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.
1991 Versace Gold Medusa Chain Belt With Frosted Glass and Diamantés
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
This incredible, iconic circa Fall 1991 Gianni Versace gold tone chain belt with frosted glass and diamanté Medusa charms is in absolutely impeccable vintage condition. The models wa...
New $6950 Versace Swarovski Crystals Greek Key White Jersey Dress Gown It. 42
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Swarovski Crystals White Jersey Dress Gown Designer size 42 White Stretch Jersey, Swarovski Crystals Embellishment, Built in Leotard Bott...
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 100% silk red gold Virtus V clasp one shoulder gown dress IT38 XS
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 100% silk red gold Virtus V clasp one shoulder gown dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C00894 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A87523 A217281 A1203 Collection: Vi...
Vintage VERSACE Medusa Silk Neck Tie in Black and Silver Colors Italy 1980
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 red medusa head logo. LENGTH : 58 inches WIDTH : 3.75 i...
Versace S/S 2013 Look # 42 Embellished Gold Silk Gown Dress 40 - 4
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Fall/Winter 2013 Look # 42 The sensational color, chic design with high slit, artfully embellished body with studded leather belts - ensure a stunning silhouette. Content: 10...
Versace Crystal Medusa Sultan Convertible Shoulder Bag & Clutch
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Turn heads with this breathtaking statement piece from the Spring/Summer 2017 Collection. Crafted in Italy from iridescent gold-tone soft leather, the flap face is completely encrust...
Versace F/W 2006 Plunging Ruched Ruffles Black Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2006 Plunging Ruched Ruffles Black Dress IT 38
New Versace Cream Wool Cardigan Coat Removable Silver Fox Collar 40
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New VERSACE 100% Wool SILVER FOX Collar Cardigan Coat Italian Size - 40. 100% Wool Color - Cream Real SILVER FOX - Origin FINLAND Removable Oversize...
F/W 2019 Versace Runway Vittoria Printed Silk Multicolor Blazer
By Versace
Located in Concord, NC
This spectacular Versace multicolored “Vittoria” silk blazer features shoulder pads, long sleeves, buttoned cuffs, & three front pockets As seen on the Fall Winter 2019 runway Gold t...
Black backless chiffon evening dress with ruffles on the back Versace
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black backless chiffon evening dress with ruffles on the back. Zip and hook&eye in the middle back.Top-stitched waist band. Button and buttonhole behind the back. SIZE 44 (It) 10 (US)
VERSACE multicoloured silk 2023 MEDUSA PALM SPRINGS TIE-FRONT Blouse Shirt S
By Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Versace blouse in multicolor silk (100%) showcases the bold Medusa Palm Springs print, embodying the brand's signature opulence...
Versace Jeans Tigers Print Logo T-Shirt
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Jeans Tigers Print Logo T-Shirt Black t-shirt crafted from cotton and designed with tiger prints and 'VJ' logo to the centre. Featuring ribbed crew neckline and short sleev...
New Versace Thigh High Black Mesh Boots 38 - 8
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Straight from the F/W 2012 runway, these Versace fishnet thigh-high boots are the ultimate fusion of futuristic fetishism and sculptural femininity. Seen in high-fashion edi...
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Plunging Neckline Cutout Black Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Plunging Neckline Cutout Black Dress IT 46
GIANNI VERSACE A/W 1983 Gold Black Floral Silk Lame Skirt Size 42 NOS NWT
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
Fall/Winter 1983 New Old Stock Gianni Versace gold and black silk floral lame skirt. Full pleated skirt. Quilted waistband. Black trim at hem. Two pockets. Hook/eye and button closur...
New Versace Crystal Embellished Pink Ruched mini dress
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace Crystal Embellished ruched mini dress. Exposed zip fastening finished with crystals and Medusa zipper pull 67% viscose, 26% nylon, 7% elastane Fully lined. Made in Italy ...
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Ruched Cutout Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
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...
New Versace S/S 2006 Runway Crystal Embellished Halter Top
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
New Versace S/S 2006 Runway Crystal Embellished Halter Top IT 44 Look 48 from the Spring 2006 Collection.
Versace Women's Black Ruched Tulle Sleeve Dress IT40 UK8
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in London, GB
Super sexy and dramatic Versace tulle sleeve dress. Bought for over £1500 and worn once. Made from thick, stretchy black viscose and elastane crepe with ribbed contrast panelling, it...
Vintage Gianni Versace Versus Royal Cobalt Blue 1990s 90s Sexy Crop Top Bodycon
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage GIANNI VERSACE VERSUS royal blue stretch crop top! Features an oversized blue zipper at the left side. Can easily be dressed up or down, and great alone or layered. Perf...
Pink one strap cocktail dress VERSACE New
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink one strap cocktail dress. Main fabric composition: 72% wool, 24% silk, 4% elastane. Branded ( Medusa) lining composition: 96% rayon, 4% elastane. Pink satin strap. Invisible zi...
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Plunging Neckline Ruched Animal Print Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Plunging Neckline Ruched Animal Print Dress IT 44 Look 23 from the Fall 2005 Collection. Brown and multicolor Versace silk mini dress...
VERSACE 2020 Runway Pop Temple print nylon windbreaker shirt jacket IT48 M
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Runway Pop Temple print nylon windbreaker shirt jacket IT48 M Reference: TGAS/C00119 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A82746 A235623 A7000 Collection: P...
Versace Sexy Black Mini Dress Italian 38 - US 2 NWT
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Actual Runway sample Spring/Summer 2016 Look # 28 Black mini dress Back zipper Two Medusa buttons on cuffs Content: Content: 69% polyester, 31% silk IT Size 38 - US 2/4 s...
VERSACE Signature Baroque Cherub Medusa printed viscose shift dress IT38 XS
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Signature Baroque Cherub Medusa printed viscose shift dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/A05323 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Baroque dress Collection: 2019 M...
VERSACE 2019 Rodeo Barocco black gold silk viscose bias cut skirt IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2019 Rodeo Barocco black gold silk viscose bias cut skirt IT38 XS Reference: LNKO/A02436 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2019 Material: Silk, Viscose C...
Versace 1995 vintage jeans
By Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Versace 1995 vintage jeans Size 28 Good condition. Some minor stains, see photos. They're not very noticeable.
Versace Maroon Medusa Print Umbrella circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Versace Maroon Medusa Print Umbrella from the circa 1990s exemplifies opulence and bold design, making it a striking accessory for luxury fashion enthusiasts. Crafted with the i...
VERSACE Beachwear black padded gold Medusa button triangle bikini top Sz.4 M
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Beachwear black padded gold Medusa button triangle bikini top Sz.4 M Reference: TGAS/C00671 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: ABD07016 AN00103 A1008 Material:...
VERSACE Barocco Acanthus Pop lace boned bustier bralette crop top XS IT38
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Barocco Acanthus Pop lace boned bustier bralette crop top XS IT38 Reference: TGAS/C01011 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A78760 A236443 A7000 Collection: Po...
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
New $6, 495 Versace Hot Pink Quilted Leather Medusa Moto Jacket Italian 38
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Sexy and Hot VERSACE Vanitas Barocco Leather Moto Jacket Italian Size - 38 Color - Hot Pink, 100% Soft Leather, Quilted Swirl Design, Front Zipper Closure Two Side Zip Pockets, F...
1990s Versace Black Silk Sheer Dress with Eyelash Fringe, Women's
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy 1990s Versus Versace black silk sheer dress with eyelash fringe sheath dress. Bust: 32" / hip: 33"
Versace bustier top
By Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VERSACE - (Made in Italy) Stretch fabric bustier top. Size 44IT. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 38 cm - Length: 50 cm SKU:FH270
Gianni Versace yellow lambskin leather top and skirt, ss 2003
By Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace leather top and skirt set ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Constructed from yellow lambskin leather ▪ Fitted leather top with open back and lace-up fastenin...
VERSACE 2020 white safety pin 90s vintage logo cotton graphic sweatshirt IT38 XS
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 white safety pin 90s vintage logo cotton graphic sweatshirt IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A01706 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2020 Material: Cotton C...
VERSACE Clash Demi Medusa gold silver split black leather neck crossbody bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Clash Demi Medusa gold silver split black leather neck crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00794 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DP88S93 DVT77 D41VP Collection: ...
New Versace Black Jersey Leather Beads Embellished High Slit Dress Gown 40 US 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Black Jersey Long Dress Gown Designer size 40 - US 6 Black Jersey, High Side Slit, Build in Leotard Bottom Underlay, Side Zip Closure, Fully Lined in Same Jersey Fabric....
Versace F/W 2005 Bustier Plunging Neckline Cutout Black Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2005 Bustier Plunging Neckline Cutout Black Dress IT 40 One button one the back of the neck has been replaced, please consult pictures.
Versace F/W 2003 Runway Bustier Bra Sheer Lace Open Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2003 Runway Bustier Bra Sheer Lace Open Back Dress Look 37 from the Fall 2003 Collection by Donatella Versace Size: IT 40 Condition: Good vintage condition, please not...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belted Cutout Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belted Cutout Back Dress IT 38 Look 24 from the Spring 2005 Collection.
Versace F/W 2004 Runway Leather Striped Blazer & Pants Power Suit 2 Piece Set
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2004 Runway Menswear Collection Leather Blazer & Pants Power Suit 2 Piece Set Size: IT 42 Condition: good vintage condition, there is some fading of the pants coloring ...
Versace #Greek Platform Heels – Limited Runway Edition, Fall 2014, Size 40 - 10
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace #Greek Platform Heels – Limited Runway Edition, Fall 2014 Step into bold sophistication with these statement-making Versace platform heels from the iconic Fall 2014 RTW coll...
VERSACE Le Pop Classique black red Barocco print nylon track jacket IT52 XL
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Le Pop Classique black red Barocco print nylon track jacket IT52 XL Reference: TGAS/C00079 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A85246 A23533 A7207 Collection: L...
VERSACE 2019 black crystal embellished gold Medusa sheer bikini bottom Sz.1 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2019 black crystal embellished gold Medusa sheer bikini bottom Sz.1 S Reference: TGAS/D00781 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2019 Material: Polyamide, ...
New Versace White Silk Cocktail Dress with Swarovski Crystals It 40 -US 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Elegant White Cocktail Dress Designer size 40 - US 6 100% Silk, Swarovski Crystals Detail, Fully Lined, Back Zip Closure. Measurements: Length - 39 inches, Bust - 34", W...
Versace Black Embroidered Chiffon Babydoll Top with Multicolor Baroque Motif
By Versace
Located in Atlanta, GA
An effortlessly romantic yet unmistakably bold Versace babydoll top, rendered in sheer black chiffon and anchored by a richly embellished bodice. The ...
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
F/W 2004 Versace by Donatella Yellow Black Tiger Print Wool Stretch Dress IT40
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Versace dress from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, designed by Donatella Versace, is cut in a fitted mini silhouette in yellow and black tiger print wool stretch. It features a...
90s Versace Lime Roses Pencil Skirt M
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
This is an early to mid 90s Versace pencil skirt is decorated with lime green roses and a touch of pink and purple. This is a pencil fit that would work in or out of an office enviro...
Versace Collection Black Crystal Embellished Cutout Cocktail Dress UK 8 10 US 4
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Maghera, GB
Elegant Versace Collection black cocktail dress, Made in Italy and labelled size IT 42. Cut in a beautifully structured stretch wool-blend fabric, the dress has a sleek, fitted silho...
$1,196Sale Price|25% Off
New Versace Black Leather Suede Greek Key Gold Tone Heel Over Knee Boots 38
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Black Greek Key Heel Thigh High Boots Italian size - 38. Black Leather and Stretch Suede, Over the Knee Style, Gold Tone Metal Greek Motive Heel, Side Half Zip Closure, ...
Versace Seashore Print Skirt Size EU 36
By Versace
Located in Ardmore, PA
Versace Seashore Print Skirt Size EU 36 Fits like size US 0/00
Versace F/W 2007 Runway Campaign Chains Liquid Look Metallic Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2007 Runway Campaign Chains Liquid Look Metallic Evening Dress Gown Look 45 from the Fall 2007 Collection. Size: IT 42 Condition: Good vintage condition, some light im...
Gianni Versace 1990s VERSUS Vintage Wool Cashmere Blazer with Rainbow Lining
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 1990's Vintage Wool & Cashmere blazer by Gianni Versace 'VERSUS' Label, featuring Rainbow zig-zag lined interior. A Fun Twist on classic Tailoring. Circa 1993-1994. MADE IN IT...
S/S 2004 Versace by Donatella Neon Green Toile Flower Silk Viscose Set IT38
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a neon green floral toile Versace skirt set designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2004 collection, this pattern first debu...
F/W 2005 Versace by Donatella Mens Runway Leather Raw Edge Belted Trench Coat
By Donatella Versace, 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 ...
$250Sale Price|20% Off
VERSACE Size 8 -Bluette Oro- Purple Textured Suede Drivers Loafers
By Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
VERSACE loafers in a purple suede fabric featuring a driver's style, Medusa's head coin details, and slip on closure. Comes with box. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Min...
2000s Versace Black Leather Vest Top and Skirt Set
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking early-2000s Versace two-piece ensemble, designed during the Donatella Versace era and composed of a fitted vest top and coordinating knee-length pencil skirt. The set comb...
Versace F/W 2009 Embellished Plunging Neckline Open Back Black Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2009 Embellished Plunging Neckline Open Back Black Dress IT 42 Versace sleeveless cocktail dress with V-neck, silver tone embellishments and ruching throughout and conce...
Vintage Versace Black Strapless Lace Dress
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Versace Lace Dress Incredibly sexy! Color: Black Nude Lining Size tag removed, Approximately US size 4 Bust 34", Waist 28", Length 33", Hips...