Subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive, Gianni Versace’s (1946–97) designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” the legendary Italian couturier once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life. Today, vintage Versace clothing, handbags and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, 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! '90” — the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace was born in Reggio di 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, Versace 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. This 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 Versace evening dresses, handbags, day dresses, accessories and more on 1stDibs.
VERSACE 2014 Runway gold metal cap toe black leather thigh high boots EU37 US7
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2014 Runway gold metal cap toe black leather thigh high boots EU37 US7 Reference: TGAS/G00278 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2014 - Runway Material: L...
Versace Medusa Leather Wallet
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Medusa Leather Wallet Purple wallet crafted from leather and adorned with the brand's signature Medusa head embossment to the centre. Embellis...
Versace Tartan Check 'The Clans' Silk Shirt
By Versace
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Versace Tartan Check 'The Clans' Silk Shirt Multicoloured, shirt from 'The Clans of Versace' 2018 Collection. Fully crafted from silk in a ...
Versace Patterned Sweater
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versace Patterned Sweater. Collector's Item. Cotton, wool, poly material to create a super smooth experience. Cotton, wool, poly material to create a super smooth experience. Addit...
Versace Vintage F/W 1991 Cardigan & Skirt Suit Set
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Vintage Gianni Versace Fall Winter Fall Winter 1991 set. Cardigan features boat neckline, gold colour Versace logo hardware buttons and yellow trim. Skirt features black waistband, ...
$275Sale Price|25% Off
Gianni Versace 2000s Medusa Pink Wool Scarf Unisex 120x60cm
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
Rare Versace Medusa large Scarf/Stole/Shawl featuring pink wool and viscose, Medusa double faced on pink and white. Condition: 2000s, vintage, good, light use Measurements: 120 x60cm
Versace Red Leather Charm Tote 5VER1214K
By Versace
Located in Dix hills, NY
Versace Red Leather Charm Tote 5VER1214K Date Code/Serial Number: N/A Made In: N/A Measurements: Length: 10" Width: 4.5" Height: 8 " Shoulder Handle...
VERSACE 2013 Runway white leather geometric tropical print bomber IT50 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2013 Runway white leather geometric tropical print bomber IT50 L Reference: PRCG/A00042 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 201...
Versace Balletto Printed Silk Square Scarf
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
As a true dance enthusiast, it is not surprising to find references to this Art in Gianni's work. From 1984 until his tragic death, Gianni Versace collaborated with the famous French choreographer Maurice Béjart...
1990s Versace Couture Black Party Dress w/Medusa Button Motif at Straps
By Gianni Versace Couture, Versace
Located in Studio City, CA
1990's Versace couture label black mini dress with flounced skirt, boning at the bodice interior and shoulder straps featuring decorative "Medusa" motif...
Versus By Gianni Versace Red/White Stripe Three Quarter Sleeve Top
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Versus by Gianni Versace red/white horizontal stripe three quarter sleeve top. - Made in Italy. - Size IT 44, US 8.
Versace Couture Light Wool Baroque Print Skirt
By Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
A recognizable pleated skirt by Versace Couture. Fits approx. : US 2-6 / FR 36-38 Measurements : Waist approx. 71 cm (28 inches) Total length (waist to bottom) approx. 48 cm ...
VERSACE Barocco Acanthus black gold print pleated high slit skirt IT36 XS
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Barocco Acanthus black gold print pleated high slit skirt IT36 XS Reference: TGAS/C00816 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A895495 1F01641 5B070 Collection: B...
VERSACE 2020 Runway Barocco Acanthus Pop Medusa pleated midi skirt IT38 XS
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Runway Barocco Acanthus Pop Medusa pleated midi skirt IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C01000 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A87324 A236443 A7000 Collection: S...
new VERSACE Anthem satin silk silver Medusa buckle platform chunky sandals EU38
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Anthem 120 Black satin silk silver Medusa buckle platform chunky sandals EU38 Reference: TGAS/F00369 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: Runway Materia...
VERSACE 2020 Barocco Acanthus Pop Print Limited silk shirt EU38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Barocco Acanthus Pop Print Limited silk shirt EU38 XS Reference: TGAS/C00882 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A84050 A235781 A7000 Collection: 2020 Caps...
VERSACE Reversible Baroque Alphabet gold black nylon quilted jacket IT58 4XL
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Reversible Baroque Alphabet gold black nylon quilted jacket IT58 4XL Reference: TGAS/A05304 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Reversible jacket Collection: 20...
VERSACE mixed archive Barocco print cotton crew neck sweater IT36 XXS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE mixed archive Barocco print cotton crew neck sweater IT36 XXS Reference: AAWC/A00636 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Cotton Color: Gold, Black Pattern: B...
VERSACE Rose Floral Barocco Acanthus print short sleeve shirt EU39 M
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Rose Floral Barocco Acanthus print short sleeve shirt EU39 M Reference: TGAS/C00998 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A85919 A235883 Collection: Barocco Acant...
Versace Rosenthal Yellow & Black Barocco Porcelain Lidded Sugar Bowl circa 1990s
By Versace, Rosenthal
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Versace Rosenthal Yellow & Black Barocco Porcelain Lidded Sugar Bowl from the 1990s is a striking example of luxury tableware, showcasing the bold and intricate Barocco pattern t...
VERSACE 2019 Techno Baroque distressed cotton Medusa oversized shirt EU38 S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2019 Techno Baroque distressed cotton Medusa oversized shirt EU38 S Reference: TGAS/A05495 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Oversized shirt Collection: Sprin...
2000s VERSACE cream Marble rectangle Sleek oval Greca Key Diamonté Sunglasses
By Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Cream marble effect 2000s Versace sunglasses featuring an oversize rectangular oval shaped frame with typical Versace Grecian key design arms. MODEL 4013-B Total frame width; 14cm L...
Versace Sport waterproof trench coat with gold buttons and waist belt
By Versace
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
White raincoat Versace Sport Raglan sleeve, double-breasted button placket overlay for wind protection, slant pockets, flap at top back, wrist straps All featuring gold logoed button...
$895Sale Price|40% Off
Versace Bodycon Black Mini Dress w/Silver Insets - New With Tags
By Versace
Located in Studio City, CA
Versace black bodycon mini dress with silver insets and padded bust and hips. New with tags - in excellent condition. Size 38.
Corral pink sleeveless cocktail dress with zip and rhinestone VERSACE
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Corral pink sleeveless cocktail dress with zip and rhinestone and drape stretch tulle. Main fabric composition: 67% rayon, 26% nylon, 7% elastane. Tulle composition: 94% nylon, 6% el...
VERSACE black gold Barocco Hibiscus Medusa cotton crew sweater S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE black gold Barocco Hibiscus Medusa cotton crew sweater S Reference: TGAS/C00290 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86702S A232950 A008 Material: Cotton Color:...
Versace Color Block Dress with Studs
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous dress from Versace in purple and black silk jersey. It is sleeveless, semi fitted with a purple front panel and with insets of black along one side and front hem covered ...
VERSACE 2019 gold Medusa buttons black barocco double breasted dress IT36 XXS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2019 gold Medusa buttons black barocco double breasted dress IT36 XXS Reference: TGAS/D00977 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2019 Material: Viscose, Bl...
Versace New White Shirt with Applique Love, Power Unified Words, A/W 2017
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
Three words on this white shirt from Versace- Love, Unified and Power. The words are appliqued in black silk capital letters along each sleeve and the bottom front left hem. Letter...
$1,500
Versace denim suit
By Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Versace denim suit Size L Very good condition, may have minor flaws
$546Sale Price|20% Off
Versace Spring 2019 Black Silk Satin Double Asymmetric Dress
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in London, GB
Stunningly slinky Versace black silk double slip dress from the SS19 collection - as worn by Kendal Jenner on the runway. Bought for £1475 and unworn. Made...
$340Sale Price|29% Off
Versace 1990s Vintage Multicolour Women's Jacket Made in Italy
VERSACE 2018 Tribute gold Medusa Barocco long sleeve bodysuit top IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2018 Tribute gold Medusa Barocco long sleeve bodysuit top IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A00605 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2018 Tribute Material: Polyami...
VERSACE multicolored nylon 2023 MEDUSA PALM SPRINGS Leggings Pants S
By Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Versace leggings in multicolor polyamide (78%) and elastane (22%) feature the vibrant Medusa Palm Springs print, embodying the...
Versace Vintage Early 2000s Denim Print Jacket & Trousers Set, Medium
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 2000's VERSACE JEANS COUTURE jacket & trousers set by Donatella Versace. An iconic millenial Versace set in blue denim printed satin fabric, with sparkly 'VERSACE JEANS COU...
Vintage VERSACE Medusa Silk Neck Tie in Black and Silver Colors Italy 1990
By Versace
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage VERSACE Medusa Silk Neck Tie in Black and Silver Colors Italy. Dress Silk necktie black and gray silver with white and silver medusa head logo. LENGTH : 58 inches WIDTH : 3.5...
VERSACE 2019 100% silk Double Love Heart geometric baseball shirt EU39 M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2019 100% silk Double Love Heart geometric baseball shirt EU39 M Reference: TGAS/B00083 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: Pre Fall 2019 Material: Silk Co...
$708Sale Price|20% Off
VERSACE Jeans Couture Alphebet Denim Oversized Jacket & Skinny Leg Jeans
By Versace Jeans Couture, Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Step into the spotlight with the VERSACE Jeans Couture Alphabet Denim Oversized Jacket & Skinny Leg Jeans set, a bold and stylish ensemble that exudes contemporary edge and luxury. ...
VERSACE 95% cashmere wool punk gold Medusa safety pin distressed dress IT44
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 95% cashmere wool punk gold Medusa safety pin distressed dress IT44 Reference: TGAS/C00177 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A87164 A235900 A1008 Material: Ca...
Cocktail dress in navy blue jersey and silver PVC bra VJC Versace
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Cocktail dress in navy blue jersey and silver PVC cut-work bra. Jersey : 100% rayon. Silver PVC: 97% polycarbamide, 3% polyester. Zip and hook&eye on the left side. Thin padding in ...
Versace Women's One Shoulder Black Stretch Viscose Dress with Hoops
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
Super sexy yet chic Versace one shoulder hoop embellished dress. Bought for £1400 and new with tags. Made from midweight black stretch viscose, it has a single shoulder cut with larg...
Pink and black flower printed cocktail dress Versace
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink and black flower printed cocktail dress. Fabric composition: 73% cotton, 27% silk. Lining: 94% rayon, 6% acetate. Zip on the left side with branded zip-puller. Metal branded "...
VERSACE 2020 Tresor De La Mer signature starfish print yellow dress IT38 XS
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Tresor De La Mer signature starfish print yellow dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00366 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2020 Tresor De La Mer Materi...
VERSACE gold medusa blue crystal crown metallic lurex bomber jacket
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE gold medusa blue crystal crown metallic lurex bomber jacket Reference: PRCG/A00023 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Polyester, Blend Color: Gold, Blue Pat...
VERSACE Fluo Barocco split patchwork multicolor print beach swim shorts Size 3
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Fluo Barocco split patchwork multicolor print beach swim shorts Size 3 Reference: CNLE/A00526 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Fluo Barocco Material: Polyest...
VERSACE Barocco Acanthus black gold baroque white nylon track pants IT54 XXL
By Versace, Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Barocco Acanthus black gold baroque white nylon track pants IT54 XXL Reference: TGAS/C00896 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A87359 A235725 A7027 Collection:...
VERSACE 2015 Palazzo camouflage green rhinestone crystal Medusa pumps EU36 US6
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2015 Palazzo camouflage green rhinestone crystal Medusa pumps EU36 US6 Reference: TGAS/G00355 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Pa...
Versace Black and White Graphic Suit
By Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace's Black and White Graphic Suit with Pop Art overtones. Black and white geometrics and dots contrast with the brightly illustrated silk fashion "clippings" lining. The...
Versace, Black and white greca print shirt
By Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Versace, Black and white greca print shirt. The item is in very good condition. CONDITION: very good condition SIZE: 41 - S/M MEASUREMENTS: length 76 cm, width 58 cm, waist 56 cm...
Versace Boys 12A Black x White Greca Boy's Trousers Pants 120v23
By Versace
Located in Dix hills, NY
Versace Boys 12A Black x White Greca Boy's Trousers Pants 120v23 Date Code/Serial Number: 0449F712F66B81 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 19.5" Width: .2" Height: 38" Size: 1...
Black jersey sleeveless top with chainmail details on the shoulders Versace
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black jersey sleeveless top with chainmail details on the shoulders. Fabric composition: 90% modal, 10% silk. SIZE M
VERSACE 100% silk Signature Barocco Baroque lilac print pajama shirt Sz.5 2XL
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 100% silk Signature Barocco Baroque lilac purple gold print pajama shirt Sz.5 2XL Reference: TGAS/E00753 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: Home Material:...
VERSACE Underwear Medusa Greca waist band orange floral lace tights M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Underwear Medusa Greca waist band orange floral lace tights M Reference: TGAS/A06009 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Lace tights Material: Lace Color: Blue ...
VERSACE 2018 100% silk Barocco Hibiscus print lace trimmed flared skirt IT36 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2018 100% silk Barocco Hibiscus print lace trimmed flared skirt IT36 XS Reference: AAWC/A00581 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2018 Material: Silk, Cot...
Purple fabric and fur evening bag with gold metal hardware Versace
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple fabric and fur evening bag with gold metal hardware and branded claps. Fabric composition: 90% polyester, 10 % fur. Lining composition: rayon. One flat pocket with zip inside...
VERSACE Runway black leather gold-tone Medusa biker bustier top IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Runway black leather gold-tone Medusa biker bustier top IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C00017 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: Runway Material: Leather Color: ...
VERSACE 2021 Runway Baroccoflage floral baroque wide shorts IT48 M
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Baroccoflage floral baroque wide shorts IT48 M Reference: TGAS/C01901 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86432 1A01193 5B020 Collection: 2021 Baro...
VERSACE La Medusa Insignia gold oval buckle black leather belt 115cm 44-48"
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE La Medusa Insignia gold oval buckle black leather belt 115cm 44-48" Reference: TGAS/C00166 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DCU7835 DVTP1 D41OH Collection: L...
VERSACE black viscose 2016 DOUBLE KNOT CUT OUT MIDI Dress 38 XS
By Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Versace sleeveless dress in black viscose (78%), nylon (16%) and elastane (6%). Features cut out details, a slit on the front a...
VERSACE 2021 Runway Baroccoflage 100% silk gold Medusa shirt IT42 M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Baroccoflage 100% silk gold Medusa shirt IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C01785 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1001360 1A01226 5B020 Collection: 2021 - ...