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.
$2,656Sale Price|35% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Miami Barroco Print One-Piece Swimsuit
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE vintage one-piece backless swimsuit featuring a GIANNI VERSACE signature Barroco print with MIAMI beach sunset palm trees. Label reads VERSACE MARE Made in Italy. Si...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Studded Gold Metallic Leather Cropped Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace jacket from the Spring 1992 collection, part of runway look 58, modeled by Susan Holmes, is crafted from navy leather and features bold gold metallic leather pane...
Gianni Versace pants 1997
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace Couture pants 1997 size 40 Waist: 64 cm / 25.20 in Length: 120 cm / 47.24 in Inseam: 87 cm / 34.25 in Outseam: 23 cm / 9.06 in Hips: 86 cm / 33.86 in good condition...
1990s Gianni Versace Napoleon cropped tailored jacket with contrast leather trim
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Gianni Versace Napoleon cropped tailored jacket with contrast leather trim This cropped Napoleon-style jacket from Gianni Versace’s 1990s production features bold contrast lea...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Sheer Black Lace Jeans Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of black lace Gianni Versace Couture pants designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, these pants are constructed entirely of intricate lace with a sheer black lining underneath. These pants are made complete with a black Versace Medusa button...
GIANNI VERSACE, Argyle Vintage Wool, Cashmere, Silk Blend, V-Neck Sweater
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingston, NY
GIANNI VERSACE, Vintage Wool, Cashmere, Silk Blend, Argyle V-Neck Sweater, 1990s Size IT52 From an Important Collection.
Gianni Versace Vintage Black Bondage Dress with Gold Hardware, 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition : Excellent Vintage Condition Size : 38 A rare and unusual vintage Gianni Versace black bondage dress with lattice bodice, sides,...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Black Bodycon Stretch Dress Leather Metal IT42
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful lack body-con Gianni Versace Couture dress with leather straps, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1995 collection, this dress is constructed o...
GIANNI VERSACE Stella's FW 2001 Demin Style Distressed Leather Gown Dress 42
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
FANTASTIC GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE DENIM/JEANS-STYLE DISTRESSED LEATHER GOWN AS SHOWN ON THE RUNWAY SHOW AND AD CAMPAIGN SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY Impossible to find! A true ge...
$273Sale Price|35% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage purple jewel bead embellished crop turtleneck IT38 XS
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage purple jewel bead embellished crop turtleneck IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00984 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Wool, Blend Color: Purple...
Atelier Versace Spring 1995 Butterfly Silk Full Length Robe
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Spring-summer 1995 Atelier Versace Butterfly print silk robe. We offer this highly elusive Versace silk robe from the Haute Couture 'Atelier Versace...
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Vintage Leopard Bra Bralette Bustier Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Vintage Leopard Gold Textured Bra Bralette Bustier Crop Top Please note size tag is missing.
$431Sale Price|70% Off
Gianne Versace Vintage 90s Swimsuit Bodysuit SS/1996 collectors item
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Collectors item! Owning a swimsuit from the Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1996 collection is not just about having a piece of clothing; it's about possessing a piece of fashion histor...
1990s GIANNI VERSACE Black & White Floral Psychedelic Catsuit
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990s GIANNI VERSACE Black & White Floral Psychedelic Catsuit. Leg openings have zipper, as well as zippers at left underarm. MADE IN ITALY Decade: 1990s Material: Stretch Lycra ...
Gianni Versace Couture Skirt, Size 40FR
By Gianni Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Versace - Couture skirt in black and white fabric. No composition or size label, it fits a 40FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Waist: 32 cm, Hips: 44 cm, Length: 51 cm Condit...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace "Miss S&M" Bondage Animal Print Black Leather Skirt IT42
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black leather and pony hair Gianni Versace skirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1992 'Miss S&M' collection, this skirt is constructed of ...
$4,396Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Red Lady Bug Print Corset Boned Terrycloth Robe
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace robe from the Spring/Summer 1995 collection is full-length and cut in red terrycloth with an allover multicolor ladybug print. It features a large fold-over colla...
$1,196Sale Price|38% Off
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Navy Wool Button Up Pinafore Strap Long Sleeve Dress US6
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a long-sleeve navy Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Gianni Versace. Created as part of the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this dress did not appear on the runway, ...
Gianni Versace Vintage Polka Dot Shirt Size 50 Unisex Cream Purple
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Gianni Versace polka dot shirt Cream, purple and Blue Size 50
Gianni Versace 1997 Couture fall black leather gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
Gianni Versace black wool evening dress with high leg slit, fw 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Black wool and silk blend evening dress ▪ Built-in corset ▪ High leg slit ▪ IT 40 - FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4 ▪ Fall-Winter 1993
Gianni Versace 1995 Jazz Age Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
All the funky vibes in these jazz age print jeans by Gianni Versace Couture! From spring/summer 1995, these funky jeans feature a multi-colored design of blue...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Medusa Logo Black Western Button Up Shirt IT42
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black button-down Gianni Versace shirt, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1992 collection, this Western-inspired shirt is covered in gold-tone Ve...
$3,036Sale Price|20% Off
F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Grey Satin Velvet Dress Rhinestone Jacket Set IT42
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a lustrous satin and velvet Gianni Versace Couture jacket and dress set designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1995 collection, the dress from this set debuted on the season's runway as look number 56, modeled by Kristen McMenamy. The silver satin jacket features a cropped cut, rounded flat collar, two pockets at the bust, and large rhinestone Medusa logo buttons. The dress is constructed of a matching satin bust and a grey velvet skirt. The dress can be worn off the shoulder as displayed on the runway or in our pictures. As seen on Jodie Kidd...
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Vintage Sheer Panels Silk Pink Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Vintage Sheer Panels Silk Pink Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Gianni Versace pink silk evening dress featuring sheer crossover ac...
1990S Gianni Versace Pink & Gold Silk Dress Shirt With Original Baroque Scrolls
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Decade: 1990s. Material: Silk . Vintage condition: Excellent.
Long evening pencil black skirt fully embroidered Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long evening pencil black skirt fully embroidered with glass beads on a black velvet base. Split on middle back in the bottom lenght: 23 cm
Gianni Versace F/W 1998 Runway Barbed Wire Crystal Embellished Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1998 Runway Barbed Wire Crystal Embellished Mini Dress IT 42 Gianni Versace black silk and purple lining barbed wire mini dress featuring silk appliqués embellish...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Brown Military- Medusa Button Skirt Suit Set 42IT
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace skirt suit from the Fall/Winter 1996 collection is crafted in brown with a fitted tailored jacket and matching pencil skirt, cut in a military-inspired silhouette...
1990s Gianni Versace Black Silk Sheer Strapless Cocktail Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy Vintage Gianni versace 1990s strapless silk and cotton cocktail dress with sheer bodice. Fit size 4/ Small Bust 32" Hip: 35inches
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Cutout Open Back Belted Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Editorial Cutout Back Belted Dress IT 44 Condition: good vintage condition, metal belt closure has discolored due to age as is very common with pieces from ...
Gianni Versace c. 1990 Bondage Leather Belted Knee-Length Black Jacket Coat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace c. 1990 Bondage Leather Belted Knee-Length Black Jacket Coat IT 44 Black Gianni Versace leather knee-length coat featuring four flap pockets ...
NWT Gianni Versace Couture F/W 2001 Leather Sheer Lace Black Bandage Gown It. 44
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
NEW Gianni Versace Couture Runway Leather Sheer Lace Black Bandage Buckled Gown F/W 2001 Collection Leather and Lace, Sexy and Classy!!! Iconic Bandage Style!!! Wide leather removabl...
$476Sale Price|34% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Pleated Silk Black Pink Baroque Print Flare Wrap Skirt IT38
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a bold pink and black baroque print wrap skirt with orange trim designed by Gianni Versace in the early 1990s. The accordion pleating and wrap construction give this light...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Sheer White Lace Button Up Medusa Top
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful white floral lace button-up Gianni Versace Couture top designed by Gianni Versace. A similar blouse from the Spring/Summer 1994 collection opened the season's runway, modeled by Kate Moss, and appeared in the ad campaign on Linda Evangelista, shot by Richard Avedon. The blouse is constructed entirely of lace and features an exaggerated collar, hidden button closures, and a scalloped hem. Made complete with silver Medusa Versace buttons at the cuffs, this top is a summer essential...
Red sweater and skirt ensemble Giani Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sweater and skirt ensemble. Silk top-stitched bow and collar edge. Wrap skirt. Fabric composition: 90% wool, 10% silk. Skirt composition: wool. Lining: 60% acetate, 40% cupro. SIZE M...
NWT S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Black White Polka Dot Pleated Wrap Skirt 38IT/4US
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pleated black and white polka dot Gianni Versace skirt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this intentionally wrinkled skirt is covered in small and large polka dots and is complete with silver-tone Versace Medusa button...
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Silk Black & White Geometric Button Down IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning monochromatic silk Gianni Versace Couture shirt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this black and white silk button-up top features geometric optical art designs throughout. This shirt is made with a gold Versace Medusa button...
90s Gianni Versace Vintage Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
90s Gianni Versace Vintage Dress size 46-48 tag is worn out Armpit Width: 43 cm / 16.93 inches Length: 130cm / 51.18 inches Hips (volume/width): 92 ...
Gianni Versace FW 1992 'Miss S&M' Black & Gold Collar Tip Shirt IT 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, ON
Pre-owned Gianni Versace Fall/Winter 1992 'Miss S&M' black long sleeve shirt featuring gold tone metallic stitching, point collar, silver and gold tone logo hardware at collar ti...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Mare Heel Heels 36EU
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of gold Gianni Versace Mare motif sandal heels, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, similar gold ...
Gianni Versace 1990s Vintage Brown Leather Skirt Size 44 Unisex Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Gianni Versace brown leather skirt totally made in italy size 44 it
F/W 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Mens Runway Red Shearling Black Suede Coat
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed by Donatella for Gianni Versace’s Fall/Winter 1998 collection, this black suede coat features a bold red shearling fur interior. The oversized collar and contrasting cuffs a...
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunged Geometric Print Open Back Pleated Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunged Geometric Print Open Back Pleated Dress IT 38 Look 34 from the Fall 2000 Collection.
Gianni Versace Early 1990's Aqua Green Cropped Blazer
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Gianni Versace - Early 1990's - Cropped Aqua Green Blazer - Button Up closure - Yellow buttons with classic Versace design - Two frontal pockets - Cropped fit - Good co...
$607Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Leather and Silk Short Skirt 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Cheerful short skirt signed Gianni Versace Couture 1990s, slightly flared shape. The materials used to make this gorgeous knee-length short skirt are silk and leather, in fact it has...
1960S Gianni Versace Black & Brown Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1960S Gianni Versace Black & Brown Mini Dress
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Black Bohemian Ruffle Button Runway Down Top 40IT/6US
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black button-up Gianni Versace top, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, the white version of this top debuted on the season's ru...
Gianni Versace black evening dress with open back and leather panel, fw 2001
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Gianni Versace evening dress ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Fall-Winter 2001 ▪ Constructed from black viscose jersey ▪ Features a daring plunging neckline that ...
1990 GIANNI VERSACE Couture Leopard Zipper Vest
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990 GIANNI VERSACE Couture Leopard Zipper Vest
Breathtaking Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Black Bondage Back Evening Gown Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
A TRUE COLLECTOR'S ITEM CREATED BY GIANNI VERSACE FOR ONE OF HIS MOST FAMOUS COLLECTIONS EVER A very rare and stunning signature piece Designed by Gianni Versace himself for one o...
Gianni Versace purple viscose and mohair rayon knitted mini dress, ss 1998
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace purple rayon knitted mini dress with yellow mohair string straps and appliqués. Spring-Summer 1998
$210Sale Price|25% Off
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage black white checkered cropped sweater vest
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage black white checkered cropped sweater vest Reference: CC/A00411 Brand: Gianni Versace Material: Feels like wool Color: Black, White Pattern: Checkered Closure:...
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE VERSUS Asymmetric Shoulder Lurex Gold Metallic Dress
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE VERSUS Asymmetric Shoulder Lurex Gold Metallic Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Bust: 18.50 inches (47 cm) Waist: 17.71 inches (45 cm) Hips: 18.90 inches (48 cm) Length: 34.25 inches (87 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic GIANNI VERSACE VERSUS. - Lurex metallic dress with asymmetric shoulder detailing. - Iconic Versace lion...
1980s Gianni Versace shearling leather cape jacket with layered construction sca
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1980s Gianni Versace shearling leather cape jacket with layered construction scarf This rare 1980s Gianni Versace piece combines a shearling leather...
S/S 1996 Gianni Versace Neon Yellow Graffiti Floral Short Sleeve Skirt Suit IT44
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 1996 collection, this vibrant skirt suit is crafted from neon yellow fabric printed with a multicolor graffiti-inspired floral motif. The set feat...
Gianni Versace blue Raccoon fur coat, fw 1997
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace deep blue Raccoon fur coat with Medusa symbol lining. Fall-Winter 1997
Gianni Versace black leather bomber jacket with bondage buckles, fw 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace black leather bomber jacket with signature Versace western-style gilt buckles to waist, two front pockets with gilt Medusa h...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Ad Charm Logo One-Piece Swimsuit S
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an exquisite black Gianni Versace one-piece swimsuit, designed by Donatella Versace for the Spring/Summer 2000 collection. This one-piece made its debut on the runway as l...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Runway Silk Pop Art Print Multicolor Tunic Button Up Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous pop art printed oversized tunic blouse designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1991 collection. The front and back feature two contrasting color palettes and four framed vignettes on each side, full of deep colors and rich scenes. A version of this blouse debuted on the runway on Linda Evangelista as look number 66. It also appeared on Stephanie Seymour, shot by Sante D'Orazio for the March 1991 issue of British Vogue, and on Emma Sjoberg, shot by Robbert Erdmann for the January 1991 issue of German Vogue...