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.
1994 Gianni Versace Black Patent Leather Safety Pin Handle Bag
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Rare vintage 1994 Gianni Versace Couture black patent leather safety pin top handle bag. Features silver-tone grommets and Medusa safety pins. The standout on this bag is the large j...
1994 Gianni Versace Green Leather Punk Safety Pin Bag
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Rare Gianni Versace 1994 safety pin top handle large leather bag in a vibrant green. Features bold silver-tone grommets and Medusa safety pins...
Versace Tropical Miami Print Charm Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Versace Tropical Miami Print Charm Bag of printed cotton canvas with natural leather trim and a cluster of floral charms. Satin lining. 1990's Italy....
Gianni Versace Fall 2000 Runway Yellow + Tan Nude Silk Gold Chain Handbag Purse
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Fall 2000 Runway large silk satin hand bag ! Features a checkered pattern in yellow, taupe, and nude. Gold chain link bracelet...
1990s Versace bag and shoes, size 38. Set. Excellent condition!
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
A set from the legendary house of Versace (Italy) is for sale. Includes: Bag: Elegant medium-sized bag. Dimensions (L x W x H): 27 x 14 x 20 cm (10.6 x 5.5 x 7.9 inches). Excellen...
Gianni Versace Bordeaux Faux Leather Handle Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Amazing and rare handle bag designed by Gianni Versace in the 1990s in burgundy crocodile print faux leather. The bag is medium to small in size and has the shape of a bowling bag wi...
Versace HOBO bag in cream leather and suede with metal studs, 2000
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Hobo women bag by the Italian stylist Gianni Versace in 90s. Designed in a unique and beautiful silhouette, this Versace hobo bag will be a special addition to any wardrobe. It is ma...
Rare Vintage Versace Handbag in Leather
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Eccentric leather handbag designed by the great Gianni Versace in the 1970s. The bag is a handbag made of black leather with elegant gold studs. The sleeves have the appearance of fl...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Yellow Crocodile Embossed Patent Kelly Style 'Diana' Bag
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage Gianni Versace Couture bag is designed in the Hermès 'Kelly' style and comprises bright yellow crocodile pattern embossed leath...
Rare Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Princess Diana Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Rare Gianni Versace Medusa Croc print Bag, same model and color as one of Princess Diana's favorite bags. Condition: Really good. Packing/accessories...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Strap Black Leather Medusa Mini Bag Crossbody
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace black leather mini bag from the Fall/Winter 1992 collection features signature bondage straps and gold-tone Medusa hardware. The bag comes with dual top handles a...
90s Gianni Versace Couture White Leather Handbag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Couture white leather Handbag. - Gold toned hardware Medusa zip closure. - Interior zip closure. - Five bottom gold toned hardware studs. - Heigh...
Gianni Versace Turquoise Leather Bowling Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Vintage Gianni Versace bag -collectors item- bowling bag/baguette bag We offer more Gianni Versace Couture items, view our frontstore. Th...
Gianni Versace vintage medusa bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Carnate, IT
Gianni Versace medusa bag. About 90s. Featuring medusa pattern fabrics, leather handle and details and gold hardware (the gold color is a lit...
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Embroidered Lizard Medusa Clutch Strap Y2K
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a purple lizard-embossed Gianni Versace frame bag designed by Donatella Versace in the early 2000s. This Y2K bag features a gunmetal Medusa medallio...
Gianni Versace Medusa Bag in Leather
By Gianni Versace
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Rare Gianni Versace bag in leather color Burgundy, gold hardware. Can be carried by hand or crossbody, one of Lady Diana's favorite handbag model. Condition: Good, slight imperfect...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Leather Lace Up Fringe Shoulder Bag
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black leather shoulder bag by Gianni Versace, designed by Donatella Versace from the Spring/Summer 2002 collection. This bag, crafted entirely from black lea...
1990s Gianni Versace Gold Baroque Atelier Pattern Black Velvet Top Handle Bag
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black and gold Gianni Versace top handle bag is made entirely of velvet and features one of the brand's signature Atelier Versace baroque prints. The flap-style bag is adorned w...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Deep Purple Python Chain Mini Bag
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This incredible dark purple python mini bag by Gianni Versace, designed by Donatella Versace, is from the Fall/Winter 1999 collection. It features luxurious purple python leather and...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Brown Cow Pony Hair Pom Pom Mini Bag
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A chic brown cow pony hair Gianni Versace mini bag from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection, designed by Donatella Versace. This petite bag is cr...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Purple Python Mini Evening Bag
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible purple python Gianni Versace mini bag designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1999 collection, this bag is...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Red Leather Oversized Zip Mini Shoulder Bag
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Donatella Versace designed this petite red leather bag for the Spring/Summer 2002 Gianni Versace collection. Made entirely of leather, this mini bag showcases a leather lace detail a...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Teal Python Metal Top Handle Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace Couture shoulder bag from the 1990s is shaped in a curved silhouette with a structured base. It is crafted in teal python with a round silver-tone metal top handl...
Gianni Versace Vintage Elegant Leather Pochette
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant black leather clutch bag designed by Gianni Versace in the 1980s, fine Italian craftsmanship. ORIGINAL LABEL AND MARK. The b orse has a classic beveled rectangular shape, wit...
F/W 1994 Vintage Gianni Versace Silver Metallic Python Medusa Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Constructed of a shiny, silver metallic python, this vintage Gianni Versace was made in the early 1990s. Silver metal Medusa logos are prominently featured at the bottom of the handl...
Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Couture Brown Satin Rhinestones Medusa Handbag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Couture brown satin handbag. - Featuring a rhinestones silver toned Medusa logo in front. - Silver-toned metal "Medusa" head buckle kiss lock closure...
1990s Vintage Black Leather and Plastic Hand-Bag by Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a striking 1990s vintage handbag by Gianni Versace, reflecting the bold and extravagant style that defined the brand during that era. The bag is crafted from a combination of...
H 9.5 in W 11.75 in D 6 in
Hermes Birkin 30 Beton Gold Hardware Off White Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Beton Gold Hardware Off White Bag Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect gift! Comes in ...
H 9 in W 12 in D 6.5 in
Hermès Birkin 30cm Epsom Green Cricket with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Birkin 30cm is crafted in structured Epsom leather, offering a crisp, sculpted silhouette that holds its shape with effortless elegance. The Green Cricket hue radiates a ...
Versace HOBO bag in cream leather and suede with metal studs, 2000
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Hobo women bag by the Italian stylist Gianni Versace in 90s. Designed in a unique and beautiful silhouette, this Versace hobo bag will be a special addition to any wardrobe. It is ma...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2008 Naomi Campbell Quilted Coat Dress Sz Fr42
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Brand New Featured in the Naomi Campbell Ad $4650 F/W Runway 2008 Heavy Coat/Dress Size: FR42 100% Heavy Virgin Wool & Silk Black Quilting Throughout Dual Zip...
H 6.5 in D 3.5 in L 9.5 in
Chanel Small Pink Trendy CC Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stylish pink Chanel Small Trendy CC Flap Bag. The exterior of this Trendy is crafted with pink lambskin leather in the signature diamond style stitchi...
Hermès Birkin 30 Green Bamboo Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Superb and rare handbag Hermes Birkin 30 cm in green bamboo togo leather, palladium metal trim, lined handle in green bamboo togo leather allowing a hand carry. Flap closure. Inner l...
New With Tags Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Leather Monogram Duffle Bag $2850
By Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in Conroe, TX
Salvatore Ferragamo Brand New With Tags $2850 Charcoal and black leather and acetate Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Duffle Bag Zips across the top from both sides Dual Flat Logo Handles...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 bag featured in fresh Vert Criquet. Stunning Hermes light green that is absolutely neutral. Epsom leather accentuates colours beautiful...
1990s Chanel Quilted Mint Green Top Handle Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Vintage Chanel Mint Green (pastel light mint green) quilted top handle tote bag, matte gold handle with beautiful pearl stud edges, two separate purse opening slots with pearl pink c...
H 9.85 in D 5.12 in L 13.78 in
Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm bag. The exterior of this Kelly is crafted in Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence leather and is detailed with palladium hardware. It features a f...
H 10.24 in D 7.09 in L 13.78 in
Hermès Birkin 35cm Gris Etain Togo PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic Hermès 35cm Birkin bag. The exterior of this Birkin is in Etoupe Togo leather with tonal stitching. It features palladium hardware and two top handles with a front toggle c...
H 5.5 in D 2 in L 8 in
Goyard White Mini Saigon Souple Bag
By Goyard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A sophisticated Mini Saigon handbag by Goyard. The exterior is crafted in the white signature Goyardine coated canvas with a wooden handle and foldover front lock that gives this bag...
1990s Vintage Gianni Versace Versus Rhombus Print Handbag Metallic Handle
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in London, GB
1990s Gianni Versace Versus Rhombus Print Handbag from Versus Versace — a timeless collector’s piece that perfectly embodies the house’s graphic and experimental aesthetic of the era...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Hand-Painted Ponyhair Floral Mini Bag
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Debuting on the season's runway, this Donatella-designed Gianni Versace bag was created for the Spring/Summer 1999 collection. Constructed entirely of spotted pony hair and complete ...
GIANNI VERSACE gold barocco baroque leopard print leather top handle micro bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE gold barocco baroque leopard print leather top handle micro bag Reference: KNCN/A00005 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Model: Barocco micro bag Collecti...
H 10 in W 5 in L 14 in
Gianni Versace Couture purple embossed croc leather handle bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Rare Vintage 90s Gianni Versace purple embossed croc leather handle bag with a shoulder strap. - Featuring two side compartments and a zip closure in the middle. - One interior...
Versus by Versace Large Silver Buckled Closure Black Leather Sling Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Certainly! Here's a product description for the Versus by Versace Large Silver Buckled Closure Black Leather Sling Shoulder Bag: --- Step into luxury w...
Gianni Versace Vintage Burgundy Embossed Leather Handbag Satchel
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful vintage Gianni Versace Handbag. Crafted in burgundy leather, it features embossed animalier pattern on the front flap and on the sides of the bag. Top carry handles. Flap w...
H 11.03 in W 12.6 in D 4.34 in
Gianni Versace Vintage Crocodile Embossed Handbag - '90s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A rare vintage handbag by Gianni Versace in crocodile pattern embossed leather with a wallet and a passport/document holder. The bag features the...
H 8.5 in W 11 in D 3 in
Gianni Versace Vintage Baroque Leopard Canvas Top Handle Tote Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful vintage rare Gianni Versace handbag with iconic Baroque Wild Flower print. Printed canvas with black leather detail and handle. Flap with magnetic button closure. Gold meta...
1990's GIANNI VERSACE Medusa Greca 3 Way Women's Red Handbag BAG Clutch Sling
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
90s Versace signature greca clutch for Japanese market, extremely rare. Comes with 2 straps to be used 3 ways. Feature Colour: Red Material: Leather Condition: Good, some marks on b...
1990's GIANNI VERSACE Medusa Medallion Greca Chain Women's Black Handbag BAG
By Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
90s Versace signature original greca goddess bag, extremely rare in this size, which is a perfect everyday size to fit your tablets, makeup and etc. Feature Colour: Black with Gold ...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Hot Pink Satin Gold-Tone Beaded Handle Bag
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a Fuschia silk satin Gianni Versace top handle bag designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1991 collection, a version of t...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Ad Painted Pony Hair Cow Hide Floral Bag
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a fabulous pony-hair cow print Gianni Versace tote with hand-painted purple flowers, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1999 collection, this...