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 Orologi Limited Edition 18K Gold Blackened Gold Diamond Watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional vintage Gianni Versace Orologi limited-edition wristwatch, crafted in substantial 18K yellow gold with contrasting blackened 18K gold accents and diamond-set detailing...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Versace Acron Big S009 18K Gold Black Dial Steel Automatic Mens Watch 18A99OD009
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
This brand new Versace Acron Big 18A99OD009 S009 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by an automatic movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round shap...
18k Gold, Steel
rare CONCORD Limited Edition Guan Yu 18k white gold diamond ruby watch
By Concord Watch
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare CONCORD Limited Edition Guan Yu 18k white gold diamond ruby watch Reference: CAWG/A00313 Brand: Concord Model: Limited Edition Guan Yu 18K White Gold Diamond Ruby Watch Material...
Rolex Oyster Datejust Automatic 18k Gold Black Dial Ladies Wrist Watch 6917
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Oyster Datejust Automatic 18k Gold Black Dial Ladies Wrist Watch 6917 is a luxurious timepiece designed for women. This Swiss-made watch features a round black dial with go...
18k Gold
Rado Senator Automatic Day Date Gold-plated brown Dial Mens Watch
By RADO
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Rado Model: Senator Reference Number: 636.3212.2 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case width: 36 mm...
Steel, Gold Plate
Rolex Datejust 36mm Automatic 18K Gold & Stainless Steel Men's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex 1995 Oyster Perpetual Datejust is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. The attractive fluted bezel and center links of the Oyster bracelet and ce...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Steel
Cartier Santos Ronde Large Steel and 18k Gold Automatic Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1997 Cartier Santos Ronde Reference 1910, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Water Resistant case with 18k Yellow Gold Bezel, Sapphire Crown, automatic, self winding movement, Whi...
18k Gold, Steel
Concord Swiss Full Diamond 18K Gold Ladies Watch
By Concord Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and luxurious Concord ladies' Les Palais wristwatch features a 21mm solid 18k yellow gold case and bracelet set with glittering original Concord factory diamonds. The watch features reliable Swiss quartz movement. The classic round watch face is fully pavé-set with fine natural white diamonds (G to H color/VS clarity) on both the bezel and the dial. The dial features elegant gold-tone hands and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and is in excellent condition. The case features inverted diamond-set crown for ease of time setting. The shimmering diamond brilliance continues seamlessly from watch face across its diamond-set lugs to the full-length of its five-row graceful bracelet. Double-deployant clasp keeps the watch secure on the wrist. There are approximately 6 carats of diamonds in total set in this opulent watch. The watch fits a wrist size of up to 6.6 inches (16.85cm), while links can conveniently be removed to accommodate smaller wrist sizes. The watch dial, movement, case, and bracelet are all signed Concord. Additionally, the caseback is engraved with watch reference number and case serial number, along with the stamp for 18 karat gold. The watch is in overall excellent condition and comes with a fitted watch box. A testament to high-quality Swiss watchmaking and radiating luxurious elegance this watch is certain to light up the wrist. Further details: Model: Concord Les Palais...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Omega 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cocktail Watch
By Omega
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exceptional vintage Omega diamond cocktail watch crafted in 18K yellow gold, showcasing remarkable brilliance and refined Swiss design. The watch features a striking black dial a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Tesoro Diamond Black Dial 18k Gold Steel Quartz Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Tiffany & Co. Tesoro ladies wristwatch in stainless steel with 18k yellow gold accents. The black dial carries diamond-set hour markers and gold-tone hands, on a two-tone s...
Quartz, Diamond, Steel, 18k Gold
BVLGARI Bulgari Parentesi Diamond Watch 18k Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 2000's. Rare Bulgari Parentesi watch studded with diamonds including the buckle! The dial is a rose cut diamond. This watch will surely t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 18k Gold Diamond Braided Watch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Longines Movement Wristwatch Company: Cartier Movement: Longines Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Condition: Excellent Year Of Manufacture: Circa 1940s Le...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Pre-Owned Van Cleef & Arpels Automatic Roma Black Dial 18k Solid Gold Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Solid Gold 37MM Black Dial Unisex Watch. Model 132054 with automatic self-winding movement. Roma series with a Calibre 2892-A2 and 42-hour power ...
18k Gold, Gold
Henry Dunay 'SABI' 18k Gold Diamond Watch
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
Henry Dunay 'SABI' 18k Gold Diamond Watch Quartz movement, rectangular pave-set diamond dial with gold hands, diamond-set bezel to textured gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Versace Mystique Steel Chronograph Black Dial Quartz Men's Watch VFG100014
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Versace Mystique VFG100014 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by a quartz movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round shape face, c...
Versace V Sport MOP Guilloche Dial Steel Quartz Ladies Watch P6Q89FD002S099
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Versace V-Sport P6Q89FD002S099 is a beautiful Ladie's timepiece that is powered by quartz (battery) movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round s...
Gianni Versace 1990s Greek Key Wrist Watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add something from the Versace archives to your collection! Circa early 1990s, this gold plated Versace wrist watch features a Greek key bracelet w...
Gianni Versace Signature Medusa Wristwatch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A Gianni Versace gold plated stainless steel wristwatch. This watch features a stainless steel back with a gold plated bezel housing a black dial with gold-tone hands and indexes. The bracelet is composed of gold plated circular discs containing the Versace signature...
Gold Plate
Versus by Gianni Versace Watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versus by Versace Watch Women's Model Versus Tokyo Watch Collection. Stainless steel case. Turquoise blue polyurethane strap. Turquoise blue enam...
Versus by Gianni Versace Black Watch NWOT
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versus by Versace Watch Women's Model #: AL13SBQ809-A009 Retail Price: $170.00 Versus Tokyo Watch Collection. IP Gold tone stainless steel case. Bl...
Versus by Gianni Versace Watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Stainless steel case with a stainless steel bracelet. Fixed stainless steel bezel. White and grey (triangle pattern) dial with silver-tone hands. No markers. Dial Type: Analog. Quart...
Versus By Gianni Versace Watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versus by Versace Watch Women's Model Hummingbird
Versus by Gianni Versace Watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Acapulco's sandy beaches were discovered by the rich and famous in the 1950’s. This popular Mexican beach resort is still famous for its sunny skies and e...
Versus by Gianni Versace Watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace watch WOMEN'S QUARTZ WATCH WITH WHITE DIAL ANALOGUE DISPLAY AND MULTICOLOUR STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET SOF04 0014
Versus by Gianni Versace watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versus Women’s Quartz Watch with Black Dial Analogue Display and Silver Stainless Steel Bracelet 3C7240 0000 -
Versus by Gianni Versace watch
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
This ladies Versus Versace Tokyo Crystal watch is made from stainless steel and is powered by a quartz movement. It is fastened with a white metal bracelet and has a white dial. cas...