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 S/S 2000 Runway Bamboo Jungle Print Keyhole Cutout Back Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 2000 Runway Bamboo Jungle Print Keyhole Cutout Back Dress Look 14 from the Spring 2000 Collection. Iconic tropical jungle bamboo print dress from Gianni Versace...
S/S 1991 Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Grecian Tunic Two Piece Dress Set
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning Atelier Versace dress set from the S/S 1991 collection, designed by Gianni Versace. This extraordinary piece can be seen on the season's haute couture runway, c...
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
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Unworn Vintage Bustier Black Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Unworn Vintage Bustier Black Mini Dress Condition: New with Tags
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...
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
$1,196Sale Price|38% Off
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Navy Wool Button Up Pinafore Strap Long Sleeve Dress US6
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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, ...
$3,036Sale Price|20% Off
F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Grey Satin Velvet Dress Rhinestone Jacket Set IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 COUTURE 1997 Lurex Cutout Gown Maxi Evening Dress Bandeau Top 42
By Gianni Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
THE DRESS OF THAT SEASON - FEATURED IN VERSACE AD CAMPAIGN AND SHOWN ON THE RUNWAY FROM HIS FALL WINTER 1997 COLLECTION OWN A PIECE OF FASHION HISTORY - A TRUE GEM SO HARD TO FIND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION Gorgeous GIANNI VERSACE gown Head-turning design with cut-out detail and bra-top Beautiful black lurex fabric and silk The dress has an integraded demi-corset for a perfect fit Size 42 Designed in 1997 by Gianni Versace himself, it was on of the last items before his death The dress is as worn by top model Stella Tennant...
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...
Atelier Versace black silk velvet devoré cowl neck evening dress, fw 1999
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Atelier Versace black silk velvet devoré calf-length evening dress ▪ Cowl neck ▪ Bias cut ▪ Turquoise bead trim ▪ Leg slit ▪ Concealed zipper a...
$1,709Sale Price|27% Off
1998 Gianni Versace Couture Black and White houndstooth Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Capri, IT
1998 Gianni Versace Couture Black and White houndstooth Dress This iconic and rare dress from Spring summer 1998 is a really one of a kind. with see thruoug signs on the side and a ...
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
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...
GIANNI VERSACE FW 92 Stretch Dress with Gold Stitching
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, MILANO
Fall Winter 1992 stretch mid length long sleeve dress by Gianni Versace. Gold stitching. Zipper closure at back. The composition is 68% viscose, 14% silk, 16% nylon and 2% lycra.
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Runway Grey Lace Embroidered Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful lace Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1997 collection, this dress debuted on the season's runway as look number ...
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 ...
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Editorial Unworn Midi Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Editorial Unworn Midi Dress IT 44
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 S/S 1996 Runway Embellished Bustier Black Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Bustier Silk Dress Gown IT 42 Look 63 from the Spring 1996 Collection. Condition: Excellent with the original tax attached.
Gianni Versace black studded metal mesh chainmail shift dress, A/W 1983
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace black studded metal mesh chainmail shift dress Autumn-Winter 1983
Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit bodycon dress and cardigan set, fw 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit dress and cardigan 2 piece set ▪ Sleeveless bodycon maxi dress with lining ▪ Long-sleeve full-length cardigan ▪ Gold Medusa buttons ▪ Can be wo...
ATELIER VERSACE S/S 1990 Mini Navy Embellished Medusa Cuff Sleeve Tunic Dress
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
ATELIER VERSACE S/S 1990 Mini Navy Embellished Medusa Cuff Sleeve Tunic Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Atelier Versace Collection: S/S 1990 Designer: Gianni Versace Style: Mini tunic d...
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 1998 Collection Black and Red Open Back Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Two-Tone Open Back Dress Gown S/S 1998 Collection Designer size 44 (please check measurements) Flower Design Jacquard Black and Red Exquisite Fabric, High Slit...
Gianni Versace sequined dress Couture
By Gianni Versace
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VERSACE - (Made in Italy) Black mesh long-sleeve dress with Rhodoïd pastilles. Size label missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 4...
Gianni Versace black pleated and lace evening dress, ss 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace black above-the-knee evening dress with lace panels and pleated skirt Spring-summer 1994
Gianni Versace FW 1983 Oroton Metal Mesh Red Crystals Black Asymmetrical Dress M
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
An Early Gianni Versace Oroton Mesh Dress with Red Swarovski Crystals F/W 1983 Collection Gianni Versace in 1982 designed a special chainmail fabric tha...
F/W 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Multicolor Abstract Plunge Stretch 40IT
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous blue and purple slinky Gianni Versace dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2000 collection, this dress is covered in a multicolor abstract ...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Purple Suede Medusa Button Up Dress
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a purple suede shirt dress designed by Donatella for her iconic Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 2000 collection, remembered for its jungle pr...
Gianni Versace by Donatella Versace Purple Metal Eyelet Dress, SS 2003
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Gianni Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2003 ▪ Fabric: 87% Rayon, 7% Nylon, 5% Silk, 1% Spandex ▪ Size: IT42 - FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ ...
S/S 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Ad Navy Silk Backless Tie Flare Dress IT38
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a navy silk Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1997 collection, this dress debuted as look 50 on the season's runway on Amber...
GIANNI VERSACE Size 4 Purple Acetate Blend Slim Tapered Dress Pants
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIANNI VERSACE dress pants in a purple acetate blend satin featuring a slim tapered fit, and zip fly closure with Medusa's head button detail.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor sna...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Black White Floral Flared Bell-Bottom Catsuit
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black and white floral Gianni Versace jumpsuit designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, this bohemian-inspired catsuit is covered in a black and white floral print that debuted on the season's runway. The ensemble features off-the-shoulder ruffle sleeves and a flare-cut leg. Truly a rare find, this sexy jumpsuit...
Gianni Versace S/S 1993 Sheer Lace Bra Floral Print Slip Silk Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace Intimo S/S 1993 Sheer Lace Bra Floral Print Slip Silk Mini Dress IT 46
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Vintage Metallic Floral Lace Brown Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Vintage Metallic Floral Lace Brown Mini Dress IT 42 Gianni Versace metallic brown lame lace evening mini dress featuring embellished medusa straps, scalloped...
Versace Vintage Tunic Knit Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vintage Versace tunic knit dress exudes a timeless and sophisticated style. The form-fitting silhouette with a sleeveless design creates a flattering and elegant look. The intri...
Gianni Versace c.2001 Plunged Bustier Open Back Geometric Abstract Print Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace Vintage Plunged Bustier Open Back Geometric Abstract Print Dress IT 44
Versace Pink Abstract Print Halter Dress With Lace Panels 2000
By Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Versace pink, red, and brown halter dress featuring a halter neck with lace shawl collar, plung...
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Vintage Lace and Leather Black Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Vintage Lace and Leather Mini Dress IT 40 Black Gianni Versace leather mini dress with lace overlaying the leather featuring embellished medusa straps, squar...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Bustier Medusa Corset Boned Flare Black IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gianni Versace designed this black number for his Spring/Summer 1995 collection and stuns with a form-fitting body cut and a flared hem. The upper body features eyelets on both the f...
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Couture Velvet Bust Sleeveless Dress IT40 / US6
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous black velvet Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Gianni Versace. This classic little black dress features wide straps, a square neckline, and a wrapped vel...
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage gold logo charm asymmetric drape slip mini dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE Vintage gold logo charm asymmetric drape slip mini dress Reference: TGAS/D00341 Brand: Gianni Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Material: Rayon Color: Black, Gold Patte...
F/W 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Little Black Mini Dress IT42 / US8
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a sensual black Gianni Versace cocktail dress, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, this little black dress features wide straps and a square ...
Gianni Versace black wool double strap playsuit with gold crystal studs, ss 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace black evening playsuit ▪ Double strap ▪ Sweetheart neckline ▪ Bow and criss-cross detail at center-front ▪ Gold studs with crystals ▪ 62% Virgin Wool, 38% Silk ...
Gianni Versace Laser Perforated Leather Halter Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous laser cut black leather halter dress by Gianni Versace. It has a plunging neckline and low cut back accentuated with 2 fine leather straps crossing it. The leather is intr...
Gianni Versace metallic gold leather mini dress, fw 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace metallic gold leather mini dress ▪ Fall-Winter 1994 ▪ Croc-embossed ▪ Diagonal front zipper ▪ 2 front pockets ▪ IT 40 - FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4 ▪ Made in Italy All p...
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Runway Embroidered Lace Black Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Runway Embroidered Lace Black Evening Dress Gown IT 40 Look 92 from the Spring 1997 Collection.
GIANNI VERSACE, American Pop Art Dress Design, London Retrospective, 1991
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingston, NY
Gianni Versace, Spring/Summer 1991, American Pop Art Design as exhibited at the GIANNI VERSACE RETROSPECTIVE at the LONDON EXHIBITION along with Elton John's wardrobe. Italian Modernism, "Neoclassical on Steroids"* Dress version is exclusively available. Attend the Gianni Versace Retrospective in this dress and be part of its collection! Fine Wool, Abstract pattern throughout in purple, blue, green and black. Silk lined in purple Cap sleeves, Jewel neckline...
Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Vintage Geometric Print Belted Open Back Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Vintage Geometric Print Belted Open Back Dress IT 44
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Wrap Plunged Geometric Print Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Wrap Plunged Geometric Print Dress IT 38
$1,132Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Orange Formal Suit by Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage orange suit designed by Gianni Versace in the 1970s, of fine Italian manufacture. Inside is the original label. The suit consists of two pieces: ja...
F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Runway Black Satin Rhinestone Medusa Pocket Gown 40IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black satin Gianni Versace gown, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, a belted version of this dress debuted in red on the seaso...
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Couture Op Art Atelier Pleated Skirt Blouse Set IT38
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous vibrant silk Gianni Versace Couture skirt set designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter of 1991, this set was highlighted in the season's lookbook photographed by Herb Ritts. This incredible set is covered in Gianni's Atelier Versace "Neobarocco" print, featuring a mix of black and white geometric patterns and classicly Versace colorful...
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Iconic Black Ruched Bodyon Stretch Strap Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
Size 40IT / XSmall Good condition Two of the straps that were orignally leather have been replaced because of their fragility. Bust: 32" Waist: 28 - 33" Hips: 30 - 40" Shoulder t...
Gianni Versace cream leather and black lace evening dress, ss 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace cream leather and black lace evening dress ▪ Deep plunge neckline ▪ High neck ▪ Long Sleeves ▪ Nude mesh ▪ Tight fit ▪ C...
GIANNI VERSACE Size S Brown Tan Stripe Tank Dress Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIANNI VERSACE 1980 VINTAGE dress top vertical stripped comes in a brown and tan satin featuring a front pocket.Excellent Pre- Owned Condition. Marked: no size marked. Measurem...
$1,410Sale Price|20% Off
Bright Gianni Versace Yellow Two Piece Formal Suit
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Brilliant yellow dress designed by Gianni Versace in the 1970s, of fine Italian manufacture. The original label is present inside. The dress consists of two pieces: jacket and skirt....
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Couture Black Stretch Bouclé Wool Mini Dress LBD IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a runway-ready little black dress designed by Gianni Versace for his iconic Fall/Winter 1991 collection. This piece debuted as runway look number 27 on Marpessa Hennink an...
F/W 1997 Gianni Versace Couture Royal Blue Keyhole Wool Stretch Dress IT40 / US6
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous royal blue Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, this beautiful sleeveless wool stretch dress is made c...