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 Platform Ankle Booties Nappa Leather in Black
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versace Platform Ankle Booties Nappa Leather in Black. Additional information: Material: Patent Leather Ankle high Style code: DSR712T Color: Black Size: 35.5 EU (5.5 US) Country: I...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Peach Plunging Open Back Midi Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Peach Plunging Open Back Midi Dress IT 44
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...
VERSACE Resort 2012 Gold Perforated Leather Ankle Boots Size 40 (US 10) New
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Resort 2012 Gold Perforated Leather Ankle Boots Size 40 (US 10) Brand New A fierce and collectible runway creation from Versace’s Resort 2012 collection, these sculptural ...
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 ...
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...
Versace Jeans Couture Suede Set - '90s
By Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Green suede leather set by Versace Jeans Couture label, featuring a relaxed-fit jacket with gold logo-embossed buttons and straight-leg pants finished with raw edge hems for a bold s...
$4,800Sale Price|26% Off
VERSACE Embellished Yellow Stretch Mini Dress with Patent Leather Detail Sz 44
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Embellished Yellow Stretch Mini Dress with Patent Leather Detail Introduce bold brights into your cocktail wardrobe with Versace's yellow...
F/W 2005 Versace by Dontella Runway Black Backless Cowl Bodycon Stretch Dress
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Fall/Winter 2005 collection, this form-fitting black dress debuted on the season's runway as look 15, modeled by Marta Berzkalna. Designed by Donatella Versace, this long-sl...
Versace Men's Black Reversible Down Jacket
By Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Versace - (Made in Italy) Black reversible down jacket made of goose feathers, with a lining decorated with Versace-colors patterns. Size 52IT. Additional information: Condition: Ve...
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 S/S 2005 Embellished Belted Plunging Wrap Crop Top
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Belted Plunging Wrap Crop Top IT 38
Printed velvet slip dress VERSACE
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed stretch velvet slip dress . Black polyester lining only inside the bust on the front. Gather on the middle front. Split on the left side, lenght= 34cm SIZE M
Versace Red Alpaca Fur Jacket NWT
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Fall/Winter 2014 look # 23 Alpaca Fur jacket in red. Content: 100% Alpaca Lining: 100% Silk Trim: 100% leather IT Size 42 - US 6 armpit to armpit 19" Made in Italy Brand new,...
Versace sport short raincoat
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...
S/S 2004 Versace by Donatella Runway Pink Neon Yellow Floral Belted Skirt Suit
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vibrant floral yellow Versace skirt suit, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2004 collection, this set debuted on the runway as look 7, modeled by Han...
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 S/S 2016 Runway Embellished Cutout Sheer Panels Mini Evening Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2016 Runway Embellished Cutout Sheer Panels Mini Evening Dress IT 42 Look 55 from the Spring 2016 Collection.
Versace Chaos Couture Embellished Denim Dress Spring/Summer 2005 Size 38IT
By Versace
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Versace Chaos Couture Vintage Embellished Denim Dress Spring/Summer 2005 Size 38IT
Vintage 1990's Gianni Versace Colourful 'Betty Boop' High waisted Pattern Jeans
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990's Vintage Versace Jeans Couture high waisted jeans, with super colourful and extremely iconic Betty Boop print. Features: High waisted Classic ...
new VERSACE Medusa '95 Satin Waterlilly fuschia boned buckle crop top IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Medusa '95 Satin Waterlilly fuschia pink boned silver buckle crop top IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/F00361 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Medusa '95 Satin Co...
Versace Baroque-Print Virtus V Stiletto Sandals Leather in White
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versace Baroque-Print Virtus V Stiletto Sandals Leather in White. Signature Virtus Logo all over. Additional information: Material: Leather Style: Style: DSR626NDVB9 Color: White Si...
2000s Versace by Donatella Black Ribbon Halter Neck Medusa Cutout Dress
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Donatella Versace designed this divine little black Versace dress in the mid-2000s. This long-sleeved dress features a knotted accent at the bust, a halter neck strap, and a semi-exp...
New Versace Signature Medusa Medallion Ankle-Strap White Leather Sandals 40 - 10
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Signature Medusa White Leather Shoes Sandals Designer size 40 - US 10 100% Leather, Gold-tone Metal Medusa Medallion Studs, Buckled Ankle-strap, Leather Sole and Lining. ...
S/S 2004 Versace by Donatella Teal Blue Ruched Halter Neck Stretch Crop Top
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vibrant blue Versace top designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2004 collection, this top debuted on the season's runway in ye...
Ultra-Rare 2012 Versace Fully Beaded Blush Mesh Gown
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Ultra-Rare 2012 Versace Gown A museum-worthy artifact of modern couture history, this 2012 Versace gown is an exceptionally rare piece from one of the house’s most celebrated collec...
Versace Dress Black Side Drawstring Rouching Asymmetrical Length 44 / 8
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Versace jet black slinky dress. Wide boat neck that also falls of one shoulder if you wish. Pull on dress with gorgeous draping created by the adjustable draws...
S/S 2007 Versace by Donatella Rhinestone Medusa Black Halter Flare Mini Dress
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous little black Versace halter-neck dress, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2007 collection, this beautiful dress features a plunging neckline...
New Versace Women's White Gym Pant Suit with Crystal Embellishment US 6 and 8
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Women's Gym Pant Suit with Crystals Embellishment Designer sizes available 3,4 - US 6,8 - It. 42,44. Pure White Color, 87% Polyester, 13% Elastan. Jacket - Gold Tone Zip ...
Versace Embellished Mini Dress - '10
By Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Versace white silk dress from Fall 2014 with golden belt and detachable chain-draped shoulder embellishments. Military style, bold and structured design. Also seen on Heidi Klum at ...
Versace F/W 2004 Runway Studded Plunging Keyhole Neckline Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace F/W 2004 Runway Embellished Studded Bondage Halter Plunging Keyhole Neckline Open Back Evening Dress Gown IT 40 Look 51 from the Versace Fall Collection. Versace silk black...
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...
Versace Russian Dream" Rosenthal Tea Set
By Rosenthal, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Russian Dream Tea Cup and Saucer by Versace for Rosenthal, set of 2, is in 100% Porcelain and perfect condition. Dimensions: tea cup measures 4 inches in diameter and 2.3 in height, ...
Versace Rosenthal Porcelain Bowls
By Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Versace Rosenthal Porcelain tableware bowls are a set of four. Made from 100% porcelain and feature a vivid color palette.
Gianni Versace "Native American" Print Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A very rare true piece of wearable art created by Gianni Versace, circa 1993. A beautiful Gianni Versace Silk Print in excellent condition, the "Nat...
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 Vintage Medusa Pillow
By Versace
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Iconic and timeless circa 1990's creation by Versace. Add high fashion to any space with this Medusa pillow. Crafted from 100% cotton and is embellished with the iconic Versace motif...
Gianni Versace Jacket with Decorative Buttons - '90s
By Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Navy blue wool jacket by Gianni Versace with a fitted waist, round neck, and decorative gold-tone buttons. Can be styled as a chic dress for a polished, tailored look. Remarks: One ...
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...
Atelier Versace Couture Pink Pleated Silk and Lace Mini Dress, ss 2004
By Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Versace Evening Mini Dress ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Spring-Summer 2004 ▪ From the Atelier Versace line; these garments are synonymous with French Haute Co...
Versace crystal embellished ivory silk evening dress, ss 2005
By Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Versace ivory silk evening dress ▪ Designed by Donatella Versace ▪ Spring-Summer 2005 ▪ Constructed from a raw silk and spandex blend with a nubby texture ▪ Embellished with hundr...
VERSACE gold Virtus Barocco V black leather zip clutch crossbody bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE gold Virtus Barocco V black leather zip clutch crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00796 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DP8F785V D7VIT K310OT Collection: Virtus...
Versace 1990s Yellow Sunglasses
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
How stunning are these Versace dead stock sunglasses circa 1990s?! Perfect for anyone who loves an oval frame, the ones feature yellow lenses alongside light orange detailing with go...
$187Sale Price|75% Off
2021 VERSACE PYTHON Print VISCOSE CADY MINI SKIRT SZ 38
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Snake-embossed viscose twill mini skirt in pink featuring multicolor snake pattern printed throughout. Mid-rise. Cut-out with O-ring hardware at hem. Zip closure at side. Darts at ba...
New Versace Men's Barocco Intante Hooded Jacket Windbreaker 50 - US 40
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
This hooded nylon jacket with front zip closure and drawstring accents features the Barocco Istante print - an interpretation of the iconic Versace motif intertwined in French Baroqu...
Pre-Fall 2011 Look #5 Versace Purple Floral Gown Dress 38 - 2
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Actual PR-Sample Pre-Fall 2011 Look # 5 Purple Silk and Viscose Dress with thin straps. Deep slit on the leg. Content: 51% viscose, 49% silk Lining: 100% silk IT Size 38 or U...
Versace Blue Leather Cutout Lace Embellished Gown IT40
By Versace
Located in Brossard, QC
Versace leather cut out floral details embellished with Swarovski crystal and sequins over tulle sky-blue gown. Tulle, crepe. Tonal bead and crystal embellishments, overlay, crosso...
S/S 2004 Versace by Donatella White Ruffle Orchid Print Wrap Dress
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Versace wrap dress from the Spring/Summer 2004 collection by Donatella Versace is cut in a fitted midi silhouette with an asymmetrical ruffled hem. It is crafted in white silk w...
Versace by Donatella FW 1998 Black Purple Pinstripe Suit With Leather Trim
By Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Rare early Donatella Versace for Versace Fall Winter 1998 suit in a deep purple pinstripe wool & silk fabric with a touch of stretch. (57% wool - 40% silk - 2% spandex) The double-...
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...
$5,039Sale Price|72% Off
Amazing VERSACE Strapless Beaded Goddess Evening Wedding Bridal Gown Dress 42
By Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
INCREDIBLE VERSACE GRECIAN GODDESS WHITE SILK BEADED EVENING GOWN Gorgeous off-white evening gown inspired by the Grecian goddesses by VE...
Versace One Shoulder Hoop Embellished Dress
By Versace, Donatella 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...
2005 Rare Versace Spring/Summer 2005 blazer with Medusa head button most wanted
By Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Rare Versace Spring/Summer 2005 blazer with Medusa head button Donatella Versace for Versace Collection: Versace Spring 2005 Ready-to-Wear (Look 19/54; Model: Caroline Winberg) Coun...
Lilac silk chiffon cocktail dress with chain and studs Versace ( without tag)
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Lilac silk chiffon cocktail dress with chain and studs embellishment . The brand tag has been cut but the zip puller is branded ( see picture) Zip on the left side + hook&eye. The ...
S/S 2005 Versace by Donatella Versace Chaos Couture Denim Bag Runway
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a Versace Chaos Couture collection bag designed by Donatella Versace. This oversized tote bag features a chic biker motif with Versace...
Versace S/S 2007 Crystal Logo Plunging Neckline Backless Halter Pink Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2007 Crystal Logo Plunging Neckline Backless Halter Pink Dress IT 40 Versace pink halter dress featuring silver-tone crystal embellished Versace...
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...
VERSACE multicolore fringe silk dress
By Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
VERSACE multicolor fringe silk dress Size IT 42 Made in Italy 93% silk 9% elastane Lining 100% silk Measures: Length cm. 81 Shoulders cm. 36 Bust cm. 43 Waist cm. 38,5 Excellent con...
Versace Pink Gradient Aviator Sunglasses
By Versace
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is New with tags on this brand new Versace designer item. This item comes with original packaging. Details Model: VE 2260 Pink Acetate Sunglasses Aviator frame G...
VERSACE 100% silk white gold Barocco chain print cropped bomber IT40 S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 100% silk white gold Barocco chain print cropped bomber IT40 S Reference: MECG/A00322 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Silk Color: White, Gold Pattern: Ba...