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. The designer debuted his Atelier Versace line — which was part of the first Versace haute couture collection — in 1989.
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 1989's Gianni Versace Couture — 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 Gianni Versace Couture bags, dresses and more on 1stDibs.
Gianni Versace, black leather belt with medusa buckle
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, black leather belt with medusa buckle. The item is in good condition, buckle has light scratches and leather has some wrinkles. Leather has become a bit dry due to ag...
F/W 1994 Vintage Gianni Versace Silver Metallic Python Medusa Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Constructed of a shiny, silver metallic python, this vintage Gianni Versace was made in the early 1990s. Silver metal Medusa logos are prominently featured at the bottom of the handl...
NWT 1998 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Embellished Black Dress Italian 40 US 6
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Embellished Black Cocktail Dress Vintage 1998 Collection - Black Label. Italian size 40 - US 6 Embellished Black Dress, Silver Studs. Fully Lined, Back Zip Cl...
F/W 2002 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Blazer 42 - 6 *New with tags*
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Blazer F/W 2002 Collection Italian size 42 - US 6 Black color, 100% Wool, Versace signature trim, Fully lined. Measurements: Bust 36 inches, Sho...
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Yellow Oversized Runway Wool Color Block Coat IT42 / US8
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous yellow oversized Gianni Versace wrap coat designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1991 collection, this coat debuted on the season's runway as part of Look 17. This incredible oversized coat features contrasting black trim and pockets at the hips. Approximate measurements: Size - IT42 / US8 Shoulder to hem: 37.5” Bust: 48” Waist: 50” Shoulder to cuff...
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2002 Nude Eyelet Pencil Skirt It 38 - US 4
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Nude Eyelet Pencil Skirt S/S 2002 Collection Italian 38 ( US 4 ) Nude Eyelet 100% Cotton, Unlined, Side zip. Measurements: Waist 29 inches, hips 35"- ...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture High-Waisted Ribbed Stretch Legging Pants IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black ribbed pair of Gianni Versace Couture legging pants designed by Gianni Versace. These formfitting pants from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection feature a high-waisted style. These are a stunning pair of vintage Gianni Versace leggings...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Rhinestone Medusa Black Wool Coat 44IT/10US
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This beautiful black wool coat was designed by Gianni Versace for his Fall/Winter 1996 collection, with several similar long coats showcased on the season's runway. The jacket features a short lapel and rhinestone-accented Versace Medusa buttons at the front, and cuffs. Made complete with a transparent Versace Medusa relief medallion accent at the back belt, this vintage Gianni Versace jacket...
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Chambray Iridescent Pink Jungle Shirt IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a glamourous sleeveless chambray shirt dress designed by Donatella for the Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 2000 collection. The three-quarter sleeve version of this piece debuted as look number 32 on Kiara Kabukuru in the season's runway presentation. It appeared on Amber Valletta...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture 3-Piece Skirt, Top & Cardigan Set
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning 1990s Gianni Versace Couture three-piece set showcases the designer's iconic craftsmanship and vibrant style. The ensemble features a pleated black skirt that offers a ...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Black White Cheetah Print Pencil Skirt 42IT/8US
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black and white cheetah print Gianni Versace skirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, thi...
$802Sale Price|29% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Yellow Wool Cardigan
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Couture yellow wool cardigan. - Square mother of pearl buttons closure. - Ribbed on the waist, sleeves and hem. - Size ...
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Ad Campaign Striped Silk Skirt Vest Set IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a multicolor striped Gianni Versace Couture vest and skirt set designed by Gianni Versace. This set debuted from the Spring/Summer 1993 collection as part of Look 60 on the season's runway presentation, modeled by Beverly Peele. Kristen McMenamy...
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2000 Runway Embellished Sheer Top & Pants 2 Piece Set
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2000 Runway Embellished Sheer Black Top and Pants 2 Piece Set Gianni Versace sheer mock neck top featuring crystal embelli...
$424Sale Price|63% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Black and White Wool Zebra Pattern Shirt
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 1996 Gianni Versace Couture black and white wool zebra pattern shirt. - Featuring black buttons fastening with a top plastic black "Medusa" button fastening. One plastic ...
Vintage 1992 GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Iconic Leopard Print Vest
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1992 GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Iconic Leopard Print Vest Measurements: Shoulder: 14 inches (35.56 cm) Bust: 33 inches (83.82 cm) Waist: 28 inches (71.12 cm) Length: 18 inches (...
Gianni Versace Couture, Bondage collection runway red blazer
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace Couture, Bondage collection runway red blazer. The item is in good condition with very small stains on the fabric (front bottom and elbow). Most of the stains are cove...
$718Sale Price|39% Off
Gianni Versace Couture White and Black Dalmatian Print Cotton Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 1996 Gianni Versace Couture white and black dalmatian print cotton shirt. Gianni Versace himself was born in the year of Dog. - Featuring p...
Gianni Versace, belt with floral medusa applications
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, Leather waist belt in yellow with floral medusa applications. The item is in good condition. Very rare vintage piece (SS1993) • CONDITION: good condition • SIZE: 6...
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Silk Medusa Pop Art Heart Mens Button Up IT44
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a silk Gianni Versace shirt designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1997 collection. This shirt steps away from Gianni’s notable baroque designs and takes a more ...
Versace Couture Black Shorts With Vinyl Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer rare and unusual vintage Versace Couture black shorts with gold Medusa button, zipper pull, and faux leather trim at the hem and waistband. ...
Vintage VERSACE Perfume Print Green Novelty Blouse Top
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VERSACE Silk Perfume Print Green Novelty Blouse Top Measurements taken laid flat: Shoulders: 16.92 inches (43 cm) Sleeves: 7.87 inches (20 cm) Bust: 18.89 inches (48 cm) Waist: 18.50 inches (47 cm) Length: 24.40 inches (62 cm) Features: - Silk short sleeves blouse with colourful iconic Versace perfume...
$556Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Black & White Animal Sheer Button Down Top US8
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black and white animal print, Gianni Versace Couture sheer button-up shirt was designed by Gianni Versace. This top is constructed entirely of light semi-sheer silk with...
$742Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 2001 Feather print jersey draped skirt
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Donatella Versace - Sold by Skof.Archive - Fall Winter 2001 - Gianni Versace Couture in a bright pink, red, white and grey feather print - Draped skirt...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Perforated Punk Pinstripe Medusa Wool IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pinstripe perforated Gianni Versace Couture blazer designed by Gianni Versace. This Spring/Summer 1994 collection piece features clean-cut designs in perforated fabric. ...
S/S 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Orange Silk Greek Key Buckle Belted IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of vibrant orange Gianni Versace Couture pants, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, these wide-leg pants are constructed entirely of orange silk and are made complete with a built-in belt with a gold-tone metal Greek key buckle...
$675Sale Price|29% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Yellow Wool Sleeveless Top
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace Couture yellow wool sleeveless top. - Ribbed on the waist and hem. - Size 42. - 100% Wool
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Black Yellow Chevron Tweed Skirt 42IT/8US
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black and yellow tweed Gianni Versace skirt, designed by Gianni Versace. Since the mid-1990s, this wool skirt has featured a chevron pattern throughout. Approximate me...