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 2004 Vintage Aqua Blue Ruffle Runway Style Wrap Dress
By Versace
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Versace Vintage SS04 Runway style Aqua blue Ruffle wrap dress Inside button to keep closed IT38 fits very true to size XXS/XS/0 NWT's, one little spot as pictured, only mentioning fo...
Versace Silk Halter Dress with Embroidery
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous fine stretch silk halter dress from Versace with a colorful pink lily print on a turquoise background. The halter neck and bust area are compris...
Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pink silk dress from Versace. It is is a simple sleeveless sheath from the front. The back is exposed from the shoulders to low back with the exception of draping framin...
Versace SS 2005 Madonna Ad Campaign Backless Silk Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous light yellow stretch silk dress as featured in Versace's notable 2005 ad campaign. It has a shirt collar, fold up elbow length sleeves with functional tabs, 2 chest flap p...
Versace Fall 2021 Starfish Print Sleeveless Midi Dress Yellow IT 42
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Sleeveless garment-pleated satin mid-length dress in yellow featuring graphic pattern printed in multicolor. Hardware at spaghetti shoulder straps. Scoop neck collar. Lettuce edge in...
Versace Spring/Summer 2005 Peach Silk Satin Medusa Gown
By Versace
Located in North Wales, PA
A stunning floor-length evening gown from Versace’s Spring/Summer 2005 collection under Donatella Versace. Crafted in a lustrous peach silk satin, the dress features a structured und...
VERSACE by Donatella Versace Vintage Archival S/S 2004 Floral Corset Gown
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Versace by Donatella Versace S/S 2004 Archival Floral Corset Gown— This archival evening gown from the iconic Versace Spring/Summer 2004 collection is a holy grail for luxury collec...
Verace Leather Skirt with Studs and Buckle Waist
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather skirt from Versace. It is pencil style with rows of silver metal studs around the waist and along angled front seaming into whic...
VERSACE Gianni Signature black pink crystal Medusa mini dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature black pink crystal Medusa mini dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C01166 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Gianni Versace Signature Collection: Re...
Versace Pink Silk Buckle Waist Halter Dress S/S 2002
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous bight pink silk dress from Versace. It has a halter neckline, ruched side waist and the skirt flares at the hem and is slightly longer in the back. The back waist has inc...
S/S 2005 Donatella Versace Chaos Couture Colourful denim Print silk corset dress
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Incredible Spring / Summer 2005 Donatella Versace, jeans couture dress in a silk floaty denim print with colourful slogans, butterfly patch embroidery and fitted bustier, corset top....
2015 Versace Documented Gold Beaded Silk Gown with High Slit
By Versace
Located in London, GB
This mesmerising gown was designed by Donatella Versace in 2015. Supermodel Irina Shayk wore this dress to the premiere of Sicario at Cannes the same year. Incredibly detailed and gl...
Versace Donatella S/S 2004 Runway Dress
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Norwich, GB
Versace by Donatella pink silk floral dress with cherub motifs, Spring/Summer 2004. As seen on the runway and editorial campaign. Low cut neckline with pleating details. Internal mes...
1990s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Medusa Black body con Mini dress
By Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Jeans couture dress, made from a figure hugging black cotton jersey featuring the Medusa house logo embroidery on the front, high neck and above the knee l...
Versace Fall Winter 2007 by Donatella Versace runway silk dress
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Versace Fall 2007 Runway Grey Silk Chiffon Gown by Donatella Versace A rare archival piece from the celebrated Versace Fall 2007 collection, designed by Donatella Versace. Th...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Bustier High Slit Slip Pink Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Bustier High Slit Slip Pink Evening Dress Gown Look 44 from the Spring/Summer 2005 Collection. Size: IT 40 Condition: Very good vintage condition
Versace Silk Dress with Crossing Back Straps
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from Versace. The bodice has a scoop neckline, princess seaming for a great fit and 1" shoulder straps with silver metal squares on the front and crossing...
VERSACE 2010 Runway blue purple metallic silk leather corseted dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2010 Runway blue purple metallic silk leather corseted dress IT38 XS Katy Perry Reference: NKLL/A00559 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: FW 2010 - Runway...
1997 Runway Documented Versace Lime Green Embellished Dress
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
This dress walked the runway as part of Versace’s Fall 1997 show - the last ready-to-wear collection that Gianni Versace ever designed. The final time he appeared on the runway to ta...
Purple rayon jersey backless draped evening dress with shawl Versace
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple rayon jersey backless draped evening dress with shawl. Wrap in the front. Body-suit inside in skin-tone tulle .Invisible zip on the r...
Versace "Alice in Wonderland" Silk Leather & Metal Runway Dress Gown New!
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versace strapless lavish lavender gown fashioned of 4-ply silk, softest lambskin leather and trimmed in silver metal. Corset interior. From the Versace Spring runway 2010 collection....
Versace Vintage Runway Bondage Gown Plunging Neckline Thigh High Slit WOW!
By Alexander McQueen, Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 2000 Versace cut-out halter gown fashioned in rich deep black silk. Boasts thigh high slit and plunging neckline. Trimmed with square faceted silvertone grommets. Bias cut w...
Vintage 2010 Versace Aquamarine Embellished One Shoulder Long Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
S/S 2010 VERSACE The sensational color, one-shoulder design, artfully embellished body and fluid skirt - which allows effortless movement - ensure a stunning silhouette Color: ...
Versace White Silk Satin & Chiffon Evening Dress with Crystals, FW 2004
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2004 ▪ Fabric: Silk Satin, Silk Chiffon ▪ Size: IT42 - FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Conditio...
Versace F/W 2009 Embellished Plunging Neckline Open Back Mini Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2009 Embellished Plunging Neckline Open Back Mini Dress Size: IT 38 Condiltion: Good vintage condition, there are some light pulls throughout and by the zipper which d...
Vintage Versace Embellished Red Silk Gown Dress Size 42
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Versace Embellished Red Silk Gown Dress as seen on Blake at Emmy's The dress is actually on the list of best red carpet dresses. Deep V-Neck, open back, thigh high slit, pail...
Versace Emerald Green Dress
By Versace, Versace Collection
Located in London, GB
An eye catching emerald green dress by Versace. In a wonderful viscose the dress hangs beautifuly. Size 46 Measurements: Bust up to 42'' length 50'' back, 41'' front.
$2,184Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE 2011 Runway white studded leather silk skirt mini dress IT38 XS
By Donatella Versace, 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...
$524Sale Price|20% Off
Versace Vintage 1990s Women's Black Leather Polyester Dress Size 42
By Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versace Jeans Couture Black Dress totally made in italy in leather and polyester size 42
S/S 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Sheer Black Backless Sequin Gown
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace gown from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection by Donatella Versace is crafted from sheer black jersey. The backless silhouette features a draped front, ruched detai...
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" ...
$429Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE purple silk blend silver studs colorblock mod shift dress IT42 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE purple silk blend silver studs colorblock mod shift dress IT42 M Reference: CC/A00390 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Silk, Blend Color: Purple, Black Pa...
Versace S/S 2020 Embellished Plunging Jungle Print Silk Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2020 Embellished Cutout Tropical Jungle Print Silk Evening Dress Gown Size: IT 40 Condition: Excellent Versace jungle print dress featuring plunging neckline, cutout d...
NWT Versace Purple Crystal Embellished Long 100% Silk Dress Gown Italian 38 - 2
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE This dreamy Versace creation is the perfect blend of romance and fashion-forward style. Make an eye-catching entrance with this regal Versace creation. Fashioned from de...
2008 Vintage Versace Embellished White Long Dress Gown 42 - 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
2008 VERSACE DRESS Precision tailoring and streamlined silhouettes have made Versace a red carpet favorite. This gorgeous white dress is cut from lightweight crepe and finished wit...
2008 Vintage Versace Strapless Crystal & Metal Embellished Silk Chiffon Gown 40
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
2008 VINTAGE VERSACE SWAROVSKI AND METAL EMBROIDERY DRESS Strapless design, artfully embellished body and chiffon skirt - ensure a stunning silhouette. IT Size 40 or US 4 Made in Ita...
2009 Vintage Versace one Shoulder Purple Long Dress Gown with Hearts 46 - US 10
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE S/S 2009 Look # 37 Size 46 or US 10 The sensational color, one-shoulder design, artfully embellished body with zipper trimmed and crystal embellished hearts - ensure a st...
Rare Vintage Versace Black Silk Macrame Long Dress Gown 42 - 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VINTAGE VERSACE GOWN. Early 2000-s The chic design, clean lines and seductive macrame top - ensure a stunning silhouette. Content: 100% silk IT Size 42 or US 6 Armpit to armpit: u...
NWT Versace $12575 Silk Blue Fully Embellished Corset Dress Gown It. 44 US 10
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Silk Blue Fully Embellished Dress Gown Italian size 44 - US 10 ( please check measurements ) Blue Silk Gown Embellished with Clear Be...
New Versace 100% Silk Baroque Animal Wild Patch Printed Mini Dress 38
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE WILD PATCH PRINTED DRESS Add some print to your cocktail repertoire and slip into this "Wild Patch" printed mini dress. Printed short dress Sleeveless, Keyhole on front, go...
NWT 2005 Versace by Donatella Rhinestone Medusa Backless Lavender Chiffon Gown
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This new-with-tags lavender gown from Versace’s 2005 collection features a structured sheer bodice adorned with tonal piping and allover rhinestone embell...
NWT F/W 2004 Versace by Donatella Runway Studded Black Wool Pencil Dress
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black Versace mini dress, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, this dress debuted as look 36, modeled by Michelle Alves. This fi...
Butter soft leather 1990's Donatella Versace Chain strap Black slip dress - LBD
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
This fabulous sexy LBD by Donatella for VERSACE is crafted from a butter-soft full leather exterior, with Chrome coloured spaghetti strap shoulders featuring the iconic Medusa logo d...
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Halter High Slit Slip Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Halter High Slit Slip Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Look 49 from the Fall 2005 Collection. Featured in the Fall 2005 Campaign. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ...
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...
Versace Red Silk Evening Long Gown Dress w/Patent Leather Detail 38 -2
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Red Silk Long Dress One shoulder strap. Front cut out on the left leg. Patent Leather perforated inserts. Content: 97% silk,3% polyamide Trim: 100% leather IT Size 38 - US ...
NWT S/S 2006 Versace by Donatella Sheer Plunging Backless Silk Satin Slip Gown
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The dress features soutache appliqué in an ornate baroque-inspired scrollwork design that forms the shoulder straps. Constructed from intricate cording sewn directly onto the silk sa...
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Ivory Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
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...
Gianni Versace Couture Black Chiffon and Satin Gown, 1990s
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Deceptively sweet and simple looking gown from the 1990s. From the wonderful Gianni Versace in his Couture line. Double dresses - black satin over sheer chiffon. Satin overlay makes...
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 S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belt Plunging Backless Wrap Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belt Plunging Backless Wrap Dress IT 38 Look 8 from the Spring 2005 Collection. Condition: good vintage condition, metal belt closure has discolored du...
Versace Lace up Silk Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great flower pattern stretch silk dress in pinks, purples and black from Versace. It has a scoop neckline with metal ring decorated shoulder straps. It is semi fitted with ruching across the dress front and back. The left side laces up...
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Trésor De La Mer Print Cutout Back Halter Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Trésor De La Mer Print Cutout Back Halter Dress IT 42
Vintage Gianni Versace SS 2005 Runway Plunging Halter Gold Medusa Dress 44 US 10
By Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Gianni Versace Plunging Halter Medusa Open Back Black Dress A collector’s dream and a show-stopping statement piece. As seen on the runway during Versace’s SS 2005 collection...
Versace S/S 2006 Runway Plunging Backless High Slit Ombre Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2006 Runway Plunging Backless High Slit Ombre Silk Chiffon Evening Dress Gown Size IT 42 Look 44 from the Spring 2006 Collection. Condition: Very good vintage conditi...
Versace Navy Bodycon Dress with Mesh Cut outs
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous navy light weight wool knit dress from Versace. It is fitted with as long sleeves and a crew neckline. The side waist from waist to hips have mesh covered horizontal cut ...
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...
Versace Silk Draped Dress with Leather and Stud Trim
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning black dress from Versace made of neoprene and semi sheer silk. The dress is comprised of neoprene with a swath of gathered silk draped from the shoulder along one side of ...
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...
$2,772Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer white starfish corset flounce dress IT40 L
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer white starfish corset flounce dress IT40 L Reference: TGAS/E00746 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2021 Spring Summer - Run...