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.
$178Sale Price|44% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Blue Rhinestones Crystal Greca Clip On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Greca shape Earrings in Blue, this brand new vintage item still in original box is not to be seen elsewhere. A versace collector piece...
Gianni Versace Vintage 2000s Y2K Gold Logo Medusa Head Dangle Pierced Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic never worn GIANNI VERSACE gold Medusa head embossed dangle pierced back earrings. Each earring features 6 discs. Pierced back. Can easily be dressed up or down. In great unwor...
$290Sale Price|60% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Hoop Ring Medusa Coin Medallion Necklace Choker
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Hoop Choker. A versace collector piece! Feature Material: Metal Condition: Good Vintage Colour: Silver and Gold Period: 1990- Place o...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Oversized Gold-Tone Medusa Faux Pearl Dangle Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage oversized gold‑tone dangle earrings (clip-on) featuring Medusa heads and round faux‑pearl cabochons framed by Greek key motifs. These earrings embody the unmi...
Gianni Versace Vintage Lucite Medusa Clip-On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage gold toned clip-on earrings featuring a lucite center with a MEDUSA coin inlaid. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : approx. 2.1...
Gilt Metal
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Triple Hook Modernist Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Triple Hook Modernist Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic GIANNI VERSACE. - Triple hook modernist style earrings. - Gold tone hardware. - Signed GIANNI VERSAC...
$346Sale Price / set|40% Off
Rare Vintage Gianni Versace Gold Sun Gold Runway Clip Earrings Runway 1981
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
The Gianni Versace Gold Sun Earrings from 1981 are iconic pieces that exemplify the designer's bold and expressive style. These earrings were introduced during the launch of Versace's first fragrance in 19981 Gianni Versace for Women, marking a significant expansion of the brand into accessories and jewelry. The earrings are crafted from shiny gold-tone metal and feature a radiant sun motif with a smiling face, embodying themes of mythology and classical art that were central to Versace's aesthetic. Each earring is signed with "VERSACE PROFUMI...
Gold Plate
Gianni Versace Medusa Rhinestone Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Snag yourself these hoops! Circa late 1980s/early 1990s, these gold plated Versace dangle earrings are embossed with the signature Medusa head and are embellished with rhinestones and fringe. Clip on closures. Pair with your favorite Versace silk shirt and black leather leggings...
$796Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Gold Medusa Rhinestone Drop Clip on Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace earring pair from the 1990s is constructed in gold-tone metal with a circular Medusa medallion top surrounded by a border of round rhinestones. A crystal-set rect...
Gold
1990s Gianni Versace Large Round Gold Medusa Logo Costume Clip on Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of large gold-tone Gianni Versace Medusa clip-on earrings designed by Gianni Versace. From the 1990s, these fabulous large circular earrings feature a Greek key bor...
$716Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Gianni Versace Silver Tone Crystal Hoop Clip On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of silvertone Gianni Versace costume hoop clip-on earrings. From the 1980s, these fabulous earrings feature a circular coil drop ac...
Silver
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Rhinestone Medusa Logo Drop Clip-On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of gold-tone Gianni Versace drop earrings designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1992 'Miss S&M' collection, these incredible clip-on earrings feature a V...
Gianni Versace Profumi Vintage Gold Toned Lion Head Clip-On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE Profumi vintage gold toned clip-on earrings featuring an ancient Roman lion head. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE PROFUMI. Indicative measurem...
Gilt Metal
1990s Gianni Versace Silver Rhinestone Drop Clip on Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of silver-tone rhinestone-covered Gianni Versace earrings. From the 1990s, these circular clip-on earrings are covered in shimmery rhinestones and made complete wit...
$252Sale Price|37% Off
1990s Gianni Versace flower clip on earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
These flower clip on earrings by Gianni Versace feature a gold tone metal base. The real highlight of the piece is the light green enamel colou...
1990s Gianni Versace Costume Gold Square Rhinestone Clip On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of large gold-tone Gianni Versace Medusa clip-on earrings designed by Gianni Versace. From the 1990s, these fabulous large square earrings feature a Greek key borde...
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Red Medusa Greek Keys Medallion Disc Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Red Medusa Greek Keys Medallion Disc Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.69 inches (4.3 cm) Width: 1.69 inches (4.3 cm) Weight ...
Peter Suchy 14.27 Carat Tourmaline Gold Dangle Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Multi-color well matched pink and green rectangular Tourmalines, in 14k white gold settings that were created in the Peter Suchy Workshop. 2 rectangular watermelon pink and green T...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Carnelian Doorknockers 1970's Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Of door knocker design, in articulated 18K yellow gold, with clip backs these are vintage Bvlgari door knockers with hoops made of Carnelian. Because these earrings come to us from ...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 22.50 Carat Topaz Gold Dangle Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Two custom cut oval white 22.50 carat Topaz dangle earrings. 18 x 13mm each in custom white gold scroll settings, hung by a double 14k white gold cable chain from the Peter Suchy Wor...
Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
22.50 Carat Tear Drop Amethyst Diamond Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Tear drop Amethyst and diamond dangle earrings. 2 natural medium purple and translucent tear shaped amethysts with a total weight of 22.50cts. Each gemstone dangles from a 14k white ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
5.50 Carat Marquise Round Diamond Gold Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Marquise and round diamond long dangle earrings in 14k white gold settings. 22 Marquise diamonds with two round dangles at the bottom. 2.40 inches long. 22 Marquise diamonds...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Art Deco Chalcedony Black Onyx Diamond Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Step into the glamour of a bygone era with our 1930's Art Deco chalcedony black onyx diamond gold dangle earrings. These exquisite pieces are more than just accessories they're a tes...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Peter Suchy Natural Untreated Aquamarine Gold Dangle Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural light blue untreated Aqua dangle earrings. 2 square cut aquamarines totaling 13.82cts with 2 briolette pear shaped aqua dangles in 14k wh...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Cartier Paris GIA Certified 7.89 Carat Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
Sensational Early 1900's Cartier Paris diamond dangle earrings. These stunning earrings are set with 2 pear shaped diamonds with a total weight of 2.14cts. that dangle from custom cut halos of old European cut diamond halos. These earrings have a total of 74 Old European cut, antique pear shaped and round brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum. Both pear shaped diamonds are GIA certified. These exquisite earrings are the true embodiment of Cartier's elegance, style and timeless beauty. 1 modified pear brilliant diamond. 2.14ct total weight. M color, SI1 clarity. GIA certificate# 5151769439. Original elongated pear 1900 face up color I to J. 13.89x5.25x3.76mm. 1 modified pear brilliant diamond, approx. 2.00ct. total weight. M color, SI2 clarity. GIA 1152769432. Original elongated pear 1900 face up color I to J. 14.15x5.64x3.15mm. 2 round old European brilliant cut diamonds, approx. 1.00ct. I to J color, SI1 to SI2 clarity. 70 old European...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
10.00 Carat Pear Shaped Aquamarine Diamond Gold Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1940's exquisite pear shaped aquamarine and diamond dangle drop earrings. Crafted with precision and elegance, these earrings begin with 2 pear shaped aquas with total carat weight of 10.00cts. Set in 14k white gold the aquas glisten with a captivating hue reminiscent of the ocean's depths, while the diamonds add a touch of sparkle and sophistication. The gold settings complement the gemstones beautifully, providing a luxurious finish to the design. 2 pear light...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
AJD Glittery 3.66Ct Natural Zircon & 15.4Cts Golden Citrine Earrings
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Super elegant 1.83 carats of glittering round rare natural real White Zircons gemstones (7 mm) dangle the beautiful 7.7 carats of golden Citrines...
Citrine, Zircon, Sterling Silver, Silver
$4,100 / item
Emerald Hoop Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These earrings are meticulously crafted in 18-karat gold and sterling silver. It is hand set in 2.38 carats emerald and .90 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to v...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Chanel 1980's Quilted Gold Plated Quiled Clip On Hoop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in North Miami, FL
These fabulous pair of 80's chic vintage Chanel clip on earrings are quilted gold metal hoops with a connector. They are really able to be 2 earrings in one...
Gold Plate
Gianni Versace Profumi Clip Earrings Vintage Gold Plated with Medusa
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Authentic Gianni Versace Profumi vintage clip-on earrings are iconic pieces from the 1980s, celebrated for their bold design and emblematic Medusa. Sig...
Gold Plate
1990's Gianni Versace Medusa Rhinestones Drop Pearl Silver Clip On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Introducing a timeless piece of luxury fashion history: the 1990's Gianni Versace Medusa Rhinestones Drop Pearl Silver Clip-On Earrings. These exquisite earrings encapsulate the opul...
Pearl
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Modernist Clip-On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE by UGO CORREANI vintage silver tone modernist clip-on earrings embellished with a clear crystal. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : hei...
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Gold Medusa Emerald Cut Crystal Clip On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Step into the glamorous world of the 1990s with the breathtaking Gianni Versace Vintage Gold Medusa Emerald Cut Crystal Clip On Earrings. These stunning earrings capture the essence ...
Crystal, Gold
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Silver Medusa Rhinestones Clip On Earrings RARE
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Introducing a truly rare gem from the 1990s, the Gianni Versace Vintage Silver Medusa Rhinestones Clip On Earrings. These exquisite earrings embody the opulence and iconic style that...
Silver
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Glass Medusa Gold Square Clip On Earrings RARE
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Introducing a rare gem from the 1990s, the Gianni Versace Vintage Glass Medusa Gold Square Clip On Earrings. These exquisite earrings ar...
Pearl, Gold
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Hoop Ring Medusa Coin Medallion Necklace Choker
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Hoop Choker. A versace collector piece! Feature Material: Metal Condition: Good Vintage Colour: Gold Period: 1990- Place of Origin: ...
CHANEL 2022 Black Leather CC Heart Clip On Earrings Gold
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
2022 CHANEL Clip On Heart Earrings Feature Material: Metal and Leather Condition: Excellent Colour: Black and Gold Dimension: 2cm
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Medusa Pearl Crystal Silver 925 Dangle Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Medusa dangle earrings, purple crystal and pearls made with 925 Silver. Feature Material: 925 Silver Condition: Good, minor peel on pearls Colour: Purple, Ora...
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Silver Green enamel Rhinestone Clip On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Green Large Enamel Medusa Rhinestone Silver Clip On Earrings Feature Material: Silver Metal and Enamel Condition: Mint Old Stock Colour: Silver Dimension: 3.5...
Gold
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Greca Gold Dangle Long Rhinestone Clip On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Pearl Hoop Earrings, this brand new vintage item still in original box is not to be seen elsewhere. A versace collector piece!...
Gold
1990's Gianni Versace Vintage Orange Rhinestone Greca Gold Hoop Clip On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace Pearl Hoop Earrings, this brand new vintage item still in original box is not to be seen elsewhere. A versace collector piece! Feature Material: Gold tone Met...
Gold