The signature extravagance of legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace — forever aligned with glamour, sex, celebrity and spectacle — can overshadow the Italian couturier’s broad and deep engagement with history and culture. Today, his vintage dresses and gowns, handbags, sunglasses and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration, and his subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” he once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life.
Gianni Versace was born in 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, he 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. 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” — as the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace's 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 evening dresses, handbags, day dresses and more on 1stDibs.
$503Sale Price|25% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Flat Cap
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth flat cap, silver tone metal small Medusa logo o side, 100% wool. Made in Italy Size: small Circumference: 59 cm ...
F/W 1993 Gianni Versace Documented Yellow Check Flannel Paperboy Hat M
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a yellow check paperboy style Gianni Versace Couture hat, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, this oversized pape...
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Greek Key Enamel Buckle Wool Wide Brim Hat L
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a versatile floppy Gianni Versace hat designed by Donatella Versace. From the early 2000s, this hat can be worn down as a floppy hat or with the...
Gianni Versace Black Leather Baseball Cap With Medusa Medallions circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gianni Versace Black Leather Baseball Cap with Medusa Medallions from the circa 1990s is a striking and iconic accessory that embodies the bold and luxurious aesthetic of the era. Crafted from soft supple black leather, this cap features the signature Medusa medallions prominently displayed on the front, adding a touch of mythological opulence and unmistakable Versace flair. The cap’s classic baseball shape is complemented by meticulous detailing, making it a versatile piece that elevates any casual or high-fashion look. It pairs beautifully with statement items such as a tailored Versace blazer, a pair of sleek Gucci sneakers, or a bold Alexander McQueen leather jacket...
1990s Gianni Versace fur hat with earflaps
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace fur hat with earflaps size M excellent vintage condition tanned hat dust cover included
Gianni Versace Faux Leopard Print Belted Medusa Baseball Hat circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Gianni Versace Faux Leopard Print Belted Medusa Baseball Hat from the circa 1990s is a striking and iconic accessory that embodies the bold, opulent style characteristic of the era. Crafted with faux leopard print fabric, the hat features Versace’s signature Medusa medallions prominently displayed on the belt adding a touch of luxe and mystique. The belted design allows for a customizable fit, making it both fashionable and functional. This vintage piece is perfect for those who appreciate high fashion with a rebellious edge, and it can be styled effortlessly with a variety of designer items. Pair it with a sleek Versace leather jacket, a pair of iconic Gucci loafers, or complement it with a bold Alexander McQueen statement piece. The hat’s distinctive aesthetic also works well with vintage Chanel...
Gianni Versace 1990s Black Leather Medusa Hat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add a touch of 90s Versace to your look with this amazing Gianni Versace hat! Circa early 1990s, this hat is crafted from ultra soft black leather and feat...
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Medusa Greek Key Medallion Brimmed Wool Hat S
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic Gianni Versace Couture hat designed by Gianni Versace. From the early 1990s, this black wool brimmed hat prominently features a large gold Medusa logo emblem on the...
F/W 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Floral Embroidery Pony Hair Bucket Hat
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Donatella Versace designed this chic bucket hat for her Fall/Winter 1999 Gianni Versace collection. Constructed of brown and black tiger print pony hair, this coat is covered in tiny...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Silver Tone Safety Pin Medusa Hair Clip
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible silver-tone Gianni Versace Medusa hair clip designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this oversized safety pin barrette features a Versace Medusa logo. One of Gianni Versace's most iconic house codes, popularized by Liz Hurley...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Silver Tone Safety Pin Medusa Pendent Hair Clip
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible silver-tone Gianni Versace Medusa hair clip designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this oversized safety pin barrette is covered in Versace Medusa logos and is complete with additional safety pins that dangle off the clip. One of Gianni Versace's most iconic house codes, popularized by Liz Hurley...
$250
Size: none; one size fits most
Victorian Black Velvet and Silk Rose Mourning Bonnet w Velvet Ties - O/S, 1880s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Worn during the Victorian lady’s two-year mourning period, this petite hat telegraphed propriety and solemnity without sacrificing style. Featuring a stiff skullcap adorned with silk velvet bows and gathers, it is accentuated by silk ribbon roses. Best of all, despite its small size it can be perched on the head without the use of hat pins thanks to its velvet bonnet ties. Stiff Victorian half hat...
Louis Vuitton Ultra Rare Damier Ebene Mini Computer Bag 1110lv19
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 8" Width: 3.5" Height: 1" Shoulder Handle Drop: 18.5" OVERALL EXCELLENT CONDITION ( 9/10 or A ) No Battery, No Charger and No Stylus Signs of Wear: Exte...
Cartier Sunglasses Black with Silver Logo Vintage 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Cartier classic black sunglasses with silver CC logo. Classic, timeless, sophisticated piece to add to your wardrobe Authentic, vintage, rare, Cartier Paris France Black Jackie O. Sunglasses Original 1990s Cartier sunglasses features black frame, both arms sport the CC from Cartier iconic logo signature temple adornment. These are like a pair of jewels on your nose. Beautiful design and a real sign of the times. Designed and produced in the 90's limited edition. Description: Classic vintage Cartier black resin sunglasses. Comes with original case. Period: 1990s Condition: Good, may show minor sign of wear due to age. All hallmarks. Classic sunglasses...
Gucci Straw Hat
By Gucci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Gucci - (Made in Italy) Straw hat decorated with a green and red ribbon. M size indicated. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Head circumference: 54c...
Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Tokyo Monogram Bag Charm
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Louis Vuitton limited edition Tokyo Japan monogram keychain. Brand new with original box.
$295
Size: none; size 21" or 6 3/4 US
Black Sequin Cocktail Fascinator Hat with Tulle Cage Veil - S, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A knockout accessory for New Years Eve or a black tie event, this cocktail hat is as petite as a fascinator but packs the punch of a wide brim. Both glitzy and understated, it balances a glittering sequin skull cap with an alluring cage veil for an unforgettably sophisticated look. Rigid oval calot cap with pavé black sequins; attached tulle birdcage veil...
Fendi x Sarah Coleman Polaroid Camera
By Fendi
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fendi Polaroid OneStep Close-Up 600 in a “FF Vertigo Motif”. The piece is part of the collaboration between Fendi and artist Sarah Coleman. The camera comes with a shoulder strap (drop 8.5") and a Polaroid Color Film (8 Instant Photos). It also includes a Polaroid booklet, a Fendi...
Louis Vuitton Brown Damier Print Agenda
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Louis Vuitton Brown Damier Print Agenda/Planner. Featuring the iconic Damier print in brown, gold hardware and accompanied by gold pen. Planner is for the...
Louis Vuitton Neutral LV Fleur Logo Bicycle Helmet PM 62lk322s
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Louis Vuitton Neutral LV Fleur Logo Bicycle Helmet PM 62lk322s Date Code/Serial Number: GI0648 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 10.5" Width: 8.5" Height: 7" OVERALL NEW COND...
1980s Whimsical "Dot" Tilt-Style Straw Hat in Primary Red Blue and Yellow
Located in Gresham, OR
A wonderfully whimsical 1980s tilt-style straw hat by Stuart Jay consisting of a red pillbox hat with attached dots of contrasting blue and yellow straw dip...
1940s Straw Hat w/Red Flowers
Located in Alford, MA
Wide-brimmed natural straw hat w/wide navy velvet band and red fabric roses. Small high crown perches on top of head, does not pull down, lined in taffeta. Wide brim, 5 1/2 inches at...
Chanel large black fabric camelia brooch
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel large black fabric camellia brooch, 3" diam. Comes with original pouch.
Gianni Versace Vintage Medusa Hat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This rare Gianni Versace vintage hat is an iconic collectible from the 90s. Crafted from genuine leather in black, the hat is adorned with silver and golden studded embellishment of ...
Gianni Versace Wide Brim Hat in Straw
By Gianni Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Gianni Versace (Made in Italy) Wide brim hat composed of straw, decorated with a grosgrain ribbon. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 55 cm (21.65") - Brim width: 1...
Early 1990s Gianni Versace Bondage White Leather Rhinestone Medusa Hat
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a stunning white leather Gianni Versace Couture hat, designed by Gianni Versace. This beautiful hat is constructed entirely of white leather and features a stra...
1990s Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth Flat Cap
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace Black and White Houndstooth flat cap, 100% wool. Made in Italy Size: small Circumference: 59 cm /23.22' Condition: vintage, 1990s, very go...
F/W 1993 Gianni Versace Bondage Leather Medusa Studded Belted Hat
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a rare leather hat designed by Gianni Versace for his Fall/Winter 1993 collection. This piece is constructed in supple black leather and features a small brim b...
Gianni Versace zebra print pony hair coat with fox fur and bucket hat, fw 1999
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace pony hair coat and bucket hat set ▪ Zebra print ▪ Small embroidered flowers throughout ▪ Blue fox fur collar ▪ Hook fastenings ▪ Two ...
Gianni Versace Felt Hat with Gold Threaded Tassel
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Complete your hat collection with this extremely rare Versace hat! Circa 1990s, this black felt train conductor style hat features a gold trim and large go...
Gianni Versace Medusa Headband
By Gianni Versace
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This rare vintage black headband is made of soft leather with gold tone medusa and fishes. Designer: Gianni Versace No tags One size Please note that vi...
Gianni Versace Black Leather Hat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace Black Leather Hat Totally made in italy in medium size Composition: Leather Gold tone with swarovski logo con the top