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 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Off-White Shimmery Mini Dress IT44
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace by Donatella’s Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this off-white mini dress features shimmering fabric and an elegant, body-hugging silhouette. The plunging neckline ...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Miss S&M Embellished Bustier Top
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Exceptionally rare Gianni Versace black bondage top from the Fall Winter 1992 “Miss S&M” collection and as seen pictured on the runway. This statement piece is constructed with b...
Gianni Versace Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a gorgeous caramel tan color. It has a plunging neckline and a wide matching leather inset waist. The skirt is straight, t...
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt with Leather Band 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous semi sheer silk skirt with colorful flowers on a black background from Gianni Versace. It has a wide leather band with intricately braided leath...
Gianni Versace Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous full length black silk gown from Gianni Versace Couture. It has a front scoop neck, a deep cut out back and fabulous tan leather shoulders. It is semi fitted though the ...
Gianni Versace Reversible Skirt with Elaborate Applique 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous lightweight black and off white plaid wool skirt from Gianni Versace. It has an elaborate pieced applique abstract design in green and yel...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace Black Lace Sheer Leather Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage black lace mesh leather panelled gown from the Fall Winter 2001 collection. Has original tags! Draped neckline Leather straps, inserts and buckle detailing at ...
1990's Gianni Versace Black Raw Silk High Waisted Cigarette Pants - Trousers
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A finely tailored pair of Gianni Versace Couture cigarette pants from the 1990s. Crafted from 100% Raw Silk, featuring a Zip & Farrier hook fasten closure, tailored leg and Ankle...
Black velvet and wool cocktail dress with jewellery button GIANNI VERSACE COUTUR
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet and wool cocktail dress with jewellery button closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. ( 2 extra button provided) Lining composition probably rayon or acetate. Hook...
Gianni Versace Couture Print Silk Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a colorful pink, lavender and blue abstract print on a white background. The bodice has a front adjustable drawstring square nec...
Gianni Versace Couture 1990s Bell Sleeve Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace. It has a square neckline with a notched center and long subtly belled sleeves. The dress is semi fitted with inner boning for ...
Gianni Versace Couture purple lace dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Rubiera, RE
Gianni Versace Couture purple lace macramé dress vintage 90s Size IT 42 Made in Italy - Atlas SpA 55% cotton 17% polyamid 11% silk 9% acetate Lined Flat...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Dress with Leather Hip Band A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress from Gianni Versace in an abstract bright pink, taupe, black and white print. It is sleeveless with a V neckline, a top stitched leather inset around the hips...
1999 Gianni Versace Couture Sparkly Pastel Pink Strapless Bustier Cocktail Dress
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A superbly crafted Gianni Versace Couture dress from 1999. Designed from a pastel pink linen with a silver metallic lamé textured finish, the dress has a hand stitched pleated ruffle...
Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous bodycon dress in black silk eyelet by Gianni Versace Couture. It has a plunging neckline with lacing and straps crossing at the upper back. The dress has flattering seam...
Gianni Versace Silk Skirt and Top Set with Hardware
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fine silk jersey one shoulder top and matching skirt from Gianni Versace Couture in pink scrolls and lines print on a black background. The top is fitted and has a gold metal signature Versace Greek key hardware...
Gianni Versace Silk Patchwork Print Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk dress from Gianni Versace in a compilation patchwork of some of his most notable colorful prints including scrolls, feathers and flowers. It is sleeveless and has a ...
Gianni Versace Couture Fall 2001 Black Silk Chiffon Tan Leather Belted Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare Fall 2001 runway GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE, by Donatella, Museum Worthy black silk chiffon and leather full length evening dress! Kylie Minogue also stunned in the gown o...
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage 1990s 90s Color Block Wool Shift Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture label color block shift dress in purple, yellow and brown. Details: Fully Lined Back Zip and Hook Closure Marked Size: 40 Color: Purple/ Yellow/ Bro...
Gianni Versace Couture Color Block Dress with Leather Trim SS 2001
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. The long sleeve bodice crosses in the front creating an adjustable neckline. It has a tan colored leather inset around...
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1992 Runway S&M Bondage Black Jacket-Size 6
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1992 Runway S&M Bondage Black Jacket-Size 6 This very collectible Versace Couture Jacket is from one of his most famous collections. The chic semi cro...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Runway Gray Pinstripe Medusa Medallion Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Chic Gianni Versace gray pinstripe skirt suit from the Spring Summer 1995 collection and as seen on the runway. The double breasted blazer features Medusa buttons at the front and cu...
Gianni Versace Silk Dress with Beaded Straps
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black silk dress with beaded straps from Gianni Versace Couture. It is a simple dress that skims the body with 2 straps at each shoulder mad...
Gianni Versace Couture Chartreuse & Black Skirt Suit, 1998
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gianni Versace Couture skirt suit from 1998. Electric chartreuse green and black color-blocking. Sleek and futuristic. So very Y2K. Black Medusa toggle buttons at side waist on the ...
Gianni Versace vintage top, 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace vintage top, 1990s Size: 38 (IT) Length: 64 cm (~25.2 inches) Composition: No composition tag (cut off) Condition: Excellent – no sta...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Vogue Pop Art Printed Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Vogue vintage multicolored printed pop art shirt from the Spring 1991 collection. Featuring the iconic Vogue print with Vogue magaz...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Vintage 1990's Pastel Baroque High-Waisted Pants Trousers
By Gianni Versace Couture, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of Archival, Decadent 1990's Gianni Versace Couture runway pants, in beautiful pastel colours with a highly ornamental baroque patterned print. MADE IN ITALY. Features: High ...
Lifetime Gianni Versace Couture 1990's Ivory Wool Coat with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lifetime 1990's Gianni Versace Couture soft ivory wool overcoat. This chic and edgy medium weight coat has peak lapels that are punctuated with leather laser-cut serrated leather tri...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous orange one shoulder silk knit dress by Gianni Versace Couture. The dress is highlighted with lines of light blue angora yarn over the one shoulder which extend down the f...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Pant Suit with Cut outs 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk pant suit from Gianni Versace Couture. The jacket has a V neckline, princess seaming for a flattering fit, lightly padded shoulders, a front zipper closing, and a mesh covered wedge cut out from underarm to pocket on each side. The straight leg mid rise pants have 2 fine curved nude...
1995 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Runway-Referenced Evening Dress — 1995 Black Version Size IT 42 Excellent / Pristine Condition An exceptionally rare archival Gianni Versace Couture evening d...
F/W 1994 GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Runway Pink Python Snake Skin Trousers Pants 29"
By Gianni Versace Couture, Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of Incredibly Rare F/W 1994 'Gianni Versace Couture' runway trousers. Crafted from full pelts of soft, glossy pink Python skin. Features: High waisted silhouette / Silver Ver...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Teal Turquoise Blue Silk Jersey Vintage 90s Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
The ultimate 1990s vintage GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE turquoise / teal blue slink silk jersey skirt! The perfect vibrant blue color adds a pop of color to any outfit. Sits on the hips, w...
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Cut Out Gown, Size 42, 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy 90s Gianni Versace Black Cut out gown. Dress marked size 42 See measurement: Bust: 34” / Waist 28” / Hip: 38”
Documented Versace Silk-Twill Baroque Print Shirt Blouse, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
Just one glimpse at this shirt and you'll know it's Versace ! The "Greco-inspired Baroque" print is so genuinely Gianni's style and iconic that Donatella re-issued the same shirt blo...
Gianni Versace Safety Pin Skirt 1990s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk blend skirt from Gianni Versace. It overlaps at the side waist and has 3 signature Medusa head safety pins in silver and gold along that side leaving it open be...
Gianni Versace New Strapless Lace Up Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk strapless dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is fitted with flattering seaming and center back lacing, functional on the skirt portion with fine leather lac...
Gianni Versace Couture Rare Spring 1998 Vintage Black and White Cut - Out Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and collectible vintage GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Spring / Summer 1998 black and white houndstooth dress! Sheer cut-out details at the side bodice on the front and back of this 1990s...
Kate Moss Gianni Versace Couture 1994 White Lace Size 44 8 10 Crop Top 90s
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy and rare Gianni Versace Couture Spring Summer 1994 Runway white lace sheer crop top blouse ! Kate Moss opened the Versace Spring 1994 Runway show in the same shirt. Features silk French Chantilly lace with hidden buttons up the front center. Large silver Medusa buttons at center collar and at each sleeve cuff. Can easily be dressed up or down. Great with shorts, jeans, trosuers or a skirt. The pictured 1996 vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Safe Sex...
Atelier Versace Magical Golden Waterfall Swan Tail Dress Gown
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Atelier Versace custom-made beaded gown fashioned of golden champagne gossamer silk. Gown features halter sweetheart neckline, corset interior boned bodice, open T-back; fully line...
Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs SS 1998
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous Gianni Versace Couture full length black silk and lace dress. it has a scoop back, one short sleeve and is asymmetrically cut with web pattern lace covered cut outs at on...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Baroque and Carnation Print Silk Shirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing Gianni Versace black label Couture silk shirt from the early 1990s. Front features baroque style and paisley details. Sleeves and back are ...
1990s Gianni Versace Black Skirt Suit with Silver Leather Accents
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1991 Gianni Versace Couture black wool skirt suit. Jacket has incredible perforated metallic silver leather collar and cuffs that contrast so beautifully against the black. It is fur...
$585Sale Price|34% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Green & Fuchsia ensemble
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Couture two-piece ensemble is Green with detailing of deep Fuchsia hue. The suit is double breasted and fully lined. The sleeves cuff have two buttons detailing. The s...
Couture Gianni Versace Final Runway Milan Embroidered Renaissance Corset SS 1997
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Chicago, IL
The late Italian Gianni Versace near the end of his life--cut short by his murder in July 1997--designed this couture heavily embroidered semi-transparent silk chiffon sleeveless hou...
F/W 2000 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Fur Coat as seen on Jen in "Hastlers"
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
F/W 2000 Gianni Versace Couture Fur Coat with lizard collar and belt. As seen on Jennifer Lopez in "Hastlers" Size IT 38 - US 4 Total length is about 40 inches Content: 100% polecat ...
Gianni Versace Cut out Gown 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black full length silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has lots of detail including a side cut out at the waist and an asymmetric neckline with a lower V in ...
Gianni Versace F/W 2002 Star Flower Collage Print Plunge Neck Fit & Flare Dress
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Donatella Versace for the fall/winter 2002 collection. This Gianni Versace Couture labeled piece features a multicolor psychedelic floral and star cluster pattern, featured in fashion...
Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Panels Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress Size: IT 42 Condition: light pulling throughout which is common with this material, no...
$3,261Sale Price|30% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Iconic Fall/Winter 1991/92 Teather Drape Print Jacket
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE vintage iconic theater drape print wool jacket. From the Fall/Winter 1991/92 Collection. I Sipari / Theater Drapes print from Theater series...
1990s Vintage Gianni Versace Black Wool Blend Sleeveless Jumper Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Gianni Versace Couture black jumper dress, likely dating to the early to mid 90s. Made in Italy, this chic and timeless sleeveless dress is cut in a clean...
Gianni Versace New Color Block Strapless Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk bustier color block dress in black and lime green with a high low asymmetrical pleated hemline from Gianni Versace. The strapless dress has an inner boned corset for ...
Gianni Versace Vintage Dress with Cut out Waist S/S 1998
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk knit dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is semi fitted with a waist cut out at one side, elbow length sleeves and contrasting white lines of angora yarn abs...
Gianni Versace Net Shoulders Bodycon Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous purple dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It is semi fitted, sleeveless with a scoop neckline and matching purple mesh insets at the shoulders. The dress is fully lined in...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Buckle Bustier Bra Top Miss S&M
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Couture black bustier bra top from the Fall/Winter 1992 “Miss S&M” collection. As seen on Yasmeen Ghauri, and Helena Christensen on the Fall Winter 1992 runway, and on...
F/W 1994 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Gold Metal Mesh Oroton Chainmail Top
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
F/W 1994 Gianni Versace Couture Gold Metal Mesh Oroton Top Size: Italian - 40, US - 4 Zipper on the back, Fully lined. Measurements: length - 18 inches ( hi...
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Orange Silk Short Sleeve Jacket/Top - Size 6
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gianni Versace Couture Orange Silk Damask Sun Pattern Short Sleeve Jacket/Top - Circa 90’s. This fantastic and highly collectible piece has an incredibly vibrant orange damask color,...
Gianni Versace Couture, Yellow twin suit
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace Couture, Yellow twin suit with versace details on the belt and medusa buttons. Suit is in very good condition. little stain under the left pocket.
90's Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Gold Lace Over Tulle Button-Up Mini Dress 42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
This piece embodies the glamour and boldness of 1990s Versace, perfect for collectors and fashion connoisseurs seeking a standout archival garment. A rare and exquisite piece from th...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pink Poppy Floral Print Stretch Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 2002 collection by Donatella Versace, this stretch mini dress features an allover vibrant pink poppy floral print. Crafted in a slinky silhouette ...