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.
Gianni Versace Asymmetric Dress with Net
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 ...
Gianni Versace New Leather Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather dress from Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a V neckline front and plunging V to the waist in the back. The shoulders are gathered onto a fine gold meta...
1998 ATELIER VERSACE haute couture silk floral mini RUNWAY dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare Atelier Versace couture mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1998 runway collection, made of lustrous silk with a sleek, body-skimming silhouette. The piece is cut sleeveless w...
Gianni Versace S/S 1993 Runway Vintage Bustier Jacket Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1993 Runway Vintage Bustier Jacket Top IT 38 Look 36 from the Spring/Summer 1993 Collection. Gianni Versace bustier top featuring do...
Gianni Versace herringbone tweed coat with blue fox fur collar, fw 1999
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace tweed coat ▪ Designed by Donatella Versace ▪ Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Constructed from blue and white herringbone cashmere-wool tweed ▪ Deta...
S/S2000 Gianni Versace jungle midi dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
S/S2000 Gianni Versace jungle midi dress This is the rare short version of the iconic jungle dress made famous by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards-an appearance so legendary...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Yellow Stretch Terrycloth Garden Berry Print Dress IT44
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 1995 collection, this sleeveless bodycon dress is crafted from yellow stretch terrycloth and features an all-over garden-inspired print of berries...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Teal Turquoise Blue Silk Jersey Vintage 90s Skirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
The ultimate 1990s vintage GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE turquoise / teal blue slink silk jersey skirt! The perfect vibrant blue color adds a pop of color to any outfit. Sits on the hips, w...
Early Gianni Versace 1980s Sexy Black Fringe 80s Vintage Cotton Sweater Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare early GIANNI VERSACE black cotton knit fringed cropped sweater top! Features lines of fringe throughout the entire garment. Sexy crop fit reveals just the right amount of skin. ...
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Printed Silk Medusa Medallion Button Down IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque patterns and features a vibrant ancient monument motif. This stunning archival top...
NWT S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Baby Blue Metallic Crinkled Lamé Medusa Coat 6
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare blue metallic crinkled lamé Gianni Versace Couture coat, designed by Gianni Versace. This rare piece cannot be found on a ready-to-wear runway, but the fabric debut...
$794Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace green suede jacket, 1990s excellent condition
By Gianni Versace
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
An iconic and incredibly refined GianVersace signature garment from the 1980s that perfectly embodies the maison's bold and sophisticated aesthetic in one of its most creative period...
Versace Spring 2002 Dress
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Norwich, GB
Gianni Versace ivory knitted dress, with diamante chain strap detail on the back, from the Spring/Summer 2002 collection by Donatella Versace Condition Excellent Marked Size IT 42...
S/S 1991 Atelier Versace Couture Runway Mini Dress Rhinestone Tassel Set Custom
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting this incredible black Atelier Versace mini dress set, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1991 Haute Couture collection, this mini dress debuted on the seas...
Gianni Versace Runway F/W 1992 Bondage Collection Leather Fox Astrakhan Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare museum piece vintage GIANNI VERSACE Couture Runway Fall / Winter 1992 Bondage Collection leather, fox fur and astrakhan fur black runway jacket ! Angelina Kallio modeled this on the runway for Look # 46. Leather jacket is stuffed with down for warmth. Gold Medusa head zipper up the front. Adjustable gold buckles at each side of the waist. Signature baroque silk lining. Hood can be removed with hidden buttons. This 90s vintage Versace...
Gianni Versace Couture 90s Metallic Mesh Silver Top It. 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Iconic from 90's Metallic Mesh Italian size 38 Silver-tone Metallic Mesh This top has a matching draping metal scarf that is perma...
F/W 1996 NOS Gianni Versace Baby Blue Crystal Pump Heel 36
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of baby blue open-toe Gianni Versace heels, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, these heels debuted as part of look 9 on the season's runway modeled by Trish Goff...
Gianni Versace S/S 1991 Pop Art Baroque Print Swimsuit Bodysuit & Leggings Set
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chicago, IL
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 1991 “Pop Art” Collection, this rare set features the striking color palette and patterns the collection was famous for. This set features a combi...
90's Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Gold Lace Over Tulle Button-Up Mini Dress 42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
This piece embodies the glamour and boldness of 1990s Versace, perfect for collectors and fashion connoisseurs seeking a standout archival garment. A rare and exquisite piece from th...
GIANNI VERSACE 1992 Vintage S&M bondage buckle Tiger leather bomber jacket IT48
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE 1992 Vintage S&M bondage buckle Tiger leather bomber jacket IT48 M Reference: TGAS/E00215 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Collection: FW 1992 S&M Materi...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe Pop Art Warhol Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Couture skirt suit in excellent condition from Spring Summer 1991 featuring an Andy Warhol inspired pop art motif of pop culture icons Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. ...
1990s Versace pop art Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe x Betty Boop pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
1991s Versace pop art Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe x Betty Boop pants hige rise tapered trousers with a vibrant all over print featuring illustrations of Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop...
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress COLLECTIBLE ITEM! Gold vintage Gianni Versace metal mesh or...
Versace Spring/Summer 2000 Seafoam Lace Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
An ethereal vintage Versace gown from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, featuring a stunning seafoam green lace overlay with intricate satin appliqué detailing. The sheer mesh bodic...
$10,396Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Rhinestone Bustier Catsuit Documented IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible Gianni Versace Couture bustier catsuit designed by Gianni Versace. This fabulous one-piece debuted on Carla Bruni on the Fall/Winter 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture runway and Beverly Peele...
$516Sale Price|20% Off
2000s Gianni Versace Jean Couture Size 44 / 8 Black Lace Cut - Out Y2K Skirt
By Versace Jeans Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Early 2000s GIANNI VERSACE JEANS COUTURE black skirt ! Slinky fit that looks great with movement. Soft rayon blend has some stretch. Sheer lace panel at side waist of the front and b...
2003FW Gianni Versace runway gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Introducing a breathtaking masterpiece: the mesmerizing purple Gianni Versace gown, expertly crafted by the visionary designer Donatella Versace. This remarkable creation hails from ...
Iconic Versace Couture Printed stretch Leggings Pants, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
From the coveted 1991 Fall-Winter Versace collection, these second-skin printed leggings are instantly recognizable as a design by Gianni Versace. Cut f...
F/W 1993 Gianni Versace Runway Sheer Purple Stripe Leggings 42IT/US8
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of of purple Gianni Versace footed leggings, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, these striped leggings...
1990's Loud Vintage Gianni Versace Betty Boop Colourful Cartoon Pattern T-Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Amazing 1990's 'Versace Jeans Couture' by Gianni Versace T-shirt, with a super colourful and extremely iconic Betty Boop patterned print through out. Features: Short sleeves Rounded...
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture FW 2000 AD Campaign Lace Plunging Dress Gown 40
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Lace Plunging Dress Gown F/W 2000 Runway AD Campaign Italian size - 40 Floral printed lace over plisse sheer skirt, Plunging neckline, High front slit...
Gianni Versace 1990s VERSUS Vintage Wool Cashmere Blazer with Rainbow Lining
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 1990's Vintage Wool & Cashmere blazer by Gianni Versace 'VERSUS' Label, featuring Rainbow zig-zag lined interior. A Fun Twist on classic Tailoring. Circa 1993-1994. MADE IN IT...
RARE Gianni Versace Couture 1998 Embroidered Evening Dress Gown as on Courtney
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
A VERY RARE AND UNIQUE DRESS CREATED BY GIANNI VERSACE BEFORE HIS DEAD OWN A PIECE OF FASHION HISTORY A TRUE GEM - SO HARD TO FIND Gorgeous GIANNI VERSACE gown Pink and black silk Hand-stitched embroidey Designed by Gianni Versace himself, it was on of the last items before his death This dress was seen on Courtney Love and Stella Tennant...
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Runway Vintage Bustier Corset Ivory Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Runway Vintage Bustier Corset Ivory Mini Dress Look 15 from the Spring 1995 Collection by Gianni Versace. Size: IT 38 Condition: Good vintage condition, on...
Gianni Versace silver oroton chainmail metal mesh top, fw 1983
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace silver and grey proton chainmail metal mesh top with draped sleeves and elasticated waistband. Fall-Winter 1983
$934Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Red Shoes with Jewel
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning pair of Gianni Versace decolletè from the 90s. Exceptionally designed and made wonderfully detailed. Gianni Versace's label inside the shoe. The heel measures 7 cm. The shoe...
Versace Dress With Assymetric Hem
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace, sheer, mesh jersey, slip dress with asymmetric hemline. Bias cut panels are placed at the bust at the center of the dress and at the back. Biker shorts underpinning ...
Gianni Versace Fall Winter 1992 Bondage Collection Duffle Coat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Chipping Norton, GB
An exceptional Gianni Versace duffle coat from the Autumn Winter 1992 menswear collection, presented here in a striking mustard yellow wool and cashmere mix. The coat is defined by ...
$258Sale Price|40% Off
Gianni Versace White Signed Logo Leather Black Heels 36
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Indulge in the essence of luxury and iconic elegance with the Gianni Versace White Signed Logo Leather Black Heels. Crafted to perfection, these heels are a testament to the timeles...
Gianni Versace 1990s Miami Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel that Miami heat in these show stopping jeans by Gianni Versace Couture! Circa 1990s, these statement pants will surely turn heads and be the perfect ad...
Fun 1990’s Gianni Versace Colourful Animal Cartoon Shirt & Tank Top Set
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Wonderful 1990s Gianni Versace Jeans Couture ensemble. Comprising a semi-sheer long sleeved shirt with matching fitted tank top. Crafted from an extremely vibrant and colourful blu...
Gianni Versace Spring-Summer 1994 black lambskin leather skirt with safety pins
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace Spring-Summer 1994 black lambskin leather skirt with safety pins
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous colorful silk skirt by Gianni Versace in a pattern of abstract shapes and flowers. It is pencil style with a waistband and button closing, side zipper and silk lining. F...
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...
Metallic black mesh and strass skirt Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Skirt in black metallic mesh and rhinestones, black satin waistband. Back zip. Gianni Versace Sera label. Size: 38 French model 9230313 Art: 869-200 DUNAYW
F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Medusa Light Blue Wool Satin Skirt Suit IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous light blue Gianni Versace Couture skirt suit designed by Gianni Versace. This set debuted on the Fall/Winter 1995 runway as Look number 23 on Trish Goff. A tailored version of this set was also present in the season's ad campaign on Kristen McMenamy, shot by Richard Avedon. With an oversized cut, this matching set features a luxurious satin lining in the jacket, visible at each rolled-over cuff. The jacket also features monotone blue Versace...
Gianni Versace 1990s Black And Ivory Bow-Detail Strapless Midi Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
This Gianni Versace piece from the 1990s is a strapless midi dress worked in a stark two-tone palette. The body is cut in black, fitted through the torso and falling to a knee-grazin...
Gianni Versace F/W 1998 Couture Ivory Smocked Crystal-Embellished Empire-Line Midi Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
From the F/W 1998 collection of Gianni Versace Couture, this empire-line midi dress is constructed in an ivory crinkled semi-sheer fabric with vertical pin-tuck striations throughout...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Halter Plunging Neckline Medusa Logo Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Halter Plunging Neckline Medusa Logo Fuchsia Dress IT 44 Vintage preowned condition, some lights marks throughout.
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Lady Bug Garden Baroque Button Up Silk Top IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning silk Gianni Versace Couture button-up shirt designed by Gianni Versace. Constructed entirely of printed silk, this shirt is covered in the brand's iconic baroque pattern and ladybug/butterfly print. This stunning archival top...
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Black Medusa Evening Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful black short evening dress, by the famous designer Gianni Versace 1990's, in very soft Viscosa 100%. The dress has an open back and an American-style neckline made with a go...
$6,540Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1994 Medusa Midi Cut-Out Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Gianni Versace - Sold by Skof.Archive - Fall Winter 1994 Collection - Jellyfish Midi Cut-Out Dress - Sleeveless - Cut-out detailing along the waist - Gold Medusa Button...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Silk Chiffon Butterfly & Crystal
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Gianni Versace Autumn-Winter 1999 Pink Silk Chiffon Butterfly Mini Dress Designer Background Gianni Versace, a visionary in haute couture, is celebrated for his daring designs and i...
Gianni Versace Runway S/S 2000 Vintage Tropical Print Plunging Neckline Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace Runway S/S 2000 Vintage Tropical Print Plunging Neckline Dress IT 38 Look 36 from the Spring 2000 Collection. Tropical palm pri...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Medusa Gem Rhinestone Chain Medallion Black Satin EU37
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning pair of Gianni Versace shoes created by the house's creator. This fabulous pair of satin strap heels are perfectly elevated with gold Versace Medusa medallions ...
S/S 1996 Gianni Versace Black Beaded Sleeveless Bodycon Runway Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1996 collection debuted on the runway as look 52, modeled by Linda Evangelista. It is cut in a fitted bodycon silhouette with a ...
1980s Gianni Versace Midnight Blue Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Silk Jersey Blouse
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Gianni Versace midnight blue off-the-shoulder ruched and draped silk jersey blouse with side zipper. Size 42.
Gianni Versace blue Oroton chainmail draped evening mini skirt, fw 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace metallic blue Oroton chainmail draped evening mini skirt. Fall-Winter 1994
Gianni Versace New Dress with Hardware
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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. ...
Gianni Versace Silk Jacket 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jacket with a brown line star pattern from Gianni Versace Couture. It is a long blazer style jacket with incredible elaborat...