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 Resort 2008 Plunging Neckline Floral Print Open Back Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace Resort 2008 Plunging Neckline Floral Print Open Back Evening Dress Gown Size IT 42 Condition: Main brand tag has been removed
Gianni Versace Vintage Tweed Set - '90s
By Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Gianni Versace tweed set from the 90s, in 100% wool. Features a chic sleeveless high-neck top with back zipper and matching short skirt. Material: 100% Wool Measurements: Shoulde...
$1,932Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE 2020 Runway Virtus Animalier bead embellished dress IT40 S $7800
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Runway Virtus Animalier bead embellished dress IT40 S $7800 Reference: TGAS/C00752 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A87905 A230099 A2266 Collection: Fal...
Vintage VERSACE F/W 2005 Embellished Black Emerald Mini Cocktail Dress 42 US 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage VERSACE Embellished Black Emerald Mini Cocktail Dress F/W 2005 Collection Designer Size 42 - US 6 Emerald green and black sequins over the tulle,...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Baroque Print Belted Wrap Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Baroque Print Belted Wrap Dress IT 40 Please see below the approximate measurements: Chest: 29-44" Waist: 25-27" Hips: 29-48" Length: 46" center back Arms fr...
New Versace Women's Real Fox Leather Leopard Print White Fur Jacket 46
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Collection Women's Fox Leather White Fur Jacket Designer size 46 100% Real Fox, 100% Leather, Brown Leopard Print Design. White Leather In...
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Medusa Logo Plunged Backless Mini Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Plunging Neckline Backless Mini Dress IT 40
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Ruched Cutout Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Ruched Cutout Back Dress IT 44 Look 25 from the Fall 2005 Collection. Brown and multicolor Versace silk halter midi dress...
$338Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE 2020 Runway Jlo Jungle green tropical print viscose pants IT36 XS
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Runway Jlo Jungle green tropical print viscose pants IT36 XS Reference: TGAS/C01189 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86124 A234694 Collection: 2020 - R...
$210Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE Runway Medusa gold chain silver buckle leather belt 110cm 42-46"
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Runway Medusa gold chain silver buckle leather belt 110cm 42-46" Reference: TGAS/C00067 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DCU7828 DVTP1 D41TP Collection: La M...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belted Cutout Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belted Cutout Back Dress IT 38 Look 24 from the Spring 2005 Collection.
New Versace S/S 2006 Runway Crystal Embellished Halter Top
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
New Versace S/S 2006 Runway Crystal Embellished Halter Top IT 44 Look 48 from the Spring 2006 Collection.
$487Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE Chain Reaction Salehe Bembury Red Medallion blue sneaker EU40.5
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Chain Reaction Salehe Bembury Red Medallion blue sneaker EU40.5 Reference: TGAS/B01470 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Versace Chain Reaction Material: Fabr...
$1,173Sale Price|30% Off
Versace Dress size 42
By Versace
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
F/W collection 2021/22 Black color Viscose (97%) Elastan (3%) Silk straps with gold metal hardware Front slit Maximum length cm 118 (4645 inches)
Versace Black Over The Knee Boots w/ Crystals Size 40 - 10
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE BOOTS Material: Fabric, Lining material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid; with chain Print Closure: Zip Extra Detail: Leather lined to give it structure. Crystal jewels e...
Versace Crystal Embellished Yellow Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2018 Size 40IT
By Versace
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Versace Crystal Embellished Yellow Evening Gown with built in bodysuit and corset. High slit up the side front. Stunning!!! Fall/Winter 2018 Size 40IT Special piece for trunk show...
S/S 2005 Versace by Donatella Oversized Medusa Buckle Black Stretch Crop Top
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Versace’s Spring/Summer 2005 collection by Donatella Versace, this black long-sleeve stretch crop top features a wide V neckline and a wraparound waist detail. It is finished wi...
$234Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE Medusa gold ring marble black white tie dye tshirt IT38 S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Medusa gold ring marble black white tie dye tshirt IT38 S Reference: TGAS/C00820 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86374 A234568 A7830 tie dye medusa tshirt ...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belt Plunging Backless Wrap Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belt Plunging Backless Wrap Dress IT 38 Look 8 from the Spring 2005 Collection.
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Ivory Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Dress Gown Versace sleeveless gown featuring plunging neckline, beaded embellishments throughout, slit at high-low hem and concealed zip clo...
Vintage Versace Black Long Gown Wrap Dress with Open Back 42 - 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Black Viscose Long Dress Deep V-neck Open back Wrap style Crystal button Content: 100% viscose Lining: 100% viscose IT Size 42 - US 6 Armpit to armpit: up to 20" Waist: up ...
$2,184Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE 2011 Runway white studded leather silk skirt mini dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2011 Runway white studded leather silk skirt mini dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D01127 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2011...
Versace Red Mini Dress with Belt
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE dress This Cocktail dress features asymmetric hem and cut out neckline detail. Comes with red suede belt. (size 65) 51% viscose 46% acetate 3% elastane Size 38 - US 2 Made ...
VERSACE Black Marble Sunglasses Mod. 3171
By Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
VERSACE Black Marble Sunglasses Mod. 3171 Brand / Manufacturer: Versace Style: Sunglasses Color(s): Shades of black, brown, clear and silver Add...
New Versace Collection Leopard Print Calf Hair Stiletto Heel Boots IT 38 US 8
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Collection Leopard Print High Heel Tall Boots Nobody can ignore these black and white leopard print boots from Versace Collection - We...
Versace 2013 Collection Black Embellished Dress Italian 38
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace Black Embellished Midi Dress Size 38 or US 2/4 Chic design ensure a stunning silhouette. Finished with metal hardware and Japanese vinyl. Content: 49% nylon, 32% wool, 13% ...
Versace Silk Dress with Studded Leather Straps
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning white dress from Versace in a fabulous combination of neoprene, silk, leather and studs. It has a light weight 2 tier silk skirt contrasted with a neoprene front bodice su...
1980s Versace Black Patent Leather Medusa Cut Out Tote Bag
By Versace
Located in London, GB
1980s Versace Black Patent Leather Medusa Cut Out Tote Bag, black patent leather, front cut out Medusa, silver hardware, beige lining with multiple compartments, zipped side interna...
$322Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE 2020 Runway Pop Temple Box logo patchwork polo shirt top L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Runway Pop Temple Box logo patchwork polo shirt top L Reference: TGAS/C00985 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A87193 A236036 A7000 Collection: Pop Templ...
$286Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE Pop Acantus Barocco gold Medusa safety pin slit mini skirt IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Pop Acantus Barocco gold Medusa safety pin slit mini skirt IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C00886 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A83920 A236444 A7000 Collection: Po...
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage Cinema Movie Poster Jacket
By Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Rare vintage Versace Jeans Couture retro movie poster cinema themed puffer jacket. Zip closure Gold Medusa buttons Size: Size tag not present, fit...
Versace stilettoes 'Medusa Aevitas'
By Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VERSACE - (Made in Italy) Red satin block high-heeled stilettoes with a two-level platforl. Wrist bridles enhanced with pink rhinestones and ornamented with medusa head golden metal ...
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 2006 Look #50 Versace Silk Gown
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
S/S 2006 Look #50 Versace Silk Gown Finished with tulle bodysuit IT Size 42 Airy, delicate, classy and sexy!
1990s Gianni Versace cream jacket
By Versace
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Gianni Versace cream jacket Totally made in italy Size: 42 italian size range
Versace S/S 2004 Plunged Halter Open Back Ruffles Black Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2004 Plunged Halter Open Back Ruffles Black Evening Dress Gown Size IT 42 Versace black sleeveless maxi dress featuring plunging halter neckline, ruffle accents througho...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Cutout Embellished Logo One-Piece Swimwear Swimsuit
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Cutout Embellished Logo Bodysuit One-Piece Swimwear Swimsuit Size IT 40 Look 31 from the Spring 2005 Collection. Condition: good vintage condition, metal b...
Versace Chocolate Brown Leather Pumps in Versace Box Size 39 c 1990
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in University City, MO
Versace brown leather pumps in Versace box Size 39 The stylish Italian pumps are covered with glossy chocolate brown leather Designed with a matching s...
Versace Silk Scarf Native American on Horseback
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in New Hope, PA
Versace designed this stunning silk scarf with a native American theme circa 2004. The center of the black scarf has a Native American on horseback on a smoky cream background. His ...
Vintage Versace Embellished Black Silk Mermaid Gown
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage VERSACE Gown, Mid 2000-s Black color, mermaid design and artfully embellished body with open back - ensure a stunning silhouette. IT Size ...
F/W 2010 Look#3 Vintage Versace Men's Black Leather Biker Boots Size 45 -12
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE ACTUAL RUNWAY BOOTS 2010 FALL/WINTER COLLECTION LOOK#3 Versace's vintage biker boots encapsulate the house 's masculine style and embrace the current trend. Leather lining...
Vintage Versace Black Silk and Lace Gown Dress NWT
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace Vintage Sexy Black Silk and Lace Long Dress. Early 2000-s Content: 99% silk, 1% polyamide Italian Size 40 - US 4 Measurements approx.; Bust - 34 inches, Waist - up to 29" ...
NWT Versace $2150 Black Gold Baroque Embroidery Stretch Jeans size 27 and 26
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Black Embroidered Stretch Jeans Designer sizes available - 27 and 26 Exquisite Versace Baroque Gold Metallic Threads Embroidery, Low-Rise, F...
Versace Purple Silk Embellished Strapless Gown Size XS
By Versace
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Good. General wear to dress is evident. Moderate signs of wear the overall dress where discolouration can be seen on the front, back and sides. Marks to the underarm lin...
$247Sale Price|44% Off
VERSACE Medusa Biggie crystal gold Medallion coin leather belt 115cm 44-48"
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Medusa Biggie crystal gold Medallion coin leather belt 115cm 44-48" Reference: TGAS/C00587 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DCU4954 DVS2 D41CH Collection: Me...
Vintage Versus Versace Pink Fur Vest Sleeveless Jacket With Black Leather
By Versus Versace, Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSUS VERSACE FUR SLEEVELESS JACKET This sexy showstopper is as fun as it is fabulous. Made of impossibly soft rabbit fur and accented with smooth leather. Fully lined. Two side p...
New Versace Fall 2016 Runway Sequin Embellishment Cut-Out Tulle Accent Dress 40
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Runway Versace Mini Embellished Dress Designer size 40 This dress stands out for collectors due to its one-of-a-kind patchwork composition, where bold prints, textured fabrics, a...
Versace Jeans Couture Suede Jacket - '90s
By Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Versace Jeans Couture classic suede jacket in light brown, crafted from premium suede with signature Medusa head detailing on buttons and studs. Remarks: there are some spot...
2000's Donatella Versace Y2K Barbie Pink Real Leather Shift Mini Dress
By Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 2000's Deadstock Versace Jeans Couture shift dress in baby pink Leather. Complete with Versace Medusa gold tone metal hardware and elegant, fine chain belt detail with Medusa e...
Versace Fur Lined Black Leather Jacket for Men
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Black leather jacket from Versace featuring marmotte fur collar, rabbit fur lining, gold tone Medusa buttons, two side pockets, ribbed knit cuffs and hem. Italian size is...
Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s Multicolor Atelier Masquerade Print Skirt
By Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gianni Versace 1990s skirt in a faux wrap style features wild signature print in purple, fuchsia, blue, and green. Front features two ladies who appear to be going to a masquerade ba...
$260Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE 2020 Medusa buttons pink wool cashmere silk cardigan IT44 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Medusa buttons pink wool cashmere silk cardigan IT44 L Reference: TGAS/C01772 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A89094 A237534 1P590 Collection: 2020 Mat...
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Bustier Sheer Lace Open Back Black Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Bustier Sheer Lace Open Back Black Evening Dress Gown Please note size tag has been removed but this dress will likely fit IT 40
Versace Women Series Button Cutout Ribbed Dress IT 40 Black Viscose Stretch
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
- Black exterior - Tagged size 40 - Made of 83% viscose 17% polyamide Condition: The dress is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approx...
F/W 2015 Look #21 Versace #Greek Dress 40 - 4
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE F/W 2015 look # 21 #GREEK Dress Fully lined Exposed Back gold zip closure with famous MEDUSA Content: 100% viscose IT Size 40 - US 4 armpit to armpit 16 1/2" length 38 1/2"...
Versace S/S 2006 Bustier Corset Floral Print Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2006 Bustier Corset Floral Print Evening Dress Gown IT 42 As seen on Maggie Q at the 8th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards.
Versace Silk Chiffon Slip Dress with Baroque Print & Lace Trim, SS 2005
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
This Versace dress from the Spring-Summer 2005 collection is crafted from silk chiffon, featuring a lightweight, airy construction with a slip dress silhouette. The intricate multico...
Versace Bodycon Dress with Cut outs
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous fine black wool jersey dress from Versace. It is semi fitted with long sleeves, a crew neck and fabulous nude mesh covered wedge and ray shaped cut outs following the int...
Versace Y2K 439 Teal Gradient Shield Sunglasses With Gold Greca Detailing
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your accessory game with the Versace Y2K 439 Teal Gradient Shield Sunglasses, a bold fusion of retro and modern aesthetics. Showcasing an eye-catch...
S/S 2005 Versace by Donatella Medusa Medallion Backless Halter Top Blue Blouse
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a mint-colored Versace halter neck designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, this wrap halter neck top is complete with a large interlocking V...
new VERSACE Anthem 120 satin silk Medusa buckle platform chunky sandals EU37
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Anthem 120 Black satin silk silver Medusa buckle platform chunky sandals EU37,5 Reference: TGAS/F00365 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: Runway Mater...