace featuring intricate black lace trim detailing. Constructed from navy silk with contrast black Chantilly lace appliqués at bust and mid-body creating...
2000s Donatella Versace Green Pink ethereal mesh corset bustier cocktail dress
By Gianni Versace, Donatella 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 S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Lace Gold Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Embellished Lace Gold Dress Size: IT 40 Condition: New with tags, chainmail and lace layer are in pristine condition. The under lining has discolorations due to age and storage which are not visible when worn. Gold vintage Gianni Versace metal mesh...
2000 Versace Rare and Iconic Pink Jungle Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
2000 Iconic Gianni Versace pink Jungle silk dress featuring a scoop neckline, can be worn unbuttoned for more of plunging neckline, crystal front button closure with sash ties at waist. It was the dress and print made famous by Jennifer Lopez and Amber Valetta Print featured in the campaign by Steven Miesel See 2000 spring...
Gianni Versace New Color Block Strapless Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk bustier color block dress in black and lime green with a high low asymmetrical pleated hemline from Gianni Versace. The strapless dress has an inner boned corset for ...
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 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 ...
Gianni Versace Versus Black Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
Black slip gown Gianni Versace Versus crafted from fluid jersey fabric. Features adjustable thin shoulder straps, draped neckline detail with asymmetrical fold accent, and column sil...
1998 ATELIER VERSACE haute couture silk floral mini RUNWAY dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare Atelier Versace couture mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1998 runway collection, made of lustrous silk with a sleek, body-skimming silhouette. The piece is cut sleeveless w...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous orange one shoulder silk knit dress by Gianni Versace Couture. The dress is highlighted with lines of light blue angora yarn over the one shoulder which extend down the f...
Gianni Versace Silk Strapless Jumpsuit 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous purple silk strapless bustier jumpsuit from an early Gianni Versace collection. The fitted, micro pleated, boned bustier bodice crosses and w...
Versace 1990's Vintage colourful 'Betty Boop' Pattern bodycon mini Dress
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990s Versace Jeans Couture by Gianni Versace turtle neck bodycon dress. Made from super stretchy, figure hugging fabric, with a colourful and extremely iconic Betty Boop print...
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 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. ...
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...
Gianni Versace F/W 1999 Beaded Coral Necklace Evening Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
Evening gown Gianni Versace silk features a fitted fuchsia pink bodice with elaborate coral-inspired beadwork at the neckline and flowing white skirt with red coral branch embroidery...
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Runway Leather Corset Bandage Crystal Sheer Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Runway Campaign Leather Corset Bandage Crystal Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown Closing Look 67 from the Fall 2001 Collection. Size: IT 40 Condition: G...
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 purple chiffon silk beaded evening dress, gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A simply stunning vintage Versace two tone purple silk chiffon beaded evening dress. It has a figure hugging silhouette to the body with flowing waterfall skirts to the lower half w...
Gianni Versace Typhoon Line Short Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace bright purple wool blend faced with chrome yellow satin short evening dress. Cowl neckline and asymetrical front draping forming t...
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 ...
1997 Runway Documented Versace Lime Green Embellished Dress
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This dress walked the runway as part of Versace’s Fall 1997 show - the last ready-to-wear collection that Gianni Versace ever designed. The final time he appeared on the runway to ta...
1990s Vintage Gianni Versace Bodycon Black Cut - Out Crochet Bondage Dress
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage Gianni Versace little black bondage dress! Features crochet cut-out at neck, with halter ties. Extremely flattering fit, with lots of stretch! Made in Italy. In great co...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Lilac Silk Chiffon & Crystal Metal Mesh Cocktail Dress Wit
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Lilac Silk Chiffon & Crystal Metal Mesh Cocktail Dress With Full Side Slits
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 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...
Rare 2000s Gianni Versace White Bondage BodyCon Vintage Dress w/ Medusa Harness
By Versace, Gianni 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...
Gianni Versace S/S 1998 Runway Vintage Wet Liquid Look Cutout Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace S/S 1998 Runway Vintage Wet Liquid Look Cutout Evening Dress Gown IT 38 Gianni Versace black and red lining strapless evening dress featuring high leg slit and a body...
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Long Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A true collector’s piece, this Gianni Versace embellished sheer evening gown from the Fall/Winter 1996 runway collection is one of the most iconic designs from the legendary Italian ...
NWT 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Size 40 / 4 Black Silk Vintage Bondage Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
NWT Gianni Versace S/S 2002 Plunging Backless Semi Sheer Lace Ivory Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
NWT Gianni Versace S/S 2002 Plunging Neckline Halter Backless Semi Sheer Corset Style Lace Up Ivory Dress Gown IT 44
GIANNI VERSACE S/S 1997 Runway Vintage Satin Lace Embroidered Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
GIANNI VERSACE S/S 1997 Runway Vintage Satin Embroidered Dress Gown IT 42 Gianni Versace sleeveless satin maxi dress with V-neck, embroidery at top, slit ...
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Runway Embroidered Lace Ivory Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Runway Embroidered Lace Ivory Evening Dress Gown IT 38 Look 92 from the Spring 1997 Collection in black version.
BARBIE 1990s Versus Gianni Versace Bubblegum Pink Beads Butterfly Dress Cardigan
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Barbie alert ! Sexy and iconic VERSUS by GIANNI VERSACE late 90s bubblegum pink butterfly sequin and beaded encrusted sleeveless bodycon dress and matching cardigan sweater ! This Ba...
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Runway Embellished Sheer Lace Shawl Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Runway Crystal Embellished Sheer Lace Mesh Evening Dress Gown with Shawl 2 Piece Set IT 40 Look 94 from the Spring 1997 Collection.
Gianni Versace Color Block Dress 1980s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Vintage Floral Lace and Leather Blue Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Vintage Floral Lace and Leather Blue Mini Dress IT 38 Blue Gianni Versace leather mini dress with lace overlaying the leat...