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.
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 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. 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 Versace evening dresses, handbags, day dresses, accessories and more on 1stDibs.
Versace Blue Leather Cutout Lace Embellished Gown IT40
By Versace
Located in Brossard, QC
Versace leather cut out floral details embellished with Swarovski crystal and sequins over tulle sky-blue gown. Tulle, crepe. Tonal bead and crystal embellishments, overlay, crosso...
$429Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE purple silk blend silver studs colorblock mod shift dress IT42 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE purple silk blend silver studs colorblock mod shift dress IT42 M Reference: CC/A00390 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Silk, Blend Color: Purple, Black Pa...
Versace by Donatella Versace Pink Silk, Net & Crystal Evening Dress, SS 2002
By Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2002 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Net, Crystal ▪ Size: IT40 - FR36 - UK8 - US4 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condition: Ve...
Versace F/W 2006 Plunging Ruched Ruffles Black Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2006 Plunging Ruched Ruffles Black Dress Condition: size tag has been removed, fits like a small. A few small pulls by the zipper, see last two pictures, not noticeable...
New Versace Neon Pink Crystal Embellished Draped Tulle Crepe Mini Dress 4, 6, 8
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Crystal Embellished Mini Dress Designer sizes available: 40 - US 4, 42 - US 6, 44 - US 8. Hot and Sexy Mini Tulle Crepe Dress, Crystal Embellished in Greek Key Pattern, ...
Versace Red Mini Dress with Belt
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE dress This Cocktail dress features asymmetric hem and cut out neckline detail. Comes with red suede belt. (size 65) 51% viscose 46% acetate 3% elastane Size 38 - US 2 Made ...
Versace S/S 2006 Runway Unworn Bustier Bra Midi Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2006 Runway Unworn Bustier Bra Midi Dress IT 38 Look 38 from the Spring 2006 Collection.
2009 Vintage Versace one Shoulder Purple Long Dress Gown with Hearts 46 - US 10
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE S/S 2009 Look # 37 Size 46 or US 10 The sensational color, one-shoulder design, artfully embellished body with zipper trimmed and crystal embellished hearts - ensure a st...
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Ivory Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Dress Gown Versace sleeveless gown featuring plunging neckline, beaded embellishments throughout, slit at high-low hem and concealed zip clo...
$385Sale Price|20% Off
Versace One Sleeve Draped Dress in Black Viscose IT36/UK4
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
Super slinky Versace one sleeve dress - bought for £1600 and unworn. Made from super stretchy black viscose, it has super flattering semi fitted draped cut with single sleeve, open s...
2015 Versace Crystal Embellished Dress
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Actual runway sample Spring/Summer 2015 look # 39 Crystal embellished dress Versace's mini dress sings high-octane glamour. It has straight silhouette with a sheer mesh tul...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belt Plunging Backless Wrap Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Logo Belt Plunging Backless Wrap Dress IT 38 Look 8 from the Spring 2005 Collection. Condition: good vintage condition, metal belt closure has discolored du...
Vintage Versace Embellished Red Silk Gown Dress Size 42
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Versace Embellished Red Silk Gown Dress as seen on Blake at Emmy's The dress is actually on the list of best red carpet dresses. Deep V-Neck, open back, thigh high slit, pail...
NWT F/W 2004 Versace by Donatella Runway Studded Black Wool Pencil Dress IT38
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black Versace mini dress, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, this dress debuted as look 36, modeled by Michelle Alves. This fi...
New Versus Versace + Anthony Vaccarello Cutout Studded Leather Mini Dress 38 - 2
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE VERSUS + Anthony Vaccarello Cutout studded leather mini dress For a seductive LBD that packs a punch, turn to Versus Versace. Black leather Concealed zip fastening along si...
Versace F/W 2004 Campaign Sheer Panels Buckle Detail Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2004 Campaign Sheer Panels Buckle Detail Evening Dress Gown Size: IT 40 Condition: Good vintage condition, there is a bit of very minor pulling at the silk above the sl...
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Trésor De La Mer Print Cutout Back Halter Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Trésor De La Mer Print Cutout Back Halter Dress IT 42
New Versace 100% Silk Baroque Animal Wild Patch Printed Mini Dress 38
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE WILD PATCH PRINTED DRESS Add some print to your cocktail repertoire and slip into this "Wild Patch" printed mini dress. Printed short dress Sleeveless, Keyhole on front, go...
Black silk evening dress with silver metal Medusa Versace 3500€
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black silk evening dress with silver metal Medusa. Boned. Zip on the left side with branded zip-puller. Draped on the bust. Snap in the middle...
Pink one strap cocktail dress VERSACE New
By Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink one strap cocktail dress. Main fabric composition: 72% wool, 24% silk, 4% elastane. Branded ( Medusa) lining composition: 96% rayon, 4% elastane. Pink satin strap. Invisible zi...
NWT Versace $12575 Silk Blue Fully Embellished Corset Dress Gown It. 44 US 10
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Silk Blue Fully Embellished Dress Gown Italian size 44 - US 10 ( please check measurements ) Blue Silk Gown Embellished with Clear Be...
NWT S/S 2006 Versace by Donatella Plunging Backless Silk Satin Slip Gown IT38
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The dress features soutache appliqué in an ornate baroque-inspired scrollwork design that forms the shoulder straps. Constructed from intricate cording sewn directly onto the silk sa...
New Versace Fall 2016 Runway Sequin Embellishment Cut-Out Tulle Accent Dress 40
By Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Runway Versace Mini Embellished Dress Designer size 40 This dress stands out for collectors due to its one-of-a-kind patchwork composition, where bold prints, textured fabrics, a...
Vintage 2009 Versace Black Silk Gown NWT
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
2009 Vintage Versace Black Silk Gown This rare and sophisticated 2009 Versace evening gown is a collector’s piece, showcasing the house’s signature sensuality and expert draping. Cr...
1990s Versace Black Silk Sheer Dress with Eyelash Fringe, Women's
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy 1990s Versus Versace black silk sheer dress with eyelash fringe sheath dress. Bust: 32" / hip: 33"
Vintage 2010 Versace Aquamarine Embellished One Shoulder Long Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
S/S 2010 VERSACE The sensational color, one-shoulder design, artfully embellished body and fluid skirt - which allows effortless movement - ensure a stunning silhouette Color: ...
$1,560Sale Price|35% Off
rare VERSACE Runway silk pailette embellished sheer sleeves draped evening gown
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare VERSACE Runway blue silk pailette embellished sheer sleeves draped evening gown Reference: TGAS/D01130 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Ma...
2008 Vintage Versace Violet Silk Chiffon Dress Gown NWT
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE GOWN FW 2008 Size: IT 44 (US 8 approx.) Condition: Pristine, New with Tags Original Retail back in 2008: Over $18,000 A breathtaking piece of fashion history, this rare arc...
Versace 2005 Silk Snake Print Sheer Lace Medusa Embellished Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace 2005 Collection Silk Snake Print Dress Gown Italian size 44 - US 8 Sheer Lace Waist, Gold Tone Metal Medusa Decoration Fully Lined in Black Silk, Side Zip Closure Two Front S...
UNWORN Versace Ruched Rose Floral Print Silk Dress 2004 seen on Teri 38
By Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning VERSACE signature dress Beautiful rose printed silk Neckholder with open back Ruched details Slight tail - longer on back Silver-tone hardware details on neckholder and back Pleated in the back Completely lined with fine lime silk Seen on "Desperate Housewive...
$5,039Sale Price|44% Off
UNWORN Versace 2007 Silk Goddess Evening Bridal Wedding Gown Maxi Dress 42
By Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
Incredible Versace Grecian Goddess Silk Evening Gown Featured In The AD Campaign, Runway Show And Worn By Many Models & Celebs Like Jennifer, Liz, Leona, Daria and many more So...
Versace demi-couture dress, S/S 2004
By Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Norwich, GB
Versace by Donatella Versace demi-couture silk jewel embellished gown, from the Spring/Summer 2004 collection. Condition Very good. A few minor marks at hem. Marked Size IT 42
Vintage VERSACE F/W 2005 Embellished Black Emerald Mini Cocktail Dress 42 US 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage VERSACE Embellished Black Emerald Mini Cocktail Dress F/W 2005 Collection Designer Size 42 - US 6 Emerald green and black sequins over the tulle,...
2000s Versace by Donatella Black Ribbon Halter Neck Medusa Cutout Dress 42IT
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Donatella Versace designed this divine little black Versace dress in the mid-2000s. This long-sleeved dress features a knotted accent at the bust, a halter neck strap, and a semi-exp...
$223Sale Price|44% Off
Versace Resort 2017 Women's Black Tulle Sleeve Dress with Chiffon
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
Super sexy and dramatic Versace tulle sleeve dress – from the Resort 2017 collection. Bought for over £1500 and worn twice - has been dry cleaned. Made from thick, stretchy black vis...
Versace Silk Bustier Dress with Leather Straps
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress with laser cut patent leather trim from Versace. It has intricate laser cut out mesh backed patent leather double straps- one set crosses at the upper ba...
$10,590Sale Price|50% Off
Versace Iconic Sequins and Beads Multicolour Long Dress
By Versace
Located in Capri, IT
Versace Iconic Sequins and Beads Multicolour Long Dress Unique and rare long multicolour dress totally made in italy in italian size range 40 Beads...
$5,039Sale Price|72% Off
Amazing VERSACE Strapless Beaded Goddess Evening Wedding Bridal Gown Dress 42
By Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
INCREDIBLE VERSACE GRECIAN GODDESS WHITE SILK BEADED EVENING GOWN Gorgeous off-white evening gown inspired by the Grecian goddesses by VE...
Versace Spring 06 blue brown leather silk sleeveless bustier midi dress IT 38
By Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Versace Spring 2006 Navy blue bustier dress with brown ribbon print Leather & suede braiding over mesh to the bust and straps Fal...
Vintage Versace Black Long Gown Wrap Dress with Open Back 42 - 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Black Viscose Long Dress Deep V-neck Open back Wrap style Crystal button Content: 100% viscose Lining: 100% viscose IT Size 42 - US 6 Armpit to armpit: up to 20" Waist: up ...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Plunging Hi-Low Ruched Open Back Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Plunging Hi-Low Ruched Open Back Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Look 49 from the Spring 2005 Collection. Please note the clear embellishment on the neck closure h...
Versace Chaos Couture Embellished Denim Dress Spring/Summer 2005 Size 38IT
By Versace
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Versace Chaos Couture Vintage Embellished Denim Dress Spring/Summer 2005 Size 38IT
Versace Silk Draped Dress with Leather and Stud Trim
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning black dress from Versace made of neoprene and semi sheer silk. The dress is comprised of neoprene with a swath of gathered silk draped from the shoulder along one side of ...
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
rare VERSACE 2008 black sequins bead embellishment ruffle strap dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare VERSACE 2008 black sequins bead embellishment ruffle strap dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00408 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material:...
$3,671Sale Price|20% Off
Versace F/W 2004 “Punk” Studded White Ruched Dress
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in PARIS, FR
Seen on Caroline Winberg in the F/W 2004 runway collection by Donatella Versace. Sculpted in a shimmering stretch nylon, this bodycon dress features signature ruching along the fron...
VERSACE 2021 Runway pink scaled crystal encrusted strapless dress IT40 S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway pink scaled crystal encrusted strapless dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01806 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A88384 1F00296 1B000 Collection: 202...
Rare F/W 2011 Look #35 Versace Black Snakeskin Leather Dress Size 42
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Fall/Winter 2011 look # 35 Model Constance Jablonski partied with fellow Angels after the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wearing a sexy Versace leather dress. If you're loo...
Pre-Fall 2011 Look #5 Versace Purple Floral Gown Dress 38 - 2
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Actual PR-Sample Pre-Fall 2011 Look # 5 Purple Silk and Viscose Dress with thin straps. Deep slit on the leg. Content: 51% viscose, 49% silk Lining: 100% silk IT Size 38 or U...
Versace Embellished Bustier Sheer One Shoulder Black Evening Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace Embellished Bustier Sheer One Shoulder Black Evening Dress Gown IT 40 Versace black evening gown featuring bustier embellished sheer mesh ...
Versace F/W 2003 Runway Bustier Bra Sheer Lace Open Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace F/W 2003 Runway Bustier Bra Sheer Lace Open Back Dress Look 37 from the Fall 2003 Collection by Donatella Versace Size: IT 40 Condition: Good vintage condition, please not...
VERSACE cream gold bead clear crystal embellished hem shift dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE cream gold bead clear crystal embellished hem shift dress IT38 XS Reference: CC/A00392 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Viscose, Blend Color: Cream, Gold ...
F/W 2004 Versace by Donatella Purple Tiger One Shoulder Buckle Dress IT38
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vibrant purple tiger print Versace dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, the same print in yellow/orange debuted on looks 8 and 11. This beautiful deep purple dress...
2009 Vintage Versace One Shoulder Blue Silk Dress Gown as Seen on Donatella 44
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
A breathtaking creation from the 2009 Versace runway, this rare one-shoulder gown captures the height of Donatella Versace’s dramatic glamour. Crafted in diaphanous ice-blue silk chi...
New Versace Red Silk Embellished Gown with Long Sleeves 38 - 2
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Versace's gown is crafted from 100% silk and finished with embellishments. This red piece has slim silhouette and sheer chiffon long sleeves.Fully lined. Content: 100% silk ...
Versace F/W 2009 Teal Jersey Stretch Gown Fish Scale Sequin Detailing 42 - US 8
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage F/W 2009 Versace Teal Jersey Stretch Gown with Fish Scale Sequin Detailing Italian size 42 - US 8 ( measurements below ) Turn heads with this striking one-shoulder gown from ...
Gianni Versace yellow lambskin leather top and skirt, ss 2003
By Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianni Versace leather top and skirt set ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Constructed from yellow lambskin leather ▪ Fitted leather top with open back and lace-up fastenin...
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Peach Plunging Open Back Midi Dress
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Runway Peach Plunging Open Back Midi Dress IT 44
Versace 2004 Black Silk Cut-Out Halter Gown, Size 38IT by Donatella
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
From Donatella Versace’s Spring/Summer 2004 runway collection, this dramatic black evening gown perfectly captures the bold glamour that defined Versace in the early 2000s. Cut from...
Versace Documented Runway Spring 2010 Aqua Metal Studded One Shoulder Gown
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indulge in a fashion fantasy with the Versace Spring 2010 Aqua Metal Studded One Shoulder Gown. This dreamy aqua colored gown features an alluring ...
Ultra-Rare 2012 Versace Fully Beaded Blush Mesh Gown
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Ultra-Rare 2012 Versace Gown A museum-worthy artifact of modern couture history, this 2012 Versace gown is an exceptionally rare piece from one of the house’s most celebrated collec...