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. The designer debuted his Atelier Versace line — which was part of the first Versace haute couture collection — in 1989.
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 1989's Gianni Versace Couture — 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 Gianni Versace Couture bags, dresses and more on 1stDibs.
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe Pop Art Warhol Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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. ...
1991 Versace Jeans Couture Pop Art Printed Jeans
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Versace Jeans Couture vintage rare pop art printed jeans from 1991. These bold whimsical jeans feature a colorful graphic print of graffiti, music notes, and plaid. Size: 27 Condi...
F/W 2019 Versace Runway Vittoria Printed Silk Multicolor Blazer
By Versace
Located in Concord, NC
This spectacular Versace multicolored “Vittoria” silk blazer features shoulder pads, long sleeves, buttoned cuffs, & three front pockets As seen on the Fall Winter 2019 runway Gold t...
1990's Hermes Vintage Quilted Reversible Scarf Print Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Concord, NC
1990's rare Hermes vintage 'Etendards et Bannieres' scarf printed quilted reversible jacket. The reverse side is a dark green wool and cashmere. Novelty buttons. Size: 42 Condition...
Versace Jeans Couture Vintage Cinema Movie Poster Jacket
By Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Rare vintage Versace Jeans Couture retro movie poster cinema themed puffer jacket. Zip closure Gold Medusa buttons Size: Size tag not present, fit...
1990’s Moschino Cheap & Chic Vintage Pop Art Warhol Blazer
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Concord, NC
1990’s Moschino Cheap and Chic vintage blazer. This novelty printed blazer features a Andy Warhol inspired colorful pop art design. Gold buttons. Size: No size tag, refer to measu...
Versace Jeans Couture Graffiti Print Cotton Button-Up Shirt circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Versace Jeans Couture Graffiti Print Cotton Button-Up Shirt from the circa 1990s is a striking example of late 20th-century high-end streetwear infused with luxury fashion. The ...
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...
1990s Gianni Versace Playing Card Print Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gianni Versace white label silk shirt from the early 1990s. All over print of abstract playing cards in white, maroon, black, yellow and navy. Solid...
Gianni Versace 1993 Spring Runway Atelier Pure Silk patterned Colourful Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1993 'ATELIER VERSACE' Baroque patterned Long sleeve Shirt, crafted from a vibrantly printed Silk displaying beautiful imagery of Various Classic...
Gianna Versace SS 1993 Miami Collection Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the iconic Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1993 Miami Collection Silk Shirt, a rare and extraordinary piece that encapsulates the vibrancy and glamour of the era. Crafted from luxurious silk, this printed button-up shirt is a testament to Gianni Versace's bold and visionary approach to fashion. The shirt features a captivating Miami Everglades print that pays homage to the city's eclectic culture and natural beauty. The print depicts crocodiles, flags, palm trees, and signature Versace baroque prints throughout, creating a mesmerizing and dynamic design that is both eye-catching and symbolic of the brand's heritage. With its vibrant colors and intricate details, this silk shirt is a true statement piece that exudes luxury and sophistication. Whether worn as a standalone statement or layered under a blazer for a more polished look, it adds a touch of glamour and personality to any ensemble. Rare and highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike, the Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1993 Miami Collection Silk Shirt is a timeless and iconic piece that captures the spirit of the era and continues to inspire contemporary fashion today. Style this with a pair of Tom Ford pants, a Cartier ring and some Gucci loafers to complete the look. In pristine condition with no signs of wear, please see photos. Comes with original Gianni Versace garment bag (pictured). Made in Italy. Size mens 52...
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...
