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...
$344Sale 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 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...
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...
Gold-Tone & Silver-Tone Gianni Versace Medusa Head Clip-On Earrings
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gold-tone and silver-tone Medusa head clip-on metal earrings by Gianni Versace. 0.25" width, 0.75" length.
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
$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
$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
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
$253Sale 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...
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 ...
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...
Art Deco Style 14 Karat Gold Black Onyx Chain Drop Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful art deco style chain drop earrings are cast in 14-karat white gold, hand set in 18.03 carats black onyx, .92 carats topaz and 3.38 carats of glittering diamonds. FOL...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$3,900 / item
10.9 Carat Ruby 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 10.9 carats ruby and .62 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Enamel Hand Painted Diamond Amethyst 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful bird earrings features unique hand painted miniature art cast in 18K gold. It is set in 59.75 carats pearl, 6.1 carats amethyst & 0.13 carats diamonds. FOLLOW MEGH...
Diamond, Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$4,200 / item
Feather Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful feature earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold and sterling silver. It is hand set with 3.84 carats of glimmering diamonds. Available in yellow, rose and white gold. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Enamel Bakelite Hand Painted Emerald Ruby Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful bakelite bird earrings features unique hand painted miniature art set. Cast in 18-karat gold & sterling silver, these earrings are set wi...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Meghna Jewels 15.78 Carats Amethyst Tourmaline 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Hand cast from 14-karat gold, these stunning earrings are set with 15.78 carats amethyst. 1.45 carats tourmaline and 1.0 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefro...
Amethyst, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Urn-Motif Earrings English
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 15k, England. These nineteenth-century Etruscan revival earrings are elegant, flirty, and visually arresting. Fabulous length combined with exciting movement, fine detai...
15k Gold
Gray Mother of Pearl "Seaweed" Earrings, MWLC
By Mark Walsh Leslie Chin
Located in New York, NY
"Seaweed" earrings of iridescent gray mother of pearl plaques in gilded bronze settings. Made in the Parisian studios of MWLC. 21 Century. 2.25" ...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
$10,900 / item
Antique Style Turquoise Rose Cut Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18K gold and sterling silver, these beautiful earrings are encrusted with turquoise and 9.98 carats rose cut diamonds with blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefr...
Diamond, Turquoise, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
$14,750 / item
36.63 Carat Tanzanite Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful drop earring are handcrafted in 18-karat gold. It is set with 36.63 carats tanzanite and 2.0 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Burma Ruby and Diamond Clip-On Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Opulent Cabochon Burma Ruby & Diamond Earrings set in 18kt Yellow Gold. Hugging close to the Ear and bordered on each side by a row of Diamonds whi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Half-Hoop Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Earrings, circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant pair of 14K yellow gold half-hoop earrings from the 1970s exudes timeless sophistication and brilliance. Featuring 56 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 3 carats with...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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 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...
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