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 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...
Important Vintage 1990s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Op Art Belted 90s Jacket
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Important, and super rare vintage 90s GIANNI VERSACE Jeans Couture fitted op-art geo floral printed jacket! Amazing fit, with an equally impressive signature Versace print. Attached ...
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...
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...
Rare Early Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Plaid Embroidered Vest Top
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and important vintage GIANNI VERSACE early black and white houndstooth plaid sleeveless dolman sleeve shirt waistcoat ! Perfect layered with a blouse, or alone. Avant Garde styl...
1990's Vintage Versace Latex Black Wet Look Cropped Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vintage 1990s classic Versace cropped jacket in a glossy black latex fabric with iconic silver metal Medusa buttons and plush quilted lining. Features: Chest pocket Versace tab Sat...
Gianni Versace Quilted Leather Jacket Fall Winter 1990
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
A rare Gianni Versace jacket from the early 1990s, featuring quilted leather detailing that blends flamboyant visual impact with a sharply structured silhouette — a signature balance...
$153Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gianni Versace Yellow Cotton Jacket Size 42 Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versace yellow jacket totally made in italy in size 42 composition: cotton
Gianni Versace SS 1994 biker jacket in black leather with Medusa details
By Gianni Versace
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Vintage Gianni Versace biker jacket from the SS 1994 season, made of 100% leather with 100% rayon lining, as indicated on the inside label. Short model with asymmetrical zipper closu...
GIANNI VERSACE c.1980's Black Leather Cropped Blazer Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
Gianni Versace c.1980's black leather cropped blazer jacket. Shoulder pads. Shawl collar. Silver-tone chain and rhinestone toggle closure. Fold over cuffs wi...
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...
$3,349Sale Price|30% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Iconic Fall/Winter 1991/92 Teather Drape Print Jacket
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE vintage iconic theater drape print wool jacket. From the Fall/Winter 1991/92 Collection. I Sipari / Theater Drapes print from Theater series...
1990’s Gianni Versace Loud Colourful Printed fitted Cotton Crop Jacket
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Superb 1990’s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Jacket crafted in a colourful Cotton print, featuring long sleeves, zip down the centre and waist length cropped hem ! MADE IN ITALY. R...
$897Sale Price|40% Off
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace 'Miss S&M' Gold Beaded Rhinestone Medusa Blazer Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gianni Versace designed this stunning black studded jacket for his brand's Fall/Winter 1992 'Miss S&M' collection. This chic, collarless jacket features rhinestone-accented gold Vers...
Gianni Versace Fall 2000 Tan Leather Yellow Shearling Fur Vintage Coat Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and collectible GIANNI VERSACE Fall 2000 Runway tan leather and bright yellow shearling fur trench jacket ! Features the finest buttery soft leather. FULLY LINED in warm yellow shearling. Matching detachable belt. Pockets at each side of the hips. 1990s does 1970s with an “Almost Famous” Kate Hudson...
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Versace Versus Black Wool Military Style Jacket Circa 1990s
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in University City, MO
Versace Versus black wool military style jacket. Italian Size 30 / 44 The stylish black wool jacket is adorned with six gilt metal and silver metal buttons on the front that depict a...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Pant Suit with Cut outs 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
F/W 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Pink Perforated Leather Coat
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a hot, pink Gianni Versace leather coat designed by Donatella Versace. This perforated leather wrap trench from the Fall/Winter ...
1990s Gianni Versace Versus Pure Wool Rainbow lined Black Blazer suit Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 1990's Wool & Cashmere blazer by Gianni Versace, featuring Rainbow zig-zag lined interior. Features: Single button fasten x3 Front pockets Button cuffs 85% Wool / 15% Cashmere Mad...
F/W 1994 Atelier Versace Haute Couture White Black Cropped Fringe Bolero Coat
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible creme fringe Atelier Versace cropped coat. From the Fall/Winter 1994 collection, this voluminous coat is constructed of creme wool fringe with black spots sc...
Gianni Versace Runway F/W 1992 Bondage Collection Leather Fox Astrakhan Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare museum piece vintage GIANNI VERSACE Couture Runway Fall / Winter 1992 Bondage Collection leather, fox fur and astrakhan fur black runway jacket ! Angelina Kallio modeled this on the runway for Look # 46. Leather jacket is stuffed with down for warmth. Gold Medusa head zipper up the front. Adjustable gold buckles at each side of the waist. Signature baroque silk lining. Hood can be removed with hidden buttons. This 90s vintage Versace...
$1,347Sale Price|40% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Sheer Black Lace Panel Leather Blazer Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 1990s Gianni Versace blazer jacket is crafted from smooth black leather and features a tailored, fitted silhouette. A notched lapel collar and three-button closure define the fr...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Studded Medusa Black Leather Cropped Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Fall/Winter 1992 collection, this black leather cropped jacket features ornate gold-tone Medusa buttons and signature studded embellishments arranged in floral ...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Leopard Animal Print Blazer - Tailored Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A superb Spring / Summer 1992 Runway blazer by Gianni Versace, crafted in a beautiful and iconic house leopard print featuring large decorative Gold Buttons, long sleeves, hip pocket...
Atelier Versace transparent plastic and red wool mini dress and jacket, fw 1995
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Atelier Versace; Red wool strapless bustier mini dress with transparent plastic trim and built in corset. Sold with a matching jacket with plastic yoke and silver zip fastenings. A...
1980s Gianni Versace shearling leather cape jacket with layered construction sca
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1980s Gianni Versace shearling leather cape jacket with layered construction scarf This rare 1980s Gianni Versace piece combines a shearling leather...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway Ad Navy Double Breasted Medusa Blazer
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous navy double-breasted Gianni Versace jacket, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1995 collection, this jacket debuted on the season's runway as pa...
A/W1992 Gianni Versace bondage fringe leather vest
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A/W 1992 Gianni Versace bondage fringe leather vest This rare Gianni Versace vest from the Autumn/Winter 1992 collection embodies the house's i...
Gianni Versace Fall 1991 leather jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in Carnate, IT
Gianni Versace jacket. From Fall 1991 collect. Iconic piece. 100% leather. Amazing decorations (one stud is missing as seen in photos). Size 42 Italian Mea...
Versace Leather Jacket With Greca Fur Collar
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Leather Jacket With Greca Fur Collar Black nappa leather jacket, single breasted with a top button with Medusa detailing, other button in black with logo. Flap pocket and bu...
$442Sale Price|35% Off
Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Red Cotton Collar Vest
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture red cotton vest. - Pointy collar embedded with gold toned hardware studs. - Gold toned hardware snap buttons closure. - Two front fla...
$514Sale Price|34% Off
Versus By Gianni Versace Colour Blocked Stripes Cropped Vest
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Versus by Gianni Versace colour blocked (white, red, blue and green) "sailor like" stripes cropped vest. - Featuring five front iconic gold Medusa buttons fastening...
NWT F/W 1997 Gianni Versace Final Runway Red Wool Belted Skirt Suit New
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a bright red wool belted skirt suit designed by Gianni Versace for his final collection before his death. A version of this set debuted in...
1990s Vintage Gianni Versace Versus Black Velvet 90s Houndstooth Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome vintage Gianni Versace 'Versus' early 90s slim fitted blazer/jacket! Signature silver + black Medusa buttons up the front, and at cuffs. Perfect transitional piece--can easil...
1992 Gianni Versace Couture Leopard Print / Cheetah Blazer - Runway Jacket
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Superb Gianni Versace 1992 Runway blazer crafted from pure silk cheetah print cloth featuring long sleeves, button front closure a lace up detail at the cuffs. Size; Recommended S...
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...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Red Leopard Print Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This classic red leopard print skirt suit is from Gianni Versace's Fall/Winter 1992 collection, designed by Gianni Versace. If this isn't a power suit, we ...
F/W 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Mens Runway Silver Python Moto Zip Jacket
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a silver python skin Gianni Versace moto-style jacket, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2000 men’s collection, a version of this jacket debuted on the s...
Gianni Versace Vintage Greek Geometric Blazer Size 52 Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versace classic greek geometric blazer totally made in italy in size 52
1990s Gianni Versace Napoleon cropped tailored jacket with contrast leather trim
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Gianni Versace Napoleon cropped tailored jacket with contrast leather trim This cropped Napoleon-style jacket from Gianni Versace’s 1990s production features bold contrast lea...
An early Gianni Versace leopard print fur gillet c. 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This is an early Gianni Versace fur gillet in a leopard print from the 1980s. The gillet is made of soft rabbit fur and has a 2 leather button closu...
Gianni Versace Black Leather Studded Vest, F/W 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
From Gianni Versace’s Fall/Winter 1992 collection, this black leather vest embodies the opulent rock sensuality that defined the designer’s early-1990s aesthetic. Crafted in Italy fr...
$510Sale Price|25% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Pop Art Rose print corseted cropped jacket IT40 S
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Pop Art Rose print corseted cropped jacket IT40 S Reference: TGAS/D00415 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Cotton Color: Red, Yellow Pat...
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Early 2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Floral Cutout Medusa Leather Jacket
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a sleek black Gianni Versace leather jacket designed by Donatella Versace. This collared leather jacket features a flat, rounded col...
$210Sale Price|25% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage black white checkered cropped sweater vest
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage black white checkered cropped sweater vest Reference: CC/A00411 Brand: Gianni Versace Material: Feels like wool Color: Black, White Pattern: Checkered Closure:...
$345Sale Price|25% Off
VERSUS GIANNI VERSACE pearl satin lattice lace back cropped blazer jacket IT42 M
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSUS GIANNI VERSACE pearl satin lattice lace back cropped blazer jacket IT42 M Reference: TGAS/D00388 Brand: Versus Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Pearl Pa...
NWT S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Baby Blue Metallic Crinkled Lamé Medusa Coat
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare blue metallic crinkled lamé Gianni Versace Couture coat, designed by Gianni Versace. This rare piece cannot be found on a ready-to-wear runway, but the fabric debut...
Gianni Versace 1991 Vintage Black Velvet Brazer with Embroidery for Men
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
RARE VINTAGE GIANNI VERSACE BLACK VELVET BRAZER with EMBROIDERY. Circa 1991 This black velvet blazer from Gianni Versace features an embroidery, quilting and a front button fastening...
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Baroque Jacket with Zipper
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Couture black label cotton jacket. Shades of yellows, greens, pinks and purples in an all over baroque print. Collarless with black trim with black top sti...
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Yellow Leopard Print Medusa Button Zip Vest Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a cheetah print Gianni Versace Couture denim vest designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this yellow and black cheetah print vest is a classic early 1990s Versace. With a similar vest debuting on the season's runway as Look 25, modeled by Marpessa Hennink, this collared vest features a hidden zipper closure with gold Versace...
1980's Gianni Versace Purple & Black Blazer
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gianni Versace purple and black wool 5 button blazer from the 1980's. The jacket is fitted through the waist with a slightly exaggerated shoulder...
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Purple White Floral Silk Printed Blazer Jacket
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace blazer from the Spring/Summer 1994 collection is cut in a fitted silhouette with structured shoulders and long sleeves. It features...
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Red Leather Yellow Silk Floral Medusa Vest
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a supple leather vest designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1993 collection. A bright yellow floral printed silk panel at the back beautifully contrasts the fiery red leather and matching gold and enamel Medusa buttons. Add a pop of color with this classic Versace original...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Tresor la Mer Black Denim Medusa Cropped Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this Gianni Versace-designed cropped jacket debuted on the season's runway as part of Look 42, modeled by Cindy Crawford. Adorned in Versace's...
Vintage Versace 1990's Corduroy Pop art Colourful Cow Pattern Waist coat Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Vibrant 1990's Vintage Versace Jeans Couture waist coat in a colourful corduroy cow material featuring a pop-art esque pattern and contrasting blue satin lining. MADE IN ITALY Featur...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Black Leather 'Miss S&M' Bondage Vest
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gianni Versace featured this stunning and sought-after vest on the 1992 F/W runway. This collection is infamous for its sexually provocative designs and is titled 'Miss S&M' (commonl...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Black Silver Leather Accent Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace jacket from the Fall/Winter 1994 collection is crafted in black with a fitted single-breasted silhouette. The front closes with five silver-tone rhinestone-trimme...
Versace Black Bondage Jacket With Gold Buttons 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianni Versace black wool jacket featuring horizontal bondage straps with heavy stitching, folding cuffs, pointed chest pockets, an...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Black Leopard Faux Fur Sample Double Breasted Coat
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black leopard print Gianni Versace faux fur trench coat, designed by Gianni Versace. A rare sample from the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, this double-breasted co...