Versace Medusa Head Frosted Paperweight
View Similar Items
Versace Medusa Head Frosted Paperweight
About the Item
Versace
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.
- Gucci x Bianchi 2011 White City BikeBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZRide in style or elevate your interior space with this amazing Gucci x Bianchi bike! This 2011 collaboration unveiled the exclusive Bianchi by Gucci bi...Category
2010s Italian Decorative Objects
- Chanel SS19 SkateboardLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate Your Ride or Decor game with Chanel’s Limited Edition Skateboard. A part of the French house’s SS19 collection, Chanel has released a luxe skateboard for those looking to add...Category
2010s French Miscellaneous
$20,000 - Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold & White Diamond CaseBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Scottsdale, AZRare and beautiful 1950s -60s Van Cleef & Arpels 18K 750 Gold case. Features a woven basket pattern with White Diamonds encrusted clasp. Total weight 136 grams Interior features a...Category
1950s Miscellaneous
$9,000 Sale Price25% Off - Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold LighterBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Scottsdale, AZRare 1970s Dunhill for Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold gas lighter. Features a woven basket pattern, new flint and flip top. Stamped Dunhill/ Van Cleef & Arpels, serial number 100247 and...Category
1970s Miscellaneous
- Christian Dior Stussy Folding FanBy Christian DiorLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Christian Dior Stussy Folding Fan, an extraordinary piece born from the collaboration between two iconic brands. This folding fan features ...Category
2010s Miscellaneous
- Hermés Rare 1950s Velvet Riding Helmet & SpursBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZSay hello to this amazing Hermés riding helmet and spurs! Circa 1950s, this extremely rare riding helmet is crafted from soft black velvet and fea...Category
1950s French Other
- Dior Rhinestone Gambler Dice Keyring KeychainBy Christian DiorLocated in Montreal, QuebecDIOR RHINESTONE GAMBLER DICE KEYRING KEYCHAIN The large square shiny reflective silver tone dice has the Dior name logo on two sides and the pips 1,2...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Miscellaneous
$560 Sale Price30% Off - Vintage Ethnic Moroccan Wedding Berber ShawlLocated in North Hollywood, CALarge vintage original tribal Moroccan white and silver wedding Berber women shawl, blanket. The Zaiane ethnic shawls incorporate quantities of sequins i...Category
20th Century Moroccan Textiles and Quilts
$1,000 Sale Price20% Off - Louis Vuitton Ultra Rare Hour Glass Bag Charm and Key Holder Keychain Pendant 24By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: M68830 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 1" Width: 1 " Height: 3.25" OVERALL LIKE NEW CONDITION ( 9.75/10 or SA) Still has plastic on it Signs of Wea...Category
20th Century Miscellaneous
- Louis Vuitton Garment Bag Accessory LVTY195By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYThis item will ship immediately!! Previously owned. Made In: France Measurements: Length: 20" Width: .25" Height: 16" VERY GOOD CONDITION (8/10 or AB) Button Clasp works well. Signs...Category
20th Century Miscellaneous
- Louis Vuitton Fondation Charcoal Grey Stripe Compact Umbrella Parasol 5LVa1117By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYMade In: France Measurements: Length: 11.5" Width: 3" Height: 3" Width When Open: 45'' OVERALL EXCELLENT CONDITION ( 9/10 or A ) Accessories: Umbrella bag...Category
20th Century Miscellaneous
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Mobile Etui Phone or Cigarette case 390lvs527By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: MI9005 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 2.5" Width: .75" Height: 4.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Canvas: Very Mi...Category
20th Century Miscellaneous