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 Vintage Cashmere American Flag Colorblock Sweater, 46
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,...
$248Sale Price|38% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Black & White Wool Cardigan, Size M, Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versace Black & White wool Cardigan totally made in italy in size M
Early Gianni Versace 1980s Sexy Black Fringe 80s Vintage Cotton Sweater Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare early GIANNI VERSACE black cotton knit fringed cropped sweater top! Features lines of fringe throughout the entire garment. Sexy crop fit reveals just the right amount of skin. ...
Gianni Versace Lion Print Fall Winter 1991 Waistcoat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
An exceptional Gianni Versace waistcoat from Autumn Winter 1991, featuring an intricate black-and-white geometric ground overlaid with classic...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage purple jewel bead embellished crop turtleneck IT38 XS
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage purple jewel bead embellished crop turtleneck IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00984 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Wool, Blend Color: Purple...
Gianni Versace Couture Cashmere 1990s Sweater Vest
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
An exceptional Gianni Versace Couture sweater vest crafted from a luxurious blend of cashmere, silk, and lama, offering a notably soft handle and refined drape. This elevated composi...
Gianni Versace rose gold Oroton metal mesh vest, fw 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace rose gold Oroton vest ▪ 100% Metal ▪ Back zip fastening ▪ IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6 ▪ Fall-Winter 1994
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Ad Gold Metallic Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater 42IT
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace sweater from the Fall/Winter 1994 collection features a turtleneck and vertical cable panels in gold metallic thread, with ribbed trim at the hem and cuffs. It ap...
F/W 1990 Gianni Versace Puccini Opera Embroidered Multicolor Knit Sweater IT42
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace sweater from the Fall/Winter 1990 collection is cut in an oversized silhouette with a wide neckline and long sleeves. It is constructed in multicolor knit with a ...
Vintage Gianni Versace Wool and Satin Jumper
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
A great vintage jumper by Gianni Versace. In a wool and angora mix the jumper has an attractive satin triangle on the front, covering approximately half the jumper, and it has attrac...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Sheer Zig-Zag Panel Black Knit Sweater Vest 40IT
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This chic black Gianni Versace sleeveless sweater vest was designed by Gianni Versace for the Spring/Summer 1994 collection. This sleeveless sweater features a crew neck and is made ...
F/W 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Green Beaded Lurex Metallic Knit Sweater IT46
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous dark grey Gianni Versace beaded sweater vest designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, this knit s...
1990s Gianni Versace Black White Cheetah Print Stretch Knit Sweater Top IT38
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black and white cheetah print Gianni Versace sweater, designed by Gianni Versace. From the 1990s, this beautiful sweater is covered in bla...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Purple Angora Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a very cozy Angora knit sleeveless sweater from designer Gianni Versace couture circa early 90's. Sweater is in a fabulous purple with a deep purple knit trim around the neck...
Gianni Versace Crystal Embellished 100% Wool Sweater Pullover Top It. 40 - US Sm
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Crystal Embellished Sweater Pullover Designer size 40 - US Small 100% Wool, Dark Orange Color, Swirl Micro-Beaded Crystal Embelli...
Gianni Versace Colorblock Sweater Vest, 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Possibly one of the most well-known designers of the 20th century, Versace approached fashion with a particular eclectic edge. Inspired by art and a strong urge to question and redefine the world around, the often-subversive stylings played in his favor. Despite this aesthetic, this 1980s sweater is a departure from his usual style. A black and crème checkerboard knit pattern with squares of neon yellow, wisteria, and orange throughout make this sweater almost a foretelling of 90s style all while paying homage to the passed 70s. Having a slightly oversized silhouette. And a defined border around the armholes, a deep, narrow V-neckline draws the eye elongating the torso down to the thick ribbed finish. This Versace sweater...
F/W 1992 Atelier Versace Gold Metallic Cable Knit Cardigan Sweater custom
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Atelier Versace cardigan from the Fall/Winter 1992 collection features an all-over cable pattern in gold metallic thread. It has a V-neckline, button-front closure with gold-ton...
1996 Gianni Versace Purple Psychedelic Op Art Knit Roll-Neck Sweater Top IT40
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic purple and black Gianni Versace turtleneck sweater designed by Gianni Versace. From 1996, this fabulous knit sweater features an a...
$150Sale Price|60% Off
Rare Vintage Collezioni Gianni Versace Men's Ikat Print Waistcoat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Port Hope, ON
Very nice cotton v-necked vest with a burgundy, green, beige and white ikat print. There are front handkerchief hems and a half-tie belt in the back. Closure is by four buttons in th...
Gianni Versace Spring Summer 1993 ‘Miami Collection’ Flag Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
An iconic Gianni Versace knit sweater from the Spring–Summer 1993 menswear collection, widely referred to as the Miami Collection, featuring a bold all-over flag motif inspired by i...
$170Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Brown Wool Sweater for Men, Size L, Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versace brown wool sweater totally made in italy in size L
Versace Black Cashmere Turtleneck Vest - '80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Gianni Versace sleeveless turtleneck top embodies refined, understated elegance at its core. Crafted from pure black cashmere, it reflects the exceptional quality and sophistica...
Gianni Versace Black Sleeveless Embellished Knit Top - '90s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant and sophisticated, the Gianni Versace Black Sleeveless Embellished Knit Top is an iconic piece that combines timeless style with luxurious detailing. Crafted in black knit, i...
GIANNI VERSACE, Argyle Vintage Wool, Cashmere, Silk Blend, V-Neck Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingston, NY
GIANNI VERSACE, Vintage Wool, Cashmere, Silk Blend, Argyle V-Neck Sweater, 1990s Size IT52 From an Important Collection.
GIANNI VERSACE, Wool, Orange, Tiger Pattern, Crewneck Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingston, NY
GIANNI VERSACE, Wool, Orange, Tiger Pattern, Crewneck Sweater Measurements: Chest 48"; Hem Opening 32"; Back Length 27"; Shoulder-to-Shoulder 19"; Sleeve Length 25". From an Import...
Gianni Versace Fall Winter 1991 'Pittura' Sweater Vest
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
A striking Gianni Versace knit sweater vest from the Autumn–Winter 1991 menswear collection, featuring the bold “Pittura” graphic rendered in saturated blocks of colour. The composit...
$444Sale Price|43% Off
Gianni Versace Black Knitted Wool Side Silt Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace black knitted wool pullover sweater. You can also wear it as a dress. - Featuring knitted floral pattern. Different knitted pattern on the hem. - Sid...
$708Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Light Purple Cotton Knitted Cardigan
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace light purple cotton knitted cardigan. - "Versace" mother of pearl buttons. - Ribbed crew neck and cuff. - Size 42. -...
$215Sale Price|20% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Size S Green and Black Viscose & Silk Abstract Pullover
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
VINTAGE GIANNI VERSACE pullover comes in a green and black floral print viscose and silk jersey featuring draped detail at the bottom. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. ...
Vintage Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Green Wool Cardigan
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture green wool cardigan. Featuring a green faux fur collar, five black metal hardware buttons closure, two welt pockets. A well made wool cardi...