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.
Gianni Versace Floral 2000's Jeans
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel pretty in Versace! These floral printed multi-colored jeans will make you feel flirty and feminine in one easy step. These feature a zipped leg, slight balloon shape, ultra high...
Versace Black Silk Mini Dress with Drawstrings & Plunging Neckline 2000'S
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a Versace black silk day dress featuring a v-neckline with drawstrings, long sleeves with drawstrings, a back zipper, and an easy, sexy silh...
F/W 2005 Versace by Donatella Mens Runway Leather Raw Edge Belted Trench Coat
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed by Donatella Versace for Versace's Fall/Winter 2005 men's collection, this coat debuted on the season's men's runway as part of look 5, modeled by Tyson Ballou. Constructed ...
Versace Silk Shirt Printed with Blue and Purple
By Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Versace - (Made in Italy) Silk shirt printed with blue and purple on a yellow background. Indicated size 48FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Sho...
Gianni Versace Wool and Silk Jacket
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Versace - (Made in Italy) Wool and silk jacket. Size 42IT. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 42 cm - Chest: 43 cm - Sleeve length: 5...
Versace Logo Medusa White Denim Set comes with Shorts and Jacket
By Versace
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Versace set. Set - shorts and jackets. Size 36 - shirt. Size 24- shorts. Fits small size. Made is Italy. Mint Condition.
Versace Chain Long Sleeve Pink Bodysuit
By Versace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- 100% viscose - Dry cleaning only - Hook closure and front button closure - Deep V neck line - Chain print
Versace 1990s Blue and Gold Sunglasses
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
How stunning are these Versace dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s?! The perfect every day sunglasses featuring greenish blue grey lenses alongside black detailing with gold tone accen...
Versace Canvas Slip on Sneakers
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versace Canvas Slip on Sneakers Additional information: Material: Canvas Style: DSU75753 D2STMS Color: Black Size: 7 US Country: Italy Condition: Brand new with box.
Versace 1990s Silver Sunglasses
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get your hands on these incredible Versace dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s! The perfect aviator style sunglasses featuring dusty rose lenses alongside silver tone detailing. These ...
Versace 1990's Gold Medusa Rectangle Sunglasses
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage Gianni Versace at it's best! Get a piece of the iconic fashion house with these deadstock sunglasses. Adding the right accessories to an outfit can really take it from zero to hero! Try it out with these cool and edgy sunglasses. Vintage is always better as the quality of these sunglasses will last you a lifetime! These vintage 1990's Versace sunglasses feature a rectangle shape with a slight cat eye, grey tinted lenses, a rimless style, a beautiful gold metal body, and an awesome gold medusa detailing on each side of the sunglasses. These sunglasses have been kept safe for 30 years and are in almost new condition, never worn! These would look perfect dressed up for drinks with friends or throw them on with a t-shirt and jeans to elevate the look. Try styling these vintage Versace with some Gucci leather pants...
Versace Jeans Couture Logo Printed Cotton T-Shirt
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Jeans Couture Logo Printed Cotton T-Shirt Black, cotton t-shirt designed with gold 'Versace Jeans Couture' signature logo prints to the front. Featuring ribbed crew necklin...
Versace Green and Purple Minidress
By Versace
Located in London, GB
A contemporary Versace minidress in green with a swirled purple motif in purple suede. The motif then grows into the asymmetrical one shoulder. The dress also has a short thigh slit,...
$480Sale Price|20% Off
VERSACE 100% silk Signature Barocco Baroque lilac print pajama shirt Sz.5 2XL
By Versace, Donatella 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:...
$180Sale Price|25% Off
VERSACE 2021 Runway Baroccoflage floral baroque wide shorts IT46 S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Baroccoflage floral baroque wide shorts IT46 S Reference: TGAS/C01783 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86432 1A01193 5B020 Collection: 2021 Baro...
VERSACE 2021 Runway Baroccoflage colorful baroque wide shorts IT46 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Baroccoflage colorful baroque wide shorts IT46 S Reference: TGAS/C01819 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86432 1A01193 5B020 Collection: 2021 Ba...
$312Sale Price|40% Off
VERSACE Gianni Signature white black nylon hooded windbreaker IT54 2XL
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature white black nylon hooded windbreaker IT54 2XL Reference: TGAS/C00095 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A82747 A232862 A7001 Collection: Giann...
$383Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE 2019 100% silk Double Love Heart geometric baseball shirt EU39 M
By Donatella Versace, 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...
Versace Collection Cotton Logo T-Shirt
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Collection Cotton Logo T-Shirt Black t-shirt crafted from cotton with gold 'Versace Collection' logo print to the chest. Shirt sleeves, crew neckline and regular-fit. Rrp ...
Versace Barbiecore Hot Pink Waxed Vegan Leather Mini Skirt - M, 1990s
By Versace
Located in Tucson, AZ
If the eye-popping color and micro mini length don't get their attention, perhaps the texture will: treated to look and feel like leather, the skirt is actually waxed cotton. Vinta...
S/S 2016 Look #29 Versace Black Silk Pleated w/Metal Mesh Dress 38 - 2
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Versace black pleated dress Black metal mesh and lace embellished Zip on the side. Content: 100% silk Fully lined Size 38 or US 2/4 armpit to armpit 16" waist 32" hips 40...
Vintage Versus Versace 2000’s Asymmetrical Neckline Dress
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versus Versace early 2000’s red asymmetrical neckline dress. Features an asymmetrical neckline with ruched detail and maxi length. In excellent vintage condition. Brand: Versace Size...
Versace Vintage Black Bondage Strappy Dress
By Versace
Located in London, GB
We are excited to present this Versace Vintage Black Bondage Strappy Dress. Features strapless tube dress with bondage straps on front and back with mono...
Versace Size 10A Boy's Black Blue Baroque Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirt Kid 121v39
By Versace
Located in Dix hills, NY
Versace Size 10A Boy's Black Blue Baroque Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirt Kid 121v39 Date Code/Serial Number: 044DB412F66B81 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: .4" Height: ...
New Versace Purple Blue Wool Cardigan with Detachable Fox Collar 42
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Wool Cardigan with Detachable Fox Collar Cardigan Italian Size 42 Color - Purple Blue 100% Wool Real Colored Fox Fur - Origin Finland Collar Reverse - 100% Silk Collar De...
Versace colorful shirt
By Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VERSACE - Multicolored flower pattern shirt. Size S indicated. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 48 cm - Chest: 52 cm - Sleeve length: 60 cm - Length: 68 c...
Versace by Donatella Versace Pink Silk, Net & Crystal Evening Dress, SS 2002
By Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2002 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Net, Crystal ▪ Size: IT40 - FR36 - UK8 - US4 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condition: Ve...
Versace Jeans Couture Pants - '00s
By Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Expertly crafted with a blend of nylon and elastane, these Versace pants are from the iconic Jeans Couture line and feature stylish silver tone Medusa hardware. The leather details o...
1990s Versace Aviator Sunglasses
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
How stunning are these Versace dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s?! The perfect aviator style sunglasses featuring light blue lenses alongside brown detailing with silver tone accents. These are the perfect every day sunglasses with an elevated touch of vintage! Match these to your favorite Versace loafers and pair with a Prada hat...
Versace Medusa Biggie Sunglasses
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Medusa Biggie Sunglasses Versace transparent, rectangular sunglasses designed with the iconic silver-tone Medusa Biggie embellishment at the wi...
Versace DFZ5350 $975 Blue Zaino Stampa Logo Nylon Backpack Travel Bag 39v54s
By Versace
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 045FA3BAB56280 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 12.5" Width: 7" Height: 16" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8.5"-12.5" Handle Drop: 4" OVERALL VERY GOOD COND...
Versace Size 8A Boy's Black Blue Baroque Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirt Kids 125v26
By Versace
Located in Dix hills, NY
Versace Size 8A Boy's Black Blue Baroque Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirt Kids 125v26 Date Code/Serial Number: 0461B412F66B80 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: .3" Height: ...
Versace Size 10A Boy's Black Blue Baroque Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirt Kids 124v6
By Versace
Located in Dix hills, NY
Versace Size 10A Boy's Black Blue Baroque Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirt Kids 124v6 Date Code/Serial Number: 044DB412F66B81 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: .4" Height: ...