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 pink cashmere 2021 SAFETY PIN DISTRESSED Cardigan Sweater 44 L
By Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Versace cropped cardigan in pink cashmere (with 5% wool). Features a V-neck, distressed rib-knit neck, hem and cuffs. Closes with Medusa safety pins in gold-tone metal...
$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 Barocco Tribute black gold print cotton oversized crew sweater IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Barocco Tribute black gold print cotton oversized crew sweater IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A00635 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Cotton Color: Black, Gold P...
$592Sale Price|20% Off
VERSACE Barocco Tribute gold metallic lurex knit Medusa button cardigan IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Barocco Tribute gold metallic lurex knit Medusa button cardigan IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A00628 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Viscose, Polyester Color:...
VERSACE 2020 Medusa buttons pink wool cashmere silk cardigan IT42 M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Medusa buttons pink wool cashmere silk cardigan IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C01771 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A89094 A237534 1P590 Collection: 2020 Mat...
F/W 2003 Versace by Donatella Knit Black Fishnet V-Neck Sheer Sweater Top
By Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black knit Versace sweater from Fall/Winter 2003 collection by Donatella features a V-neckline and fishnet-inspired sheer sleeves and back. Approximate measurements: Size - 46...
$441Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE 100% wool black diamond cut out Medusa stud sweater EU52 XL
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 100% wool black diamond cut out Medusa stud sweater EU52 XL Reference: TGAS/C00239 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86954 A235913 A1008 Collection: Runway M...
S/S2016 Versace Limited Edition Men's Embroidered Long Sleeve Sweater Shirt 3XL
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE LIMITED EDITION LONG SLEEVE EMBROIDERED SWEATER SHIRT Bring a touch of luxury to your wardrobe with VERSACE's fully embroidered shirt SIDE ZIPPER UNDER ARM Sequin embroide...
NWT Versace Cream Wool Cardigan Coat Removable Silver Fox Collar Italian 38
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace 100% Wool Silver Fox Collar Cardigan Coat Designer Size - 38 100% Wool Color - Cream Real Silver Fox - Origin Finland Removable Oversize ...
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...
Versace Crystal Medusa Logo Cotton Sweatshirt
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Crystal Medusa Logo Cotton Sweatshirt Black cotton, sweatshirt designed with signature, crystal 'Versace' Medusa logo. Ribbed crew neckline, cuffs and hem. Rrp Approx. £1,0...
Versace Patterned Sweater
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versace Patterned Sweater. Collector's Item. Cotton, wool, poly material to create a super smooth experience. Cotton, wool, poly material to create a super smooth experience. Addit...
VERSACE royal blue cashmere silk BUTTON FRONT Cardigan Sweater 40 S
By Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Versace round-neck fine-knit cardigan in blue cashmere (70%) and silk (30%). Features silver and blue Versace buttons. Has been worn and is...
$240Sale Price|20% Off
VERSACE coral red viscose & cotton POINTELLE BUTTON FRONT Cardigan Sweater 40 S
By Versace
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Versace pointelle fine-knit cardigan in coral viscose (63%) and cotton (37%). Features a gold-ton medusa buttons and a v-neck. Has been worn and is in excellent condit...
Evening cardigan with metal mesh shoulder Versace
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Evening cardigan with metal mesh shoulder. Hidden button placket and fabric buttons. One snap in the middle top. Raglan. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) M
VERSACE black gold Barocco Hibiscus Medusa cotton crew sweater S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE black gold Barocco Hibiscus Medusa cotton crew sweater S Reference: TGAS/C00290 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86702S A232950 A008 Material: Cotton Color:...
$336Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE Compilation deconstructed mixed logo cotton hoodie grey melange XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Compilation deconstructed mixed logo cotton hoodie grey melange XS Reference: TGAS/C00303 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A84840 A232781 A8026 Collection: C...
VERSACE mixed archive Barocco print cotton crew neck sweater IT36 XXS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE mixed archive Barocco print cotton crew neck sweater IT36 XXS Reference: AAWC/A00636 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Cotton Color: Gold, Black Pattern: B...
New $1875 Versace Men's White Cotton Macrame Dress Shirt Cardigan Italian 54, 50
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Men's Macrame Dress Shirt Cardigan Italian sizes available - 50 ( US 40 ) and 54 ( US 44 ) White cotton macrame cardigan from Versace featur...
Versace Black Studded Vintage Wash Effect Logo Hoodie Size XS
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: 1008170 Season: FW23 Black Cotton ...
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: ...
$520Sale Price|20% Off
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI yellow mohair 3/4 Sleeve Sweater M
By Brunello Cucinelli
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Brunello Cucinelli knit sweater in yellow polyamide (47%), mohair (37%) and wool (16%). Features 3/4 raglan sleeves. Unlined. Ha...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c1998 Early Pale Yellow Wool Knit Balloon Cuff Sweater Size 44
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
S/S 1998 "Golden Shower" show, renamed "Untitled" Alexander McQueen pale yellow wool knit sweater. High neckline. Long sleeves are fitted at the top and have godet insets at the bott...
1930S Cream Hand Crochet Cotton Cardigan Shrug Top
Located in New York, NY
1930S Cream Hand Crochet Cotton Cardigan Shrug Top
Gucci TomFordAwardYear DrapedSuedePlungingVneck Leather&Knit PulloverTop, FW2001
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Chicago, IL
For his Gucci Fall/Winter 2001 collection, Tom Ford designed this sleek leather-and-knit pullover that features a plunging V-neck collared suede front, which drapes in a reverse V-sh...
Ballantyne Cashmere Ladybug Sweater 1950s
By Ballantyne
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous pink cashmere cardigan sweater from Ballantyne. It has a scoop neckline, long sleeves with fold back cuffs, and matching mother of pearl buttons up the front. It is ador...
Chanel Cruise 1994/1995 Watermelon Pink Black CC Logo Cashmere Cardigan
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
From Chanel’s Cruise 1994 collection, this watermelon pink cashmere cardigan is pure 90s Chanel attitude. The saturated pink is sharply contrasted with black knit trim woven with the...
Bernhard Altmann 1950s Bejeweled Spiders Cashmere Sweater
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black cashmere cardigan sweater from Bernhard Altmann. It has long sleeves and a matching mother of pearl button front closing. It is amazing covered in elaborate colorfu...
GIVENCHY Couture S/S 1998 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Pale Yellow Floral Cardigan Top Set
By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
Givenchy Couture S/S 1998 designed by Alexander McQueen pale yellow cardigan tank top set. Pale yellow and metallic floral embroidered knit. Eight center front button closures. Round...
Vintage Jean Muir Cashmere Jumper
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A chic and cosy vintage cashmere jumper by Jean Muir. The jumper is in a pretty soft apricot colour , with elbow length sleaves. Measurements: ...
Dries Van Noten Pull V Oversize FR36 Anemone Wool V Neck Sweater Knit UK8 US6
By Dries van Noten
Located in PARIS, FR
Dries Van Noten oversized sweater in fine beige merino wool with a floral print (anemones) in shades of deep pink, raspberry, and black. Features a V-neck, long sleeves, and ribbed t...
Isaac Mizrahi Live Cashmere Peplum Sweater in Pink, Early 2000s
By Isaac Mizrahi
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Fine pure cashmere sweater by Isaac Mizrahi Live, made in the early 2000s. The model features a fitted feminine silhouette with a V-neckline and an elegant asymmetrical knit peplum t...
$595Sale Price|55% Off
Size: 40
Hermes République Francaise Liberté Égalité Fraternité 1789 Silk Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Hermes République Francaise Liberté Égalité Fraternité 1789 Silk Twill Wool Knit Trim Shirt Sweater. Original silk screen design c1989 by Joachim...
Versace Blue Floral Knit Jumper Size M
By Versace
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the jumper is evident on this used Versace designer resale item. Please note the composition label is missing. Details ...
VERSACE black gold Barocco Hibiscus Medusa cotton crew sweater S
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE black gold Barocco Hibiscus Medusa cotton crew sweater S Reference: TGAS/C00293 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A86702S A232950 A008 Material: Cotton Color:...
Versace Jacquard Logo Monogram Knitted Vest
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Jacquard Logo Monogram Knitted Vest Brown vest designed with all-over monogram pattern, woven in beige and metallic gold tones, Featuring ribbed neck, cuffs and hem Rrp Ap...
Versace Orange Argyle Knitted Jumper Size L
By Versace
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the jumper is evident. Overall pilling to the sleeves and back of the jumper and a small mark on the bottom left sleeve. The composition and s...
Versace Jeans Couture Logo Cotton Sweatshirt
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace Jeans Couture Logo Cotton Sweatshirt Black, cotton sweatshirt designed with signature V-Emblem logo to the centre in gold. Ribbed crew neckline, cuffs and hem. Rrp Approx. ...
Versace All-Over Logo Baroque Medusa Silk Sweatshirt
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace All-Over Logo Baroque Medusa Silk Sweatshirt Multicoloured sweatshirt fully crafted from silk and designed with the brand's most signature designs such as Medusa-head motif....
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer pink starfish knit cardigan top IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer pink starfish knit cardigan top IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01813 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A89295 A237537 5V010 Collection: 2021 Tr...
F/W2014 Versace Red Embellished 100% Cashmere Sweater for Men 48 - M
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Actual runway sample Fall/Winter 2014 look # 11 Bring a touch of luxury to your wardrobe with VERSACE's embellished motorcycle sweater. Embellishmets Color: Red Long sleeves ...
VERSACE 2020 Medusa buttons black wool cashmere silk cardigan IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Medusa buttons black wool cashmere silk cardigan IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C01823 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A89094 A237534 1B000 Collection: 2020 M...
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer pink starfish knit cardigan top IT44 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer pink starfish knit cardigan top IT44 L Reference: TGAS/C01845 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A89295 A237537 5V010 Collection: 2021 Tr...
VERSACE 2018 punk tartan blue web trim wool blend sweater vest IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2018 punk tartan blue web trim wool blend sweater vest IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A00609 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2018 Material: Wool, Blend Color:...
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer pink starfish knit cardigan top IT44 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer pink starfish knit cardigan top IT44 L Reference: TGAS/C01845 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A89295 A237537 5V010 Collection: 2021 Tr...