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
$1,213Sale 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...
$2,648Sale 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...
$938Sale 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
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...
$496Sale 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...
$2,201Sale 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...
$739Sale 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...
$1,081Sale 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
$1,202Sale 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.
$1,255Sale 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 ...
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...
Gianni Versace – Iconic Medusa 24K Gold-Plated Multi-Strand Necklace / Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Bresso, IT
Made in Italy, 1990s. An exceptional, museum-grade investment piece from the Golden Era of Gianni Versace (1990s). This is a pinnacle of Italian fashion history, embodying the bold, ...
24k Gold, Gold Plate
Gianni Versace Gold Plated Medusa Link Necklace circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gianni Versace Gold Plated Medusa Link Necklace from the circa 1990s is a striking statement piece that embodies the bold, opulent style characteristic of the era. Crafted with metic...
$595Sale 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
$816Sale 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...
$993Sale 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...
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...
$938Sale 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...
$1,324Sale 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...
Cascading Trinity Blue Sapphire Necklace
Located in Weston, MA
A row of graduated rose cut blue sapphires adds just the right amount of sparkle to this delicate necklace. 18K yellow gold chain Drop pendant of 3 graduated rose cut blue sapphires...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Lee Morris Gold Ball Explosion Fashion Choker
By Robert Lee Morris
Located in New York, NY
What a fun necklace this one is, with the explosion of gold plated brass ball beads that are rooted to a curved brass base that sits just at the base of the neck. There is a long 13'...
Gold Plate, Brass
$13,725
H 0.29 in W 2.56 in L 18 in
3.80 Carat Sapphire and 4.70 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace Circa 2000
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive contemporary 3.80 carat sapphire and 4.70 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold necklace; part of our sapphire jewelry collections. This stunning, fine...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$36,508Sale Price|20% Off
L 19.69 in
32 Carat Colombian Emerald 5.40 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
Necklace in 18 k white gold, Colombian emeralds in 18 k yellow gold 32,24 ct emerald drops 5.40 ct diamonds W/vsi-si Length 46 cm and an extension for in...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
10.14carat Royal Blue Sapphire Diamond Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Add a majestic touch to your ensemble with this stunning 10.14carat royal blue sapphire diamond statement necklace! This eye-catching necklace will turn heads with its dazzling poppi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian Silver Longuard Necklace With Decorative Orbs
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Gorgeous glossy silver longuard necklace. Very versatile and classic and has gorgeous ornate orbs. Length: 140cm Chain Width: 3mm Orb Diameter: 7mm Weight: 27.8g
Silver
Vintage 14k Gold and Blue Topaz Bezel Set Station Necklace Chain
Located in New York, NY
This retro vintage 14k gold necklace is elegant and unusual. Each bezel and prong set light blue topaz is divided by a gold bar creating an u...
Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Genuine and Natural Red Spinel and Yellow Sapphire Faceted Beads Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A Genuine & Natural Red Spinel and Yellow Sapphire Faceted Beads Choker Necklace, with the length of 17.75" and the beads ranging from 2.50MMto 4.50...
Yellow Sapphire, Spinel
Large Aquamarine Smooth Beads with Pearl Clasp, 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Two strands of genuine and large smooth Aquamarine Beads, one strand is 17" and the other is 20". The clasp has 4 pearls, Diamonds, and is in 14K Yellow Gold. The beads range from 8M...
Aquamarine, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
11 Ct Pear Shape Zambian Natural Emerald & 17 Ct Diamond Necklace 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 11 Ct Pear Shape Zambian Natural Emerald & approximately 17 Ct Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold This spectacular Bridal set consisti...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold
$750Sale Price|50% Off
H 4.35 in W 1.6 in L 24.5 in
Brutalist Modernist Sterling Space Age Tassel Necklace by Aaron Rubinstein
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Interesting Space Age Modernist Brutalist Necklace by Aaron Rubinstein of Modern Art Jewelry featuring a maze design with gemstones and silver tassels. Made of sterling silver Marked...
Onyx, Quartz, Sterling Silver
Harry Winston Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in Weston, MA
The master craftsmen of Harry Winston have used over 20 carats of diamonds to create this elegant flower garland necklace which centers on an acorn-form cultured pearl drop. The design is completed by a substantial diamond flower clasp...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.