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 New Strapless Lace Up Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk strapless dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is fitted with flattering seaming and center back lacing, functional on the skirt portion with fine leather lac...
Gianni Versace Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a gorgeous caramel tan color. It has a plunging neckline and a wide matching leather inset waist. The skirt is straight, t...
Gianni Versace Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous full length black silk gown from Gianni Versace Couture. It has a front scoop neck, a deep cut out back and fabulous tan leather shoulders. It is semi fitted though the ...
Gianni Versace Vintage Dress with Cut out Waist S/S 1998
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk knit dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is semi fitted with a waist cut out at one side, elbow length sleeves and contrasting white lines of angora yarn abs...
Gianni Versace Silk Dress with Beaded Straps
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black silk dress with beaded straps from Gianni Versace Couture. It is a simple dress that skims the body with 2 straps at each shoulder mad...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Dress with Leather Hip Band A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace in an abstract bright pink, taupe, black and white print. It is sleeveless with a V neckline, a top stitched leather inset around the hips...
Gianni Versace Couture Print Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a colorful pink, lavender and blue abstract print on a white background. The bodice has a front adjustable drawstring square nec...
Gianni Versace Couture Color Block Dress with Leather Trim SS 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. The long sleeve bodice crosses in the front creating an adjustable neckline. It has a tan colored leather inset around...
Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Bell Sleeve Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace. It has a square neckline with a notched center and long subtly belled sleeves. The dress is semi fitted with inner boning for ...
Gianni Versace Couture purple lace dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Rubiera, RE
Gianni Versace Couture purple lace macramé dress vintage 90s Size IT 42 Made in Italy - Atlas SpA 55% cotton 17% polyamid 11% silk 9% acetate Lined Flat...
Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous bodycon dress in black silk eyelet by Gianni Versace Couture. It has a plunging neckline with lacing and straps crossing at the upper back. The dress has flattering seam...
Gianni Versace Vintage Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a bright pink, red, white and grey feather print. It has long sleeves and a V neckline which meets a wide front black lea...
Gianni Versace Cut out Gown 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black full length silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has lots of detail including a side cut out at the waist and an asymmetric neckline with a lower V in ...
Gianni Versace Cut out Back Silk Dress with Grommets S/S 2003
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous turquoise stretch silk dress from Gianni Versace. From the front is it a simple fitted sleeveless dress. The back is dramatic and detailed in contrast with cut outs at th...
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Cut Out Gown, Size 42, 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture black evening gown from the Gianni Versace era, retaining its original boutique hang tag. An elegant study in line, proportion and restraint, this exc...
Gianni Versace Color Block Dress 1980s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous dress from Gianni Versace Couture in black light weight wool and green silk. It is semi fitted with fold back cuffs with elaborate cufflinks and inset shoulders all in br...
Gianni Versace Silk Patchwork Print Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk dress from Gianni Versace in a compilation patchwork of some of his most notable colorful prints including scrolls, feathers and flowers. It is sleeveless and has a ...
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage 1990s 90s Color Block Wool Shift Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture label color block shift dress in purple, yellow and brown. Details: Fully Lined Back Zip and Hook Closure Marked Size: 40 Color: Purple/ Yellow/ Bro...
Gianni Versace Safety Pin Skirt 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk blend skirt from Gianni Versace. It overlaps at the side waist and has 3 signature Medusa head safety pins in silver and gold along that side leaving it open be...
Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs SS 1998
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous Gianni Versace Couture full length black silk and lace dress. it has a scoop back, one short sleeve and is asymmetrically cut with web pattern lace covered cut outs at on...
Gianni Versace F/W 2002 Star Flower Collage Print Plunge Neck Fit & Flare Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Donatella Versace for the fall/winter 2002 collection. This Gianni Versace Couture labeled piece features a multicolor psychedelic floral and star cluster pattern, featured in fashion...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress with Cut out
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from Gianni Versace. It is comprised of a one shoulder bodice attached by one side to the skirt portion leaving a wedge of exposed skin between the two. ...
$419Sale Price|30% Off
1990s Vintage Gianni Versace Black Wool Blend Sleeveless Jumper Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Gianni Versace Couture black jumper dress, likely dating to the early to mid 90s. Made in Italy, this chic and timeless sleeveless dress is cut in a clean...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pink Poppy Floral Stretch Mini Dress IT 38
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 2002 collection by Donatella Versace, this stretch mini dress features an allover vibrant pink poppy floral print. Crafted in a slinky silhouette ...
1995 Gianni Versace Black Sweetheart Neckline Rhinestone Medusa Dress 44IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From 1995, this fitted black Gianni Versace dress debuted on the Spring season's Atelier Versace runway, modeled by Shalom Harlow. This dress was further highlighted by model Claudia...
Gianni Versace Asymmetric Dress with Net
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great black light weight wool and net dress from Gianni Versace Couture. One shoulder, the low cut asymmetric back and the sleeves are comprised of ...
S/S 2003 Gianni Versace by Donatella Oroton Chainmail Lace Mini Dress IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible acid green and purple Oroton Gianni Versace Couture mini dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2003 collection, this dress debuted as Look 55, modeled by Nicola Breytenbach. This ultra-sexy dress was also worn by Eve to the 2003 MTV Movie Awards and by Paris Hilton...
Gianni Versace Couture Fall 2001 Black Silk Chiffon Tan Leather Belted Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Model in video is US Size 6, and 5’8 foot tall Extremely rare Fall 2001 runway GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE, by Donatella, Museum Worthy black silk chiffon and leather full length evening...
Gianni Versace New Dress with Hardware
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
In muted shades of grey a fine jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has one shoulder with a silver metal triangle joining the front and back. ...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pop Art Floral Lace-Up Backless Dress IT40
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vibrant floral lace-up Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, this dress debuted in all black on the season'...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Medusa Orchid Crystal Button Dress 40IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 2000 collection under Donatella’s creative direction, this sleeveless button-front dress features the season’s vibrant orchid and Greek key motif....
NWT 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Size 40 / 4 Black Silk Vintage Bondage Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 1990s NWT deadstock GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE black silk scrappy bondage style silk body on dress ! Features rose gold metal Medusa heads at each strap. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Fully lined. The perfect timeless little black dress. Brand new with original store tags still attached. In great unworn condition Made in Italy Marked Size 40 / US 4 Measurements: 32 inch bust...
Gianni Versace Couture Rare Spring 1998 Vintage Black and White Cut - Out Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Model in video is a US Size 6, and 5’8 feet tall Rare and collectible vintage GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Spring / Summer 1998 black and white houndstooth dress! Sheer cut-out details at the side bodice on the front and back of this 1990s...
NWT S/S 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Asymmetric Black Corseted Dress IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful asymmetric Gianni Versace corset dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1998 collection, the leather a...
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Houndstooth Satin Appliqué Skirt Set IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful check pattern Gianni Versace skirt set, designed by Gianni Versace. From the late 1980s / early 1990s, this beautiful set is m...
F/W 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Psychedelic Sleeveless Dress IT42
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a bright psychedelic print Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, a variation of this dress debuted as Look number 3 on Carmen Kass...
F/W 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Rhinestone Side Slit Medusa IT38
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black silk chiffon Grecian/Roman-style gown by Donatella for Gianni Versace Couture. As part of the Fall/Winter 1998 collection, this dress represents Donatella's first F/W collection at the helm of Versace after Gianni died in 1997. Donatella's choice to reference ancient iconography stays true to her brother's well-established design principles. This piece features a revealing side slit accented with black baguette...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway Baby Blue Floral Ribbed Bodycon Dress 44IT/10US
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace dress from the Spring/Summer 1995 collection is cut in a fitted long-sleeve silhouette in baby blue ribbed knit with an allover rose print in pink, yellow, and re...
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Purple Velvet Beaded Ruffle Gown with IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beaded velvet Gianni Versace Couture gown designed by Donatella Versace. This Y2K dream has bias-cut edges that create bouncing ruffles. The faux wrap style gives this p...
UNWORN Gianni Versace Couture 2001 Rare Cognac Brown Leather Evening Dress 40
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
HOT HOT HOT GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE AS SHOWN ON THE RUNWAY SHOW AND AD CAMPAIGN SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY Impossible to find! A true gem! This is a very rare an...
Gianni Versace Net Shoulders Bodycon Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous purple dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is semi fitted, sleeveless with a scoop neckline and matching purple mesh insets at the shoulders. The dress is fully lined in...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Metallic Brown Floral Lace Medusa Mini IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace dress from the Fall/Winter 1996 collection is cut in a fitted mini silhouette with a sweetheart neckline, scalloped hem, and low back. It is constructed in metall...
F/W 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Rhinestone Side Slit Medusa Gown IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black silk chiffon Grecian/Roman-style gown by Donatella for Gianni Versace Couture. As part of the Fall/Winter 1998 collection, this dress represents Donatella's first ...
Documented Gianni Versace Couture Vintage F/W 1994 Black PVC Boucle 90s Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Documented rare GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Fall/Winter 1994 runway dress! THE Linda Evangelista strutted down the runway in this beauty (see photo). Vogue magazine perfectly summarized V...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Red Eyelet Cutout Stretch Racerback IT42
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a bright red eyelet cut-out Gianni Versace Couture dress, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, this vibrant sleeveless dress features a w...
UNWORN Gianni Versace 1994 Medusa Metallic Golden Leather Dress Museum Piece 44
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
ULTRAFAMOUS DRESS BY GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE THE DRESS OF THE SEASON - FEATURED IN VERSACE AD CAMPAIGN OWN A PIECE OF FASHION HISTORY - A TRUE GEM SO HAR...
Mid-Late 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Black Dropped Hem Bias-Cut Wiggle Gown LBD
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vintage midi Gianni Versace dress designed by Gianni Versace. This is the little black dress your wardrobe is missing. Simple and classy, the...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black High-Slit Coral Mesh Dress IT38
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning black and orange Gianni Versace halterneck gown, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1999 collection, this beautiful dress features ruching th...
F/W 1997 Gianni Versace Runway Black Wool Blend Faux Wrap Dress 40IT/6US
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace's last collection at his namesake fashion house, this Gianni Versace mini dress debuted on the season's runway as part of look 40, modeled by Amy Wesson. This ch...
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Beaded Rhinestone Black Mid-Length Gown IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an embellished little black dress designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1997 collection. The season's haute couture runway heavily influenced this rare piece, w...
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Black Wool Corseted Mini Dress IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting the perfect little black Gianni Versace dress, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this strapless mini-dress is made complete with an inter...
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
F/W 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Blue Stripe Velvet Mini Dress IT44
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vibrant striped velvet Gianni Versace Couture mini dress designed by Gianni Versace. The full-length version of this dress debuted as the finale look on the Fall/Winter ...
S/S 2003 Gianni Versace by Donatella Neon Green Stretch Knit Eyelet Mini Dress
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace Couture dress from the Spring/Summer 2003 collection, designed under the creative direction of Donatella Versace, is cut in a fitted silhouette with a v-neck...
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Halter Neck Bias Cut Black Chiffon Gown IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning black chiffon halter-neck Gianni Versace Couture gown designed by Donatella Versace. This beautiful creation from the early 2000s is constructed entirely of sil...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace Black Velvet Geometric Beaded Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage black velvet mini dress from the Fall Winter 1999 collection. This unique dress features an open back and patter...
F/W 1997 Gianni Versace Runway Beaded Black Lurex Metallic Halter Neck Gown 42IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The purple version of this Gianni Versace gown debuted on the brand's Fall/Winter 1997 runway as look 63, modeled by Stella Tennant. This chic gown was also worn by Liz Hurley in a p...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Brown Medusa Epaulette Sleeveless Dress 40IT/6US
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Versace Fall/Winter 1996 collection, this shift dress features a high neckline and is made complete with epaulets at either shoulder with a silver-tone Versace Medusa relief...
Gianni Versace 1997 Couture fall black leather gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Gianni Versace was an influential Italian fashion designer who founded the Versace brand. In the fall of 1997, he presented his couture collection in Paris, which was widely acclaimed for its opulent fabrics, bold prints, and intricate detailing. The collection featured several notable pieces, such as a black evening gown with a plunging neckline and a gold-encrusted jacket. However, just a few days later, on July 15th, 1997, Gianni was tragically murdered outside his Miami Beach home. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to the world of fashion continue to be celebrated, and his legacy remains an inspiration too many. This collection is iconic as it’s the final collection before his passing. The collection very much showed a new direction for the house. Which was heading away from the bombshell curves and souped-up sex appeal that the house previously focussed on. But took more Inspirations to the new wave John Galliano and Mcqueen were leading. MET Gala: Salma Hayek y sus mejores momentos en la alfombra roja Vogue For the 1997 Met Gala Salma Hayek wore a very similar Gianni Versace look...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Orange Cotton Cutout Floral Dress IT40
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Donatella’s Spring/Summer 2000 Gianni Versace collection, this orange cotton dress features a sleek, fitted silhouette with slender straps and side slits for added movement. The...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE F/w 1996 Patchwork Pocket Mini Dress KATE MOSS
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Composition: 100% Silk Measurements All measurements taken laid flat - Bust: 17.75" / 47 cm - Waist: 14.25" / 36 cm - Hips: 19.5" / 49.5cm - Total Lengt...