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 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 Reversible Skirt with Elaborate Applique 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
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...
1990s Gianni Versace skirt: Cashmere, wool, zebra print, and coral fringe
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Luxurious skirt from the legendary fashion house Gianni Versace. This piece is a prime example of the '90s aesthetic, combining an aggressive animal zebra print with a delicate coral...
Long evening pencil black skirt fully embroidered Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long evening pencil black skirt fully embroidered with glass beads on a black velvet base. Split on middle back in the bottom lenght: 23 cm
A/W 1994 - 1995 Gianni Versace Pale Gold Leather Pencil Skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
An iconic Autumn / Winter 1994 -1995 Gianni Versace pencil skirt, crafted from a pale gold leather featuring a high waisted silhouette, past the knee length hem, fully lined interior...
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...
Versace SS1995 Navy Silk Ballerina Mini Skirt (XS)
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
VALHALLA VINTAGE Versace Spring Summer 1995 navy silk bias cut ballerina mini skirt. As seen on Kate Moss. A satin waistband and double lay...
2000's Versace VERSUS Hot Pink & Blue Rose Floral pattern Colourful Mini Skirt
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Vintage A-line mini skirt by VERSACE label 'VERSUS' Circa 2000, featuring a vibrant blue peony/rose flowers pattern through out. MADE IN ITALY Features: Concealed side zip closure ...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Cream Silk Satin Sharply Fitted Dress With Stretch Wool At
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
There are a few minor flaws and this dress is priced as-is. Still very wearable just not mint condition. 1990S GIANNI VERSACE Cream Silk Satin Sharply Fitted Dress With Stretch Wool ...
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt with Leather Band 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Safety Pin Medusa Pierced Black Leather Belted IT38
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black leather Gianni Versace mini skirt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this skirt debuted on the s...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe James Dean Warhol Printed Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Incredible Gianni Versace Couture pencil skirt from the Spring Summer 1991 collection featuring an Andy Warhol inspired pop art motif of pop culture icons Marilyn Monroe and James De...
Gianni Versace Black wool skirt with overlapping pleats, vintage 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Genova, IT
Black Gianni Versace skirt from the 1980s with overlapping pleats ABOUT An elegant vintage Versace skirt with a design that blends tailoring and modernity through an interplay of ...
1990s Gianni Versace Vintage Multicoloured Cotton Skirt Size IT 44
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace multicoloured skirt Vintage cotton skirt size it 44 waist 70 cm, lenght 41 cm
2021 VERSACE PYTHON Print VISCOSE CADY MINI SKIRT SZ 38
By Gianni Versace, 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 Silk Skirt 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous colorful silk skirt by Gianni Versace in a pattern of abstract shapes and flowers. It is pencil style with a waistband and button closing, side zipper and silk lining. F...
Gianni Versace Black Lambskin Leather "Medusa" Pencil Skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace black lambskin leather pencil skirt. - Featuring silver-toned "Medusa" hardware panels in front and back. Zip closure at the back. - Waist: 26 inches...
Gianni Versace blue Oroton chainmail draped evening mini skirt, fw 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace metallic blue Oroton chainmail draped evening mini skirt. Fall-Winter 1994
2000s Gianni Versace Jean Couture Size 44 / 8 Black Lace Cut - Out Y2K Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Early 2000s GIANNI VERSACE JEANS COUTURE black skirt ! Slinky fit that looks great with movement. Soft rayon blend has some stretch. Sheer lace panel at side waist of the front and b...
Gianni Versace silver Oroton metal chainmail bodysuit and skirt, fw 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace silver Oroton chainmail two piece skirt suit ▪ 100% Metal ▪ Vest with lycra bodysuit attached ▪ Knee length skirt with draped detail ▪ ...
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 Origami Color Block Skirt 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk skirt from Gianni Versace in yellow, orange and bright pink silk accented with a black abstract print. The skirt front and back has angled overlapping folds. It has a side zipper, a button at the waistband and matching pink lining. Fits size Extra Small...
Gianni Versace red skirt with a vintage '80s leather insert
By Gianni Versace
Located in Genova, IT
Gianni Versace red skirt with a vintage '80s leather insert ABOUT An extraordinary wrap skirt designed by Gianni Versace and dating from the early 1980s. The skirt is made of wool ...
1990s Gianni Versace Logo Print White High Waist Silky Vintage 90s Mini Skirt
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy late 1990s GIANNI VERSACE white logo print high waist mini skirt! Features Squares that spell out Versace throughout. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Can ea...
Metallic black mesh and strass skirt Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Skirt in black metallic mesh and rhinestones, black satin waistband. Back zip. Gianni Versace Sera label. Size: 38 French model 9230313 Art: 869-200 DUNAYW
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace "Miss S&M" Bondage Animal Print Black Leather Skirt IT42
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black leather and pony hair Gianni Versace skirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1992 'Miss S&M' collection, this skirt is constructed of ...
Gianni Versace Vintage White Cotton Skirt, Italian Size M, Circa 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace Versatile White Cotton Skirt Totally made in italy in italian size range M
Gianni Versace Fall 2004 Runway Size 8 Yellow Black Houndstooth Belted Skirt
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic GIANNI VERSACE Fall / Winter 2004 Runway yellow and black houndstooth lightweight wool belted skirt ! Sits low on the waist, with dips at fron...
1990s Gianni Versace Black Braided Leather Chain Accent Mini Skirt
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace mini skirt from the mid-1990s is cut in a fitted silhouette with a straight hem. It is made from black textured leather with horizontal rows of gold-tone chain li...
Gianni Versace Vintage Black Leather Skirt for Women, Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace black leather skirt totally made in italy
Puff skirt in stiff and wrinkled tulle with tiny black beads Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Cocktail puff skirt in stiff and wrinkled tulle with mini black beads. and silk satin belt ( waist band) Rayon lining. Zip, button, buttonhole and hook&eye in the middle back; Could...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Leopard Print Faux Fur Pencil Skirt IT42
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace faux fur leopard print mini skirt is from the Fall/Winter 1994 collection, designed by Gianni Versace. Similar pieces appeared on the season’s runway in looks 31 ...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Baroque Animal Print Mini Pencil Skirt IT40/US6
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing a Gianni Versace mini skirt featuring a distinctive baroque print. Designed by Gianni Versace for the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this skirt combines a baroque pattern...
Gianni Versace black leather safety pin skirt and sweater ensemble, ss 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace runway ensemble ▪ Black leather pencil skirt ▪ Neon green knitted v-neck sweater ▪ Orange mesh cycling shorts with lace trim ▪ Larg...
Vintage Versace Main Line Wool and Silk Skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage skirt by Versace main line. In a black wool and silk mix, the skirt has a side zip opening and attractive lining. Size Eu 38, measurements: Waist 28 '', length 27''
Gianni Versace turquoise python tiered skirt, fw 1999
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace knee-length leather skirt ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Expertly crafted from four tiers of dyed turquoise...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Hand-Painted Ponyhair Mini Skirt 38IT
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This chic mini skirt designed by Donatella for Gianni Versace's Spring/Summer 1999 collection debuted on the season's runway, modeled by Georgina Cooperworn. The skirt was further hi...
Gianni Versace Vintage Brown Velvet Skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
A fun vintage skirt for Fall by Gianni Versace. The skirt has a tie wrap over front and a side zip opening. It is unlined, and has a 3 1/2 '' slit. Measurements: Waist 32'', length ...
GIANNI VERSACE A/W 1983 Gold Black Floral Silk Lame Skirt Size 42 NOS NWT
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
Fall/Winter 1983 New Old Stock Gianni Versace gold and black silk floral lame skirt. Full pleated skirt. Quilted waistband. Black trim at hem. Two pockets. Hook/eye and button closur...
Gianni Versace Vintage Black Leather Skirt Size 40 Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace black leather skirt totally made in italy size 40
F/W 1987 Gianni Versace Runway Black Leather Ribbon Tiered Pencil Skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Fall/Winter 1987 Gianni Versace runway black leather ribbon-tiered pencil skirt showcases leather layering, creating a striking tiered effect. Worn on the runway by Amalia Vaire...
Gianni Versace embroidered floral skirt with chainmail and beaded belt, fw 1999
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace, embroidered floral above-the-knee pencil skirt. Silver metal mesh chainmail waistband with turquoise hanging beads and red silk lining. Fall-Winter 1999
GIANNI VERSACE Leather cut out twisted Mini Skirt, c. 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Genève, CH
Gianni Versace sexy twisted cut out leather fitted mini skirt, made from butter soft leather. Perfect condition, 3 micro stains on the lining ( check pictures). - Closing zipper on ...
Gianni Versace navy blue wool medusa high waisted straight pencil midi skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI Vintage Vintage Gianni Versace high waisted straight cut skirt Midi length Brass Medusa embossed buttons on faux poulets Belt loops Concealed back zip SHIPPING - Due to t...
Gianni Versace Couture, Double buttoned wool skirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace Couture, Double buttoned wool skirt with medusa buttons. The item is in good condition, medusa buttons have discoloration.
Gianni Versace pink pleated leather mini skirt, ss 2003
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace pleated mini skirt ▪ Designed by Donatella Versace ▪ Pink lizard skin leather ▪ Inverted box pleats ▪ Silver metal stud detail ▪ IT 40 - FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4 ▪ Sp...
Gianni Versace F/W 1998 Couture Embellished Purple Silk Skirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Gianni Versace - Sold by Skof.Archive - Fall Winter 1998 Couture Collection - Embellished Purple Silk Skirt - A rich burgundy silk base overlaid with black sheer - Int...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Black Faux Curly Lamb Fur Iconic Micro Mini Skirt With Gol
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Famously modeled by Cindy Crawford in the ad campaign for the Miss S&M collection 1990S GIANNI VERSACE Black Faux Curly Lamb Fur Iconic Micro Mini Skirt With Gold Crystals
Vintage Versace F/W 2000 Black Leather Suede Skirt with Python Detail It. 40
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Gianni Versace Black Leather Suede Skirt with Python Detail F/W 2000 Collection Italian size - 40 100% Leather, 100% Python, Back Zip Closure. Measurements approx. : Length...
Gianni Versace Printed Mini Skirt - '90s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Black and white silk mini skirt in mixed polka dot and animal prints, featuring a side slit and button closure. A playful statement, many ways to style. Remarks: The size is not indi...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Runway Ad Metallic Lavender Embossed Mini Skirt 38IT
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous metallic lavender leather skirt designed by Gianni Versace for his Fall/Winter 1994 collection debuted on the season's runway in silver, modeled by Naomi Campbell. The ...
Gianni Versace Mini Skirt - '90s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Bold red mini skirt by Gianni Versace, featuring a sleek fitted silhouette in soft wool blend fabric. Easy to style for both casual and elegant looks. Remarks: There is a small spot...
Night blue fully beaded pencil skirt on velvet base Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue fully beaded pencil skirt on velvet base. SIZE 42 (It) M
Gianni Versace baroque printed silk ruffle tiered skirt, ss 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Introducing the exquisite Gianni Versace Baroque printed silk tiered ruffled skirt, a true masterpiece that captures the iconic essence of Versace's bold and opulent style. Adorned ...
NWT S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Black White Polka Dot Pleated Wrap Skirt 38IT/4US
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pleated black and white polka dot Gianni Versace skirt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this intentionally wrinkled skirt is covered in small and large polka dots and is complete with silver-tone Versace Medusa button...
F/W 1997 Gianni Versace Black Cut Out Runway Runway Skirt 42IT/8US
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic black skirt from Gianni Versace's Fall/Winter 1997 collection. Part of Gianni's final RTW collection, this skirt debuted on the season’s runway as part of look 49, ...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Rhinstone Medusa Brown Silk Mini Skirt 38IT
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing a fabulous brown satin Gianni Versace short skirt, designed by Gianni Versace for the Fall/Winter 1996 collection. This chic silk skirt, crafted entirely from brown sati...
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Oroton Metal Trim Y2K Mini Skirt 40IT
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace skirt from the early 2000s, designed by Donatella Versace, is cut in a fitted mini silhouette in black. A vertical strip of black oroton chainmail runs along the ...
1990s Gianni Versace Pleated Silk Black Pink Baroque Print Flare Wrap Skirt IT38
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a bold pink and black baroque print wrap skirt with orange trim designed by Gianni Versace in the early 1990s. The accordion pleating and wrap construction give this light...