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 Gold Tone Medusa Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage gold tone bracelet featuring iconic Medusa links. Fold over clasp closure. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : length approx. 1...
Gilt Metal
Early Gianni Versace Enamel Floral Cuff
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Early and Rare Gianni Versace Enamel Floral Cuff from the 1990's made under his creative direction. Handmade scroll and cabochon elements are soldered together to form a large, impre...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
GIANNI VERSACE golden metal medallion bracelet 1990'
By Gianni Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE Golden metal medaillon bracelet 1990' Composed of medallions of various sizes with the symbols of the house Bayonet closure Made in Italy Width cm. 18 Height cm....
$75,000 / set
Versace Diamond Link Bracelet and Necklace Set
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Versace Diamond Link Bracelet and Necklace Set A yellow and white gold link bracelet and necklace set by Versace featuring Iconic Medusa motifs, each accented with round-cut diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$573Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace multicoloured beaded bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This bracelet by Gianni Versace is very rare with it's multicoloured cluster beaded design. It definitely is a collectors item for any Gianni Versace enthusiast. Features multi-brigh...
$524Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace gold circle and star bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Made in Italy this Gianni Versace gold bracelet features five circular motifs with engraved star emblem linked with the traditional curb detail. ...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Gold Tone Medusa Crystal Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage iconic gold tone Medusa links embellished with clear crystals. Fold over clasp closure. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : len...
Gilt Metal
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Gold Tone Medusa Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage gold tone bracelet featuring iconic Medusa links. Fold over clasp closure. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : length approx. 1...
Gilt Metal
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace silver tone Versace bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace silver tone bracelet is a statement. The curb silver chain is reminiscent of the 90's era in which Gianni Versace became most popular in. It's unique chain along ...
Silver Plate, Gilt Metal
$349Sale Price|59% Off
1990's Gianni Versace ball bracelet with cut out detailing
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This bracelet 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...
1990s Gianni Versace Rhinestone Medusa Medallion Silvertone Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 1990s Gianni Versace bracelet features iconic Medusa medallions adorned with rhinestones set in a silvertone finish. The bold design showcases four Medusa faces, each encircled ...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Multicolour Resin Bead Cluster Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage gold tone metal chainmail link bracelet featuring a multicoloured cluster of resin beads and metal balls. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE M...
Gilt Metal
Early Gianni Versace Art Deco Modernist Cuff
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Early and Rare Gianni Versace Art Deco Revival Cuff from the 1990's made under his creative direction. Handmade Modernist forms akin to Art Deco skyscapes and architecture are mounte...
Silver Plate
1990s Gianni Versace Silver Medusa Medallion Costume Link Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a two-tone silver and gold Gianni Versace Medusa costume link bracelet. From the 1990s, each link in this bracelet features a silver-tone Versace Medusa logo relief surrou...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Silver Tone Medusa Chain Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage silver tone chain bracelet featuring a Medusa medallion on an iridescent resin disc at the center. Toggle clasp. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indi...
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1987 Gianni Versace Runway Ad Rhinestone Silver Tone Crystal Cuff Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic silver-tone rhinestone Gianni Versace abstract cuff designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1987 collection, this cuff debuted on the season's runway and...
Gianni Versace Vintage Iconic Gold Toned Medusa Crystal Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage iconic large gold toned Medusa links surrounded with clear crystals. Box clasp closure. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : len...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Bracelet and Half Hoop Earring Set
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage silver tone bracelet and matching half hoop earrings (clip-on) embellished with pale yellow resin elements embossed with greek friezes, clear crystals. Emboss...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Runway Medusa Costume Pearl Gold Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible faux pearl gold tone Gianni Versace costume bracelet designed by Gianni Versace. This truly rare bracelet from the Fall/Winter 1994 collection features rows ...
$426Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace 1990’s oval bracelet with blue stones
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace oval bracelet features large over shaped links with the Greek tile motif engraved in each link. They also have dark blue stones at the top and bottom which contra...
F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Ad Gold Tone Greek Key Link Rhinestone Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous gold tone crystal rhinestone Gianni Versace bracelet, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1995 collection, this bracelet was highlighted in the season's ad campaign on Kristen McMenamy...
$382Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace ‘Versace’ bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace ‘Versace’ cuff bracelet features silver tone lettering. Made in Italy the bracelet is crafted from soft Italian leather whic...
Syna Yellow Gold Cosmic Wide Link Bracelet
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 7 inch length with box clasp Safety closure Crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, this 8-inch-long bracelet can be clasped at any desired lengt...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. One Of A Kind Pearl Woven Bracelet with Vintage 18k Gold Plated Center
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful One Of A Kind Piece by Marina J. This bracelet is made with multi sized Pearls and Faceted Silver 18k Yellow Gold Plated beads all intricately woven together into a tight c...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Link Bracelet
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1920s from platinum, this stunning Art Deco bracelet features three bezel-set marquise diamonds (the center stone measures 0.60 carats) surrounded by an array of glist...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Victorian Russian 14k Turquoise Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely turquoise bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 14k rosy gold, this bracelet features two rows of identical gold links. Each gold link is decorated with a be...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Curb Link Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Curb Bracelet 15ct Yellow Gold Tested Circa 1910 Lovely, Edwardian curb Link bracelet with a bolt ring clasp fastening. Measures ap...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's Faceted Jasper & Tahitian Pearl Bracelet with Diamond-Accented Silver Orb
By 15DEGREESLONDON
Located in Boostedt, SH
Introducing an exquisite bracelet for men that embodies timeless elegance and versatility. Crafted with 8mm faceted jasper beads in a stunning array of natural earth tones, it featur...
Diamond, Pearl, Jasper, Silver
Amethyst, Pink Corals and Diamonds Link Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Sterling Silver Susan Cummings Multi Strand bracelet. New, never worn 1980s
By Susan Cummings
Located in Wallkill, NY
3 strands, one sterling and two are stone on this Early Cummings piece. Tiny charms hang off the circular toggle end, just precious. Two heavy sterling charms are attached to the str...
Sterling Silver
Pomellato 18K Tricolor Gold and Diamond Link Lucciole Link Bracelet #20666
By Pomellato
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Pomellato 18K Tricolor Gold and Diamond Lucciole Link Bracelet- This stunning Lucciole bracelet by Pomellato is composed of 18K domed rings in yellow and white and subtle rose gold....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Stephen Dweck Bracelet Sterling Silver Beads Bronze Galle Caps 1990s
By Stephen Dweck
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stephen Dweck Bracelet Sterling Silver Beads Bronze Galle Caps 1990s Fabulous 1990s Dweck Bracelet. There a total of 6 gemstones mounted in bronze tone over sterling silver, toggle c...
Sterling Silver, Bronze
TRIFARI crown signed gold tone pearl designer bracelet
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI crown • gold tone with glass pearls • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ...
$2,877Sale Price|30% Off
18k Yellow Gold Bracelet with Diamond-Encrusted Signature Orb
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, DE
This is an end-of-line clearance item. Only one remains. Introducing a refined twist on a classic design, this bracelet by THEVAULT15 features a smaller version of our signature fre...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Iconic 1990s Gianni Versace Gold-Tone Medusa Charm Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingston, NY
Capture the essence of 1990s luxury with this rare and iconic Gianni Versace gold-tone charm bracelet. Designed during the peak of the supermodel era, this statement piece features a...
Gold Plate, Gold
Sold
W 0.28 in L 8.08 in
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Greca Black Logo Circle Charm Chain Gold Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Wokingham, England
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage 1990s Unisex Adjustable Iconic Greca Black Logo Circle Round Pendant Charm Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss, stil...
Gold Plate
Versace Diamond Link Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Men's Versace Diamond Link Bracelet A white gold link bracelet by Versace featuring three Medusa motifs, each accented with a round-cut diamond halo. Some links are engraved with t...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage gold tone Medusa greca chain clasp bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage gold tone Medusa greca chain clasp bracelet Reference: TGAS/C01859 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Metal Co...
Gold
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Gold Toned Four-Strand Medusa Cuff Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage iconic gold toned four-strand layered cuff bracelet featuring greek key links and round Medusa coins. Embossed GIANNI VERSACE Made in Italy. Indicative measu...
Gilt Metal
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Gold and Black Enamel Cameo Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting Gold cameo bracelet with black enamel and black rhinestone accents designed by Gianni Versace. Variations of this bracelet can be seen o...
Rare Versace Medusa Diamond Cuban Link Gold Bracelet Fine Estate Jewelry
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful finely detailed Versace Medusa Diamond Curb Link Gold Bracelet. Hand set with 136 round brilliant cut diamond weighing approx. 4.50 tcw. Hand crafted in 18 Karat white Gold. Marked: GIANNI VERSACE 18K...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gianni Versace 1990’s silver love heart link bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace silver tone cuff love heart bracelet features a link bracelet made up of four Large love heart motifs. The curb chain features the iconic Greek tile...
Silver Plate
Gianni Versace multicoloured glass beaded bracelet, 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This bracelet features a multicoloured cluster of vibrant glass beads. The designer Gianni Versace captures his iconic colourful designs in this piece. Each coloured bead is hanging ...
Gianni Versace 1990s Medusa Medallion Bracelet
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add some Versace to your jewelry collection with this amazing bracelet! Circa 1990s, this Versace link bracelet is gold plated and features medallions embossed with the signature Med...
1980s Gianni Versace Stainless Steel Modernist Ridged Cuffs - Pair
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
A striking and rare pair of 1980s Gianni Versace stainless steel Modernist ridged cuffs. Marked on inside (see photo) A dramatic pair when worn together or seperate!
Gianni Versace gothic silver plated charm bracelet, 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace bracelet is a real showstopper. Part of the designers gothic movement the item is beautifully hand-crafted with each link displaying his iconic medusa head motif....
Silver Plate