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.
$512Sale Price|50% Off
Fendace Versace X Fendi Gold Toned Wide Zucca Bangle Bracelet SOLD OUT RARE
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Introducing the Fendace Zucca Wide Bracelet, a striking accessory that combines the iconic designs of Fendi and Versace. This bracelet showcases the renowned Zucca print, featuring i...
Vintage Versace Art Deco Glass Target Brooch 1980s
By Versace
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A rare and exceptional 1980s Vintage Versace Deco Target Brooch. Gianni Versace never believed in restraint. His work blended history, theatre and bold glamour into something unmista...
Men's Versace Medusa Head 18K Yellow Gold Contemporary Style Cufflinks
By Versace
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Men's Versace Medusa Head Ancient Motifs 18K Yellow Gold Contemporary Style Cufflinks. Pre-Owned The Versace Medusa 18k Yellow Gold Cufflinks represent opul...
Yellow Gold
$71Sale Price|20% Off
Versace Medusa Silver Metal Coin with Rhinestones
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
The Versace Medusa Metal Coin is an iconic and luxurious piece that effortlessly embodies the bold and opulent style the brand is known for. Crafted from high-quality metal, this Med...
Other
$298Sale Price / item|49% Off
Versace Medusa Crystal Earrings
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
General information Categories :Women Category:Jewellery Sub-category:Earrings Designer:Versace Model:Medusa Condition:Excellent Material:Gold plated ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
$218Sale Price|55% Off
Versace Gold Colour Greca Long Bar Women's Ring in IT 13 Brand new in Box
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Elevate your style with the Versace Gold Greca Bar Women's Ring, a dazzling piece that combines modern elegance with iconic Versace design. This exquisite ring, brand new in its orig...
$445Sale Price|50% Off
Versace Gold La Medusa Cuff Bracelet Bangle with Greca
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Open cuff bracelet in gold-tone brass. · Logo, signature Medusa, and signature Greek key pattern hardware at face · Logo engraved at inner band · H0.75 x W2.25 x D1.75 Supplier color...
$288Sale Price|20% Off
VERSACE Medusa Greca coin medallion gold tone nickel short necklace
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Medusa Greca coin medallion gold tone nickel short necklace Reference: TGAS/B01127 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Nickel Color: Gold Pattern: Solid Clos...
$446Sale Price|25% Off
V-Mine Versace Valentine Black Heart Earrings
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
V-Mine Drop Earrings from Versace Women's Collection. V-Mine Versace Valentine! Tribute Gold-tone chain drop earrings with heat-shaped pendants with black enamel.
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage Iconic Greca Black Logo Circle Charm Chain Gold Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Wokingham, England
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage 1990s Unisex Adjustable Iconic Greca Black Logo Circle Round Pendant Charm Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss, stil...
Gold Plate
$417Sale Price|29% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Medusa Silver Chain Medallion Coin Large Bangle Bracelet
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Gianni Versace matted silver medusa bracelet, rare and a statement piece that spells Versace. Feature Material: Silver-tone Metal Condition: Excellent Colour: Silver Dimens...
Silver
$255Sale Price|40% Off
1990's Gianni Versace Gold Rhinestones Greca Chunky Bracelet
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Step into the world of vintage glamour with the 1990s Gianni Versace Gold Rhinestones Greca Chunky Bracelet, a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the opulence and iconic style of...
$408Sale Price|20% Off
Versace Resin Medusa Head Stud Earrings in Bronco White
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Description Gold-tone Versace stud earrings featuring resin Medusa heads and clutch back closures. Includes box and certificate of authenticity. Details Estimated item measurements ...
Versace Gold Tone Medusa Ring
By Versace
Located in New York, NY
Good condition. Display model Gold tone Ring size: 9 Width: 6-11.7mm Hypoallergenic, lead and nickel free Comes with Versace box
Versace Resin Medusa Head Stud Earrings in Black
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Description Gold-tone Versace stud earrings featuring resin Medusa heads and clutch back closures. Includes box. Details Estimated item measurements Measurements: Drop 0.51“, Width ...
Versace 18 cts Gold Diamond Ring
By Versace
Located in Singapore, SG
Versace 18 cts Gold Diamond Ring weight: 16.49gms Size 54
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Versace Fine Jewelry Greek Key Cube VVS Diamond Engagement Ring
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
Versace Fine Jewelry Greek Key Cube VVS Diamond Engagement Ring Made in Italy An 18k yellow gold versace ring with a tapered shank and three-dim...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$247Sale Price|25% Off
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink enamel gold Greca starfish earring
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink enamel gold Greca starfish earring Reference: TGAS/C00699 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DG2I104 DJMS 4J000 Collection: S...
Versace Diamond Medusa Open Cuff 18k Yellow bangle Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and collectible statement piece from Gianni Versace, this high-polish limited-edition (#01) open cuff bangle is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and features the iconic Medusa...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$247Sale Price|44% Off
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink enamel gold Greca starfish earring
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink enamel gold Greca starfish earring Reference: TGAS/C00697 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DG2I104 DJMS 4J000 Collection: S...
Gold, Enamel
Versace Tribute Medusa Charm Hoop Earrings
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Versace Tribute Medusa Charm Hoop Earrings Gold earrings from the Versace Tribute line featuring a large hoop design with the brand's signature Medusa-head charm. Detai...
1980s Versace Disc Earrings w Large Clear Jewel
By Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
A bold pair of 1980s Versace (unmarked) earrings: Clip-on discs with a large clear rhinestone and tubular stainless steel tubes. Stunning!
$6,800
Versace Diamond Earrings
By Versace
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, by Versace, Italy. These fabulous fine jewelry earrings by Versace are a fashionista's dream… a rare find! The designer's V is set with .64 carats of fine white d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Versace Rare Gold Tone Charm Bracelet
By Versace
Located in New York, NY
*Display model. Show signs of wear. Gold tone Length: 7.5-10” Weight: 167gr Hypoallergenic, lead and nickel free Comes with Versace box.
Gold
18kt Gold Versace Diamond Ring 1.16ct D / VVS1
By Versace
Located in Singapore, SG
Versace Diamond Ring 1.16 cts Colour D Clarity VVS1 Size Approx 54
Diamond, 18k Gold
Gianni Versace. Exclusive pure silk scarf in deep blue with the Medusa motif.
By Versace
Located in bronshoj, DK
Exclusive pure silk scarf by Gianni Versace. Designed in deep blue with the iconic Medusa motif at the center, framed by ornamental borders and acanthus scrolls in shades of grey. ...
$240Sale Price|40% Off
VERSACE Medusa Safety Pin pendant gold tone nickel short necklace choker
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Medusa Safety Pin pendant gold tone nickel short necklace choker Reference: TGAS/B01116 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Safety pin necklace Material: Nickel...
Gold
Versace 18 Karat White Gold Black Ceramic Ring
By Versace
Located in Southampton, PA
This Versace ring is made out of 18K white gold and black ceramic and weighs 10.1 grams. It boasts band thickness of 10 mm and top height of 4 mm, while top dimensions measure 22 by ...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Versace Greek Key White Gold Pendant Leather Necklace
By Versace
Located in Feasterville, PA
A chic circular pendant by Versace showcasing the iconic greek key motif pierced throughout in 18k white gold. The pendant measures .86" in diameter and th...
White Gold
Versace Greca Diamond Stainless Steel Quartz Bracelet Wristwatch
By Versace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Rare Versace Greca 990139 Stainless Steel Diamond Wrist Watch. Watch and Bracelet Hand set with 446 round Brilliant cut Diamonds, weigh...
Diamond, Quartz, Steel, Stainless Steel
Versace Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Versace
Located in Singapore, SG
Versace Diamond White Gold Earring Diamond 0.38 carats
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Versace Fine Jewelery Black Onyx Greek Key Cross 18 Karat
By Versace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18 karat yellow gold cross suspended from a box link chain with a Versace name plate near the lobster claw clasp. A gold bezel is etched with the name “VERSACE” on the right surround...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Versace Fine Jewelry White Agate Greek Key Cross 18 Karat White Gold
By Versace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18 karat white gold cross suspended from a box link chain with a Versace name plate near the lobster claw clasp. A gold bezel etched with the name “VERSACE” on the right surrounds ca...
Agate, 18k Gold, White Gold
Iconic 1990s Versus Versace Lion Saftey Pin Cuff Bracelet
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Iconic and Gorgeous Runway Versace Versus Saftey pin Cuff bracelet with the iconic lion face medallion. In silver, singed VERSUS MADE IN ITALY. Size: 2 3/...