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.
Gianni Versace Asymmetric Dress with Net
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great black light weight wool and net dress from Gianni Versace Couture. One shoulder, the low cut asymmetric back and the sleeves are comprised of ...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe Pop Art Warhol Skirt Suit
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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. ...
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.
early 1990's GIANNI VERSACE black woven grosgrain ribbon strapless dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Stunning, black woven grosgrain ribbon strapless dress with cut out at left leg designed by Gianni Versace for the Gianni Versace Couture label dating to the early 1990's. Best fits ...
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...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Teal Turquoise Blue Silk Jersey Vintage 90s Skirt
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
NWT Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Pink Silk 3pc Pant Suit Italian Size 42
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Pink Silk 3pc Pant Suit - Black Label. Set includes - Pants, Halter Vest, Top. Italian size 42 - US 6/8 100% Silk, Pink Colo...
Gianni Versace Couture Asymmetric Gown with Lace Cut outs SS 1998
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
S/S 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Wet Look Backless Stretch Runway Dress 42IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Donatella Versace designed this sleek wet-look strapless dress for her Spring/Summer 1998 Gianni Versace collection. This chic, form-fitting dress debuted on the runway, modeled by N...
1995 Gianni Versace Black Sweetheart Neckline Rhinestone Medusa Dress 44IT
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From 1995, this fitted black Gianni Versace dress debuted on the Spring season's Atelier Versace runway, modeled by Shalom Harlow. This dress was further highlighted by model Claudia...
Lace overlay pants and blouse set Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold lamé Pants and blouse outfit covered with gold embroidered flower lace and inlaid with gold studs by Gianni Versace French Size 38 Italian Size 42...
1990s Gianni Versace Couture Red Embossed Leather Medusa Large Tote Bag
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vibrant red crocodile-embossed Gianni Versace top-handle bag, designed in the 1990s. Constructed of bright red leather, it prominently features a gold-tone Medusa at the front a...
1990s Gianni VERSACE Couture Black Pleated Strapless Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in New York, NY
1990s Gianni VERSACE Couture Black Pleated Strapless Dress. Silk blend strapless bodice with cream underlay panel; asymmetric pleats cascading from empire bodice. Hidden zipper at s...
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Sheer Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Look 57 from the Fall 2000 Collection. Futured in the Fall 2000 Versace Campaign.
Gianni Versace Couture, Maxi dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace Couture, Catwalk 1996 Maxi cow print dress with black and grey print and medusa rhinestone buttons on the straps. The item is in excellent condition.
S/S 2003 Gianni Versace by Donatella Oroton Chainmail Lace Mini Dress IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible acid green and purple Oroton Gianni Versace Couture mini dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2003 collection, this dress debuted as Look 55, modeled by Nicola Breytenbach. This ultra-sexy dress was also worn by Eve to the 2003 MTV Movie Awards and by Paris Hilton...
1990s Gianni Versace Black Nylon Medusa Embroidered Drawstring Tote
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 1990s, this black nylon Gianni Versace tote showcases a large embroidered Versace Medusa on the front. It is accented with gold-tone Versace Medusa reliefs at the base of ea...
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Sheer Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown IT 40 Look 59 from the Fall 2000 Collection.
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Medusa Silk Baroque Horology Button Top IT38
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a splendid printed silk button-up blouse designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1993 collection. Featuring multiple King Louis XIV-style clocks, multiple Medusa cameos, Roman numerals, golden sun buttons, and a hidden-button front closure, this shirt is truly a work of art. Reminiscent of the house's iconic 'Le Roi Soleil' print, this piece expresses Gianni's famed love for art and its history. Perfect for any art lover or Versace collector...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pop Art Floral Lace-Up Backless Dress IT40
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vibrant floral lace-up Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, this dress debuted in all black on the season'...
Pale green and off-white tweed jacket with double zip Gianni Versace Couture
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale green and off-white tweed chevron jacket with double zip. Zip on the pocket as well. Shoulder pad. Branded lining ( Medusa pattern) SIZE M
UNWORN Gianni Versace Couture FW 2001 Black Brown Belted Evening Dress Gown 40
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
HOT HOT HOT GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE AS SHOWN ON THE RUNWAY SHOW AND AD CAMPAIGN SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY Impossible to find! A true gem! This is a very rare and out-of-the-ordi...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Medusa Orchid Crystal Button Dress 40IT
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 2000 collection under Donatella’s creative direction, this sleeveless button-front dress features the season’s vibrant orchid and Greek key motif....
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Purple Silk Plunge Wrap Top IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a purple silk wrap Gianni Versace Couture top designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, this top debuted on the season's runway as part of Look 30, modeled by Gisele Bündchen. Amber Valletta also wore the top in the season's ad campaign, photographed by Steven Meisel and Cameron Diaz...
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe James Dean Warhol Printed Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Incredible Gianni Versace Couture pencil skirt from the Spring Summer 1991 collection featuring an Andy Warhol inspired pop art motif of pop culture icons Marilyn Monroe and James De...
UNWORN Gianni Versace Couture FW 2001 Black Lace Leather Bondage Gown Dress 40
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
A True Collector's Item A very rare and stunning signature piece Black evening gown with sexy slit Bondage style Draped corset-style upper part Trimmed with softest nappa leather Det...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Broderie Anglaise Off-White Pants 44IT
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Spring/Summer 2002 Gianni Versace collection by Donatella Versace, these off-white pants feature sheer broderie anglaise fabric with intricate cut-out detailing throughout. ...
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
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...
$1,390Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Silk Unisex Blouse with Gold Medusa Accents
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Gianni Versace rare silk lady blouse with gold Medusa accents We offer more Gianni Versace, Hermes, Gucci and exclusive fur items, view our frontstore. ...
$10,396Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Rhinestone Bustier Catsuit Documented IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible Gianni Versace Couture bustier catsuit designed by Gianni Versace. This fabulous one-piece debuted on Carla Bruni on the Fall/Winter 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture runway and Beverly Peele...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Safety Pin Cut Out Black Leather Mini Runway Backpack
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare punk-inspired mini backpack designed by Gianni Versace for his Spring/Summer 1994 collection. Multiple variations of this bag were worn in various looks in the season's runway presentation and the ad campaign on Linda Evangelista, shot by Richard Avedon. This bag is covered in the house's iconic Medusa safety pins, made famous by the safety pin dress worn by Elizabeth...
Gianni Versace Couture, Runway leather vest
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace Couture, Runway leather vest with medusa zippers and buttons. The item is in good condition. Very rare and unique piece (fall 1992) • CONDITION: good condition • SI...
RARE Gianni Versace Couture 1998 Embroidered Evening Dress Gown as on Courtney
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
A VERY RARE AND UNIQUE DRESS CREATED BY GIANNI VERSACE BEFORE HIS DEAD OWN A PIECE OF FASHION HISTORY A TRUE GEM - SO HARD TO FIND Gorgeous GIANNI VERSACE gown Pink and black silk Hand-stitched embroidey Designed by Gianni Versace himself, it was on of the last items before his death This dress was seen on Courtney Love and Stella Tennant...
F/W 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Psychedelic Sleeveless Dress IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a bright psychedelic print Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, a variation of this dress debuted as Look number 3 on Carmen Kass...
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Purple Velvet Beaded Ruffle Gown with IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beaded velvet Gianni Versace Couture gown designed by Donatella Versace. This Y2K dream has bias-cut edges that create bouncing ruffles. The faux wrap style gives this p...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Buckle Bustier Bra Top Miss S&M
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
$928Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage Red Shoes with Jewel
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning pair of Gianni Versace decolletè from the 90s. Exceptionally designed and made wonderfully detailed. Gianni Versace's label inside the shoe. The heel measures 7 cm. The shoe...
Gianni Versace New Dress with Hardware
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
In muted shades of grey a fine jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has one shoulder with a silver metal triangle joining the front and back. ...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Striped Medusa Medallion Canvas Tote Runway
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic runway Gianni Versace Couture tote designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, the bag's bold stripe print was used on the runway in mult...
Gianni Versace Vanitas Quilted Handbag
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Calling all Versace lovers! Circa mid 2000s, this handbag is crafted from white leather and features quilted stitching with the signature Versace Baroque...
Gianni Versace Couture S/S 1998 Royal Blue Blazer with Leather Stripe
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Electrifying Gianni Versace Couture blazer from S/S 1998. The Versace Spring 1998 collection was Donatella's first collection for the House. This c...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Lady Bug Garden Baroque Button Up Silk Top IT44
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 pattern and ladybug/butterfly print. This stunning archival top...
Gianni Versace, leather skirt with medusa pins
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, Vintage leather skirt with medusa pins. The item is in good condition • CONDITION: good condition • SIZE: IT40 - XS • MEASUREMENTS: length 42 cm, width 35 cm • M...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...
S/S 1998 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage 1998 Gianni Versace Couture Black Lace Gown An iconic piece from the S/S 1998 Gianni Versace Couture collection, this striking black evening gown exemplifies the designer’s ...
Gianni Versace Vintage Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Waist
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture in a bright pink, red, white and grey feather print. It has long sleeves and a V neckline which meets a wide front black lea...
F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Medusa Light Blue Wool Satin Skirt Suit IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous light blue Gianni Versace Couture skirt suit designed by Gianni Versace. This set debuted on the Fall/Winter 1995 runway as Look number 23 on Trish Goff. A tailored version of this set was also present in the season's ad campaign on Kristen McMenamy, shot by Richard Avedon. With an oversized cut, this matching set features a luxurious satin lining in the jacket, visible at each rolled-over cuff. The jacket also features monotone blue Versace...
Gianni Versace Silk Jacket 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jacket with a brown line star pattern from Gianni Versace Couture. It is a long blazer style jacket with incredible elaborat...
Couture Gianni Versace Final Runway Milan Embroidered Renaissance Corset ss 1997
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
S/S 1996 Gianni Versace Black Beaded Sleeveless Bodycon Runway Dress
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1996 collection debuted on the runway as look 52, modeled by Linda Evangelista. It is cut in a fitted bodycon silhouette with a ...
Gianni Versace Couture F/W 1998 Runway Silver Oroton Chainmail Corset
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fashion History: This coveted piece from the Fall/Winter 1998 Gianni Versace Couture collection was shown on the runway on none other than supermodel Naomi Campbell. This strapless s...
Gianni Versace - Yellow Embellish Coat with Fur Fall/Winter 1998 Size 40IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianni Versace - Yellow Embellish Coat with Fur Fall/Winter 1998 Size 40IT
Gianni Versace Color Block Dress 1980s
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous dress from Gianni Versace Couture in black light weight wool and green silk. It is semi fitted with fold back cuffs with elaborate cufflinks and inset shoulders all in br...
F/W 2000 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Silk Dress w/ Leather Detail
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Museum-Quality Gianni Versace Couture F/W 2000 Feather Print Silk Dress with Sculptural Leather Waist – Size 40 Tags Attached A rare and highly collectible piece from Gianni Versac...
Gianni Versace Net Shoulders Bodycon Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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...
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Sequin & Bead Embellished Evening Gown Size 42IT
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Sequin & Bead Embellished Evening Gown Size 42IT
NWT S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Baby Blue Metallic Crinkled Lamé Medusa Coat 6
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare blue metallic crinkled lamé Gianni Versace Couture coat, designed by Gianni Versace. This rare piece cannot be found on a ready-to-wear runway, but the fabric debut...
1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Prototype Abstract Light Blue Silk Skirt IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Gianni Versace archive under Donatella’s direction, this 1999 prototype skirt is crafted from soft silk with an abstract print in light blue and vivid green reminiscent of s...
2003 GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE black RUNWAY dress with grommets & cut out back
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare and striking Gianni Versace runway dress from Spring of 2003. The front is cut in a simple, body-skimming sheath silhouette, made in a highly stretchy black fabric that molds pe...
NWT S/S 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Asymmetric Black Corseted Dress IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful asymmetric Gianni Versace corset dress designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1998 collection, the leather a...