VERSACE Gianni Signature black gold Barocco Virtus Medusa nylon backpack bag
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00787 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
VERSACE Gianni Signature black gold Barocco Virtus Medusa nylon backpack bag
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00788 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
Versace Medusa Paisley Pattern 867046 Green Canvas Backpack
By Versace
Located in Forest Hills, NY
MaterialCANVAS ColorNAVY x GREEN Approximate SizeWx23cm(9.1inch) Hx24cm(9.4inch) Dx15cm(5.9inch) Handle Drop / Strap DropHanle Drop : 11cm(4.3inch) / Strap Lengh : 35cm(13.8inch) Out...
Versace Nylon Baroque Medusa Small Backpack Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Rome, Rome
Baroque backpack by Versace. It features the iconic baroque print, a gold metal Medusa head on the front, adjustable shoulder straps, zip front exterior pocket, and a main compartmen...
VERSACE Medusa Western Starburst embroidered black nylon backpack
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Medusa Western Starburst embroidered black nylon backpack Reference: TGAS/C00268 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DFZ5350 DRINY3 DNOOH Material: Nylon Color:...
VERSACE Medusa Western Starburst embroidered black nylon backpack
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Medusa Western Starburst embroidered black nylon backpack Reference: TGAS/C00268 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DFZ5350 DRINY3 DNOOH Material: Nylon Color:...
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H 16.93 in W 13.78 in D 7.09 in
new VERSACE Medusa Western Starburst embroidered black nylon backpack
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Medusa Western Starburst embroidered black nylon backpack Reference: TGAS/C00268 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DFZ5350 DRINY3 DNOOH Material: Nyl...
1990s Versace Large Terry Medusa Backpack with tags
By Gianni Versace
Located in Austin, TX
1990s Versace large red terry medusa backpack, new with tags.
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H 14.97 in W 11.42 in D 6.3 in
new VERSACE Greca black nylon white Medusa buckle Technical backpack
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Greca black nylon white Medusa buckle Technical backpack Reference: TGAS/C00263 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DFZ8582S DNYJS D41P Material: Nylon...
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H 14.97 in W 11.42 in D 6.3 in
new VERSACE Greca black nylon white Medusa buckle Technical backpack
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Greca black nylon white Medusa buckle Technical backpack Reference: TGAS/C00270 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DFZ8582S DNYJS D41P Material: Nylon...
Sold
H 14.97 in W 11.42 in D 6.3 in
new VERSACE Greca black nylon white Medusa buckle Technical backpack
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Greca black nylon white Medusa buckle Technical backpack Reference: TGAS/C00020 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DFZ8582S DNYJS D41P Material: Nylon...
Sold
H 14.97 in W 11.42 in D 6.3 in
new VERSACE Greca black nylon white Medusa buckle Technical backpack
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Greca black nylon white Medusa buckle Technical backpack Reference: TGAS/C00022 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DFZ8582S DNYJS D41P Material: Nylon...
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca pocket backpack bag
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca pocket backpack bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Medusa backpack Material: Nylon Color: Black Pattern: ...
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00567 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
Sold
H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa navy blue nylon Greca pocket backpack bag
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa navy blue nylon Greca pocket backpack bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Medusa backpack Material: Nylon Color: Blue Patter...
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H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Palazzo nylon backpack Material: Nylon; leat...
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H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Palazzo nylon backpack Material: Nylon; leat...
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa blue nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa blue nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Palazzo nylon backpack Material: Nylon; leath...
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H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Palazzo nylon backpack Material: Nylon; leat...
Sold
H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Palazzo nylon backpack Material: Nylon; leat...
Sold
H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Palazzo nylon backpack Material: Nylon; leat...
Sold
H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE black Palazzo Medusa Greca nylon stitching pocket backpack bag
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black Palazzo Medusa Greca nylon stitching pocket backpack bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Medusa backpack Material: Nylon Color: Black...
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00721 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00573 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00722 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00648 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00568 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00567 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collection...
Sold
H 16.93 in W 13 in D 7.88 in
new VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00529 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V M...
Sold
H 16.93 in W 13 in D 7.88 in
new VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00574 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V M...
Sold
H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Medusa backpack Material: Nylon Color: Bl...
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H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa blue nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa blue nylon Greca stitch front pocket backpack bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Medusa backpack Material: Nylon Color: Blu...
Sold
H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
new VERSACE navy blue Palazzo Medusa Greca nylon stitching pocket backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE navy blue Palazzo Medusa Greca nylon stitching pocket backpack bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Medusa backpack Material: Nylon Color: B...
new VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Barocco Virtus Medusa print nylon backpack bag Reference: TGAS/C00532 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: 1002886 1A02182 5800V Collec...
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H 15.36 in W 14.97 in D 7.09 in
new VERSACE soft calkskin leather gold studded Medusa top zip pillow backpack
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE soft calkskin leather gold studded Medusa top zip pillow backpack Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Leather backpack Material: Leather Color:...
Rare 1990s Versace Medusa Gingham Backpak
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A fabulous 1990's Versace couture black and white gingham backpack with large Versace medusa medallion.
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa crossbody bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00162 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28125S DVIT2S D41E Material: ...
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H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00161 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28125S DVIT2S D41E Material: ...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00186 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28125S DVIT2S D41E Material: ...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa crossbody bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00187 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28125S DVIT2S D41E Material: ...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa crossbody bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00160 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28125S DVIT2S D41E Material: ...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa crossbody bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black lacquered saffiano leather silver Medusa crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00188 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28125S DVIT2S D41E Material: ...
Sold
H 10.63 in W 9.06 in D 0.2 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black geometric quilted nylon crossbody messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black geometric quilted nylon crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00839 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28120S DNYL2V D41 Col...
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H 10.63 in W 9.06 in D 0.2 in
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black geometric quilted nylon crossbody messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black geometric quilted nylon crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00838 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28120S DNYL2V D41 Col...
VERSACE Pop Medusa navy grey calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Pop Medusa navy grey calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00129 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28085 DVTG4M K044H Collection: Pop ...
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa emblem black saffiano leather zip pouch clutch
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Palazzo Medusa emblem black saffiano leather zip pouch clutch Reference: TGAS/C00128 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Leather Color: Black Patte...
VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black lambskin leather silver zip wristlet clutch bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black lambskin leather silver zip wristlet clutch bag Reference: TGAS/E00767 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DP88507 DVT8ME 1B00E Collection:...
VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black lambskin leather gold zip wristlet clutch bag-
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Palazzo Medusa black lambskin leather gold zip wristlet clutch bag- Reference: TGAS/E00763 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DP88507 DVT8ME 1B00E Collection: ...
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H 6.7 in W 4.73 in D 1.78 in
new VERSACE black lacquered leather silver Medusa logo small crossbody bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black lacquered leather silver Medusa logo small crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00189 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28131S DVIT2S D41E Material...
Sold
H 6.7 in W 4.73 in D 1.78 in
new VERSACE black lacquered leather silver Medusa logo crossbody bag Small
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black lacquered leather silver Medusa logo crossbody bag Small Reference: TGAS/C00190 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28131S DVIT2S D41E Material...
VERSACE Pop Medusa navy grey calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Pop Medusa navy grey calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00050 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28085 DVTG4M K044H Collection: Pop ...
VERSACE Pop Medusa navy grey calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Pop Medusa navy grey calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00130 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28085 DVTG4M K044H Collection: Pop ...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE Pop Medusa black yellow calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Pop Medusa black yellow calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00126 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28085 DVTG4M DNZ5H Coll...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE Pop Medusa black yellow calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Pop Medusa black yellow calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00125 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28085 DVTG4M DNZ5H Coll...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE Pop Medusa black yellow calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Pop Medusa black yellow calf leather Greca crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00123 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28085 DVTG4M DNZ5H Coll...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE Pop Medusa navy grey calf leather Greca strap crossbody bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Pop Medusa navy grey calf leather Greca strap crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00050 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28085 DVTG4M K044H Collection:...
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE Pop Medusa black yellow leather Greca nylon crossbody messenger bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Pop Medusa black yellow leather Greca nylon crossbody messenger bag Reference: TGAS/C00049 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DL28085 DVTG4M DNZ5H Col...
VERSACE Clash Demi Medusa gold silver split black leather neck crossbody bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Clash Demi Medusa gold silver split black leather neck crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C00330 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DP88S93 DVT77 D41VP Collection: ...
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H 6.3 in W 11.42 in D 2.76 in
new VERSACE 2019 Runway black leather clasp buckle Medusa crossbody belt bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2019 Runway black leather clasp buckle Medusa crossbody belt bag Reference: TGAS/B00070 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Leather waist bag Collectio...
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.
Vintage and designer backpacks do more than carry our books, notebooks, electronic devices and other possessions to and fro. They are also a reflection of personal taste and style. Whether it’s an understated solid color — black backpacks will remain forever timeless — or it’s emblazoned with a dazzling graphic pattern or an iconic fashion house’s logo, a backpack makes a statement.
In 1908, decades before the JanSports and Eastpaks of the world materialized, Norwegian Ole Bergan crafted the first backpack, whittling and shaping a juniper branch to support a robust canvas rucksack on his back. Twenty-five years later, the patent on Bergan’s wildly convenient and functional accessory expired, and backpacks became popular with hikers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts as other designers and companies scrambled to develop their own iterations. During the late 1930s, the first zippered backpack appeared — for students, it was a significant improvement over carrying their books with a leather belt.
Some designer backpacks are sleek and sporty, while others attract attention with flashy brass hardware and a textured exterior flap. While the innumerable handbag lovers of our modern times continue to gravitate toward iconic labels — classic bags still rule — today’s shoppers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Backpacks designed by universally renowned brands such as Gucci, Dior and Burberry are similarly alluring when it comes to finding the perfect carryall.
Heavy-duty nylon backpacks or those made with polyester are likely the most common, but many alternatives can be found in canvas, leather and suede. The best backpack for you might be one that is modest in size and discreet, and thus ideal for carrying a few items. If that sounds like what you need, explore crossbody bags and messenger bags, as they’re a bit easier to access and you don’t have to remove the bag to get to its contents. Others may seek a bag that is spacious enough to fit all of the supplies for an overnight hike, in which case, a sturdy, structured backpack might be a better fit.
Whether it is for fashion, function or both, there is a backpack suited to every individual. Find yours in the extensive collection of vintage and designer backpacks on 1stDibs.