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 Iconic Gold Tone Four-Strand Medusa Choker Necklace, 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage iconic gold tone four-strand layered choker necklace featuring greek key links and round Medusa coins. From the Fall/Winter 1992 Collection. Embossed GIANNI ...
Gilt Metal
$2,631Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Metal Snake Choker, 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace snake choker is a masterpiece. Part of the designers gothic movement the item is beautifully hand-crafted from a distressed silver to...
$1,206Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace 1990 gold and silver metal rope necklace with silver pendent
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace necklace is made up of a gold tone metal rope style chain, interlinked with a finer silver rope attached is the medusa head pendent with a cluster of crystals cir...
GIANNI VERSACE F/w 1992 Multi-Layer Gold Medusa Medallion Choker Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
This luxurious Versace necklace features a bold, multi-layered design with the iconic Medusa medallions and Greek key accents, both hallmarks of the brand's opulent aesthetic. Crafte...
$932Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace 1990's gold tone shell necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace gold tone shell necklace is from the Spring Summer 1992 Tresor de la Mer collection which was inspired by the abundant treasures of the sea, reminiscent of Gianni...
Gold Plate
$493Sale Price|41% Off
Gianni Versace gold double medusa head necklace with rhinestones, 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This is a iconic necklace from the famous Italian designer Gianni Versace from the 1990s. The necklace features a gold toned metal chain with a unique style link covered in rhineston...
$1,247Sale Price|30% Off
1990s Gianni Versace gunmetal and gold tone medallion chain
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace chain is the perfect representation of his 90's style. The bold curb chain features a dark gunmetal tone back with the front of the chain being gold in tone and ...
Gianni Versace black and silver beaded cocktail choker
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This exquisite Gianni Versace Black and Silver Beaded Choker is a true statement piece, seamlessly blending luxury with bold sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention to deta...
$1,195Sale Price|27% Off
Gianni Versace rose gold and black enamel chain medallion necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace rose gold chain is a great statement piece to have for any Gianni Versace enthusiast.
$2,187Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Gianni Versace 1990s Silver Medusa Head Choker Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
If you are looking for a statement then this Vintage Gianni Versace choker is the item for you. This is an extremely beautiful and rare statement choker from Gianni Versace. The hand...
1980s Gianni Versace Oversized Black Lacquer Bead Chain Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful black beaded Gianni Versace necklace, designed by Gianni Versace. From the late 1980s, this necklace features a strand of larg...
$811Sale Price|41% Off
Gianni Versace 1990s necklace with circular medusa head pendent
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This rare Gianni Versace necklace is in true style of the designer himself. The 1990's gold necklace features beautiful circle interlocking chain wit...
$592Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace 1990s silver and black enamel pendant necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
A staple of classic Versace design, this medallion contains both emblematic motifs of the medusa head and a brushed silver mosaic on a black enamel base, keeping this item simple yet...
Gilt Metal
$986Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace 1990's gold tone medusa head pendant
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This traditional Gianni Versace pendant necklace is a staple piece for any Versace enthusiast. The lightweight gold tone chain features a double anchor styled chain with a orange cle...
$932Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace ball necklace with cutout detailing
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This necklace by Gianni Versace is rare with it's unique detailing of balls with different cut-out patterns. The silver tone complements beautifully against the sparkling stones. The...
$734Sale Price|28% Off
Gianni Versace silver double medusa head necklace with rhinestones, 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This is a iconic necklace from the famous Italian designer Gianni Versace from the 1990s. The necklace features a silver toned metal chain with a unique style link covered in rhinestones. In the centre of the chain there are two circle medallions with the designers well know medusa head motif. The simple yet stunning piece is a statement to any outfit and a must to any collection. The finishing designer touch includes Gianni Versace greek tile...
$1,315Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace 1990's flower beaded necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This rare Gianni Versace necklace is one of a kind and extremely special. The necklace features a gold tone metal chain with an interlocking clasp engraved with Versace's greek tile...
$1,074Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace 1990s gold stud and stone choker necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This beautiful gold tone Gianni Versace choker has a lovely stud shape feature which makes the necklace three dimensional. The necklace also has stones placed within the gold pyramid...
Gold Plate
Vintage 1940-50's Large Angel Skin Coral Bead Necklace
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Fabulous strand of graduated natural coral—vintage angel skin coral beads with a silver and coral bead adorned clasp. The necklace is a chunky choker style of graduated bead...
Coral, Silver
$880Sale Price|20% Off
L 16 in
Marina J woven Pearl necklace with gold-plated Silver vintage brooch with Garnet
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Pearl Necklace by Marina J. This amazing piece features Cultured white Pearls all intricately woven together into a tight lace like design. Small gold-plated silver faceted beads are interwoven within the necklace. Vintage gold-plated Silver Brooch with center-mounted faceted garnet stone and teardrop Pearl briolette...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace, Features 3.13Cts of Round Diamonds
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
"14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace, Features 3.13Cts of Round Diamonds. FG color and SI calrity and Excellent cut 17" inche...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Gold Toned Signed Coro Necklace
By Coro
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Gold-Toned Signed Coro Necklace is a highly collectible piece of jewelry that reflects the craftsmanship and style of the mid-20th century. Coro was one of the most popu...
Gold Plate
14 Karat Gold Chain Necklace with Multi Colored Stone Baguettes
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
A colorful addition to any necklace collection. Our Confetti gold chain features gorgeous colored baguette stones in a mix of rhodolite, peridot, citrine, moonstone and london blue ...
Citrine, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Peridot, Blue Topaz, Rhodolite, Gold...
Victorian 14K Gold Fob Watch Chain
Located in New York, NY
A victorian 14K gold watch chain worn with a watch on one end, carrying a fob on the other. Of gold round and two sizes of rectangular links, ribbed and etched in an aesthetic taste....
14k Gold
Betony Vernon "O’ring Princess Necklace" with Sphere Pendant 18 Karat Gold
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O’Ring Princess Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 2001 and handcrafted in lost wax elements. The Sphere Attachment can be removed, granting the jewel the playful dualit...
Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Beaded Ball Pendant Necklace - 14k Adjustable
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Chain Style: Flat Cable Necklace Style: Chain Fastening Type: Lobster Claw Clasp Theme: Beaded Ball Measurements Tall: 1/2" (12.2mm) Wide: 1/2" (12....
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Dutch Genuine Red Coral Children Necklace
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique necklace made of 3 strands with red coral beads. The beads of approximately Ø 4 mm are strung on rope. The necklace clasp is made of 14 karat (585/1000) yellow gold and ...
Coral, 14k Gold
Yvel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace with South Sea Pearls and .50 Carat Diamonds
By Yvel
Located in New York, NY
Rare organic pearls are Yvel's signature design. Cellini Jewelers NYC presents their 18 karat yellow gold necklace with six multi color drop shaped South Sea Pearls. The 23" necklace...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
La Nouvelle Bague 18 Karat Gold Necklace with .15 Carat Diamond and Enamel Arrow
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat rose gold necklace is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$74,055Sale Price|20% Off
Royal Fine Jewellery White Diamond White Gold Bridal 18K Gold Necklace for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 18K Necklace Diamond MQ 6.21 Cts/83 Pcs PE 16.27 Cts/162 Pcs Weight 51,04 grams Length 45 cm (adjustable) With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATK...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gianni Versace 1990s Gold Medusa Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Ruder Than The Rest presents a Gianni Versace gold 1990s era Medusa necklace. Signature Greek key and Medusa coin design. Heavy gold plating. Made in Italy. Vintage, circa 1992. ...
Gianni Versace black and silver greek pattern necklace, 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
If you are looking for a understated Gianni Versace item to add or to start your collection then this vintage Gianni Versace necklace is just the piece. The necklace features an alte...
1990s Gianni Versace Pearl and Rhinestone Costume Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a Gianni Versace pearl costume necklace. From the 1990s, this necklace is constructed of costume pearls and features rhinestone band ...
Versace Goldtone Medusa Head Pendant Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Versace NEW Goldtone Medusa Head Pendant Necklace Materials: Goldtone metal Hallmarks: VERSACE MADE IN ITALY Oening: Lobster clasp with adjustable chain Ov...
GIANNI VERSACE F/W 1992 Gold Signature Medusa Medallion Coin Choker Bib Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIANNI VERSACE F/W 1992 Gold Signature Medusa Medallion Coin Choker Bib Necklace Brand / Manufacturer: Gianni Versace Collection: F/W 1992 Designer: Gianni Versace Style: Chain bib...
2019's Versus Versace Tribal Ethnic Black Lime Green Choker
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
FREE and WORLDWIDE DELIVERY Versus Versace Tribal Ethnic Black & Lime Green Choker SS19, item of costume jewellery from the SS19 catwalk collection inspired by subcultures and urba...
Sold
H 6.3 in W 19.3 in D 0.79 in Dm 19.3 in
Gianni Versace by Ugo Correani Necklace 'Capri Series' w Coral
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Majestic necklace designed by Ugo Correani for the Gianni Versace brand, Capri series from 1980s. The necklace is made with a gold metal necklace. The necklace is embellished with co...
Coral, Gilt Metal
The Irresistible Ascot Vintage Versace Black and Yellow Silk Tie Necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Versace Black and Yellow silk ties artistically arranged into a gorgeous ascot necklace. Versace black and white print checkered silk tie, Versace black and yellow diamond print vintage tie, and versace checkered...
Gianni Versace 1990’s gold curb chain necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace curb chain is made in Italy from a gold tone metal. The brushed gold chain features crystals within the chain and the fastening ...
Gold Plate
Gianni Versace 1990’s Black Choker necklace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Famous for his edgy and breaking the boundaries style, Gianni Versace always created items to turn heads. This patent leather choker is just that. Made in Italy the choker features a wide patent leather strap with two gold tone pendants. One the icon medusa head emblem and the second the ‘GV’ lettering with crystals. The black and gold contrast is reminiscent of the typical Versace style. The lobster claw fastening features another Medusa head for added branding and the gold bars at the end of the leather necklace feature the Greek tile...
Vintage Gianni Versace Massive Screw Statement Necklace 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Gianni Versace silver-tone three-strand oversize screw and bolt statement necklace with hook closure. Collection 1990s. Good Vintage Condition.
1993 Versace Runway Medusa Necklace xtra large
By Gianni Versace
Located in Austin, TX
1993 Versace Runway Medusa Necklace - xtra large. Condition: good, some wear.