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.
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...
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 ...
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...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Broderie Anglaise Off-White Pants 44IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
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. ...
$10,396Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Rhinestone Bustier Catsuit Documented IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
Iconic Versace Couture Printed stretch Leggings Pants, Fall-Winter 1991
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
From the coveted 1991 Fall-Winter Versace collection, these second-skin printed leggings are instantly recognizable as a design by Gianni Versace. Cut f...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace 'Miss S&M' Greek Key Studded High-Waisted Pants IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting the studded Versace pants of your dreams, designed by Gianni Versace. These pants are from the F/W 1992 'Miss S&M' collection, commonly known as the 'bondage' collecti...
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Floral Beaded Runway Pants
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace Couture vivid eye-catching floral printed beaded pants from the Spring Summer 2002 collection designed by Donatella Versace. Intricate b...
Gianni Versace pants 1997
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace Couture pants 1997 size 40 Waist: 64 cm / 25.20 in Length: 120 cm / 47.24 in Inseam: 87 cm / 34.25 in Outseam: 23 cm / 9.06 in Hips: 86 cm / 33.86 in good condition...
S/S 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Orange Silk Greek Key Buckle Belted IT40
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of vibrant orange Gianni Versace Couture pants, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, these wide-leg pants are constructed entirely of orange silk and are made complete with a built-in belt with a gold-tone metal Greek key buckle...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace Couture Black Polka Dot Flare Bell Bottom Jeans IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of black and white polka dot Gianni Versace Couture flare jeans designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1993 collection, these pants debuted as ...
1998 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Pinstripe Jumpsuit IT 42 NWT
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Circa 1998 pinstripe jumpsuit. Deep V-neckOpen V-back. Concealed zip fastening. Content:95% wool, 4% Silk1% polyester. Size IT 42 - US 6 armpit to armpit 16"...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pink Yellow Orchid Silk Cropped Pants 38IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Gianni Versace by Donatella pants from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection are cut in a cropped, straight-leg silhouette in yellow silk with a red orchid print. The waistband and...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Yellow Black Crocodile Print Leggings Tights 42IT
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of yellow crocodile print Gianni Versace tights, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, these legging pan...
Gianni Versace Couture Andy Warhol Screen Printed Legging, c.1990
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Couture Andy Warhol Screen Printed Legging, c.1990. Gianni Versace high waisted leggings fashioned of silk and lycra spandex f...
S/S 1993 Gianni Versace South Beach Miami Sunset Orange Red Florida Tights 38IT
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Gianni Versace leggings from the Spring/Summer 1993 collection are cut in a high-waisted, slim silhouette in orange-red stretch fabric. The all-over print depicts a Miami South...
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
NWT 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Black Gold Metallic Brocade Medusa Pants IT42
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of baroque Gianni Versace Couture pants designed by Gianni Versace. From 1995, these black and gold brocade pants feature a bold baroque pattern and a silver Versace Medusa button...
Gianni Versace 1997 Yellow Heart Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Heart eyes for these funky jeans! From 1997, these bright yellow boyfriend style jeans feature a colorful hearts motif that Gianni commissioned from the artist Jim Dine for his New Y...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Blue Chambray Pink Rhinestone Pants IT44
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic pair of chambray Gianni Versace Couture pants with pink rhinestones, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, the same collection as JLo's famous jungle dress...
Versace Collection Black Crystals Pants Size S/26/40
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing pants by Versace Couture Cotton (68%), polyester (28%) and elasthane Black color Strass Four pockets Slim fit Length cm 96 (37.7 inches) Waist cm 36 (14.17 inches) Size 26 ...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture High-Waisted Ribbed Stretch Legging Pants IT40
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black ribbed pair of Gianni Versace Couture legging pants designed by Gianni Versace. These formfitting pants from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection feature a high-waisted style. These are a stunning pair of vintage Gianni Versace leggings...
$389Sale Price|20% Off
Versus by Gianni Versace Purple Viscose Stretchy Tight Pants
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Versus by Gianni Versace purple viscose stretchy tight pants. - Zip closure on the side. - Zip closure on the inner hem. - Si...
$695
Size: Small / Small Medium
1970s Sexy Black Jersey Flare Leg Bell Bottom 70s Vintage Disco Halter Jumpsuit
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage 70s black jersey halter jumpsuit! Features a tailored bodice that buttons up the front. Hidden zipper at waistband. Nice flare legged / bell bottom. Buttons at back cent...
Vintage Geoffrey Beene Size 12 Navy Blue White Silk 80s Jumpsuit 1980s Nautical
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 80s GEOFFREY BEENE navy blue and white long sleeve silk jumpsuit ! Features a luxurious double sided silk. Buttons up the front with hidden hook-and-eye closure at top b...
Butterfly and flower printed legging LEONARD
By Leonard
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Butterfly and flower printed legging. Fabric composition: 80% nylon, 20% lycra. Branded fabric. Elastic band on the waist SIZE S
$550
Size: none; comparable to size S
Marrakesh Ivory Sequin Blouson Top and Harem Pant Dinner Pajama Set - S, 1971
Located in Tucson, AZ
As festive and elegant as any party dress but as comfortable as pajamas, this ensemble conjures images of the Arabian Nights while remaining fashionably up-to-the-moment. Its soft, n...
Versace Green and Gold Baroque Printed Pants
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
If it ain't Baroque don't fix it! Rock some print with out 1990s Versace Baroque printed pants! Bright green, cream and gold swirling print on woven cotton pants. Mid rise fit with a...
$695Sale Price|22% Off
Size: Small - Medium
1960s Patty Pickens Black Jersey Rhinestone 60s Vintage Palazzo Leg Jumpsuit
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational late 1960s / early 1970s 70s PATTY PICKENS black jersey + rhinestone palazzo wide leg jumpsuit! Looks like a chic black gown, until you walk! Rhinestone straps, with bla...
Christian Dior by John Galliano FW 2004 "KABUKI" Crystal Stud & Leather Pants 36
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Christian Dior Pants Designed by John Galliano for the Dior FW 2004 collection "KABUKI" The pants are designed in the print of that season, seen ...
Pink terry cloth trouser with branded button CHANEL Resort 2024
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink terry cloth trouser with branded button. Silk lining from the waist until mid-thigh. Invisible zip closure on the left side + branded button and buttonhole closure. Pocket on th...
$859Sale Price|24% Off
Size: Medium / Large
1970s Lillie Rubin Rhinestone Encrusted Black Knit Wide Palazzo Leg 70s Jumpsuit
By Lillie Rubin
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing 1970s LILLIE RUBIN black knit rhinestone encrusted wide palazzo leg long sleeve jumpsuit ! Features lines of rhinestones up the front and back. Sleek tailored bodice with wid...
1990s Does 1970s Black Crepe Sleeveless One Piece 90s Vintage Romper Jumpsuit
Located in San Diego, CA
90s does 70s black one piece romper onesie! Features a hidden zipper up the front to adjust cleavage exposure. Exaggerated collar. Fabric stretches to fit. Great belted or alone, wit...
Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus Animated Pants 2018 NEW Size M
By Comme des Garcons Homme
Located in New York, NY
Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus Animated Pants NEW with tags Waist 35-36" Size M FINAL SALE.
1970s Chocolate Brown Velvet Sleeveless Bell Bottom Wide Leg Vintage Jumpsuit
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome vintage 70s chocolate brown velvet bell bottom one piece jumpsuit! Features a fitted tailored collared bodice and trousers that leads to wide flared legs. Pocket at left brea...
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Runway Sleeveless Stretch Bodycon Ribbed Black Catsuit
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning black ribbed Gianni Versace sleeveless bodysuit, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1991 collection, this catsuit debuted on the season's runway a...
Gianni Versace Couture suit shirt and pants vintage 90s
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Rubiera, RE
Gianni Versace Couture vintage 90s Shirt and pants suit Silk shirt "Atelier Versace" , long sleeves, medusa buttons on neck and cuffs. Size IT 42 Made in Italy 100% silk Flat measures: Length cm. 72 Shoulders cm. 57 Bust cm. 67 Sleeve cm. 51 Neckline cm. 37,5 Silk damask lavender pants...
S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pink Blue Orchid Print Silk Cropped Pants
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of light pink floral Gianni Versace Couture pants, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1999 collection, these fabulous pants debuted on the season's runway modeled by Naomi Campbell and also appeared in the season's ad campaign, photographed by Steven Miesel. These pink cropped pants feature a vibrant blue orchid...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Greek Key Studded Gold Silver Black Jeans
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting the studded Versace pants of your dreams, designed by Gianni Versace. These pants are from the F/W 1992 'Miss S&M' collection, commonly known as the 'bondage' collection. ...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Black Ribbed Stretch Plunging Catsuit
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous black ribbed Gianni Versace Couture catsuit designed by Gianni Versace. This stunning catsuit from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection features a plunging neckline, a stitched panel detail around the neckline, and full-length sleeves. This form-fitting one-piece is perfectly sexy and is an ultra-rare Gianni Versace design...
1990s Versace Graphic Graffiti Pinstripe Jeans
By Gianni Versace Couture, Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Amazing pair of 1990s Couture Versace Jeans! Bold black and white pinstripe print. Graphic multicolored graffiti with paint splatter accents. High rise...
1990s New Gianni Versace Couture Rare 90s Vintage White Lace Leggings / Tights
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare brand new vintage 90s GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE white French lace leggings / stockings! Sexy, yet sophisticated at the same time. High waisted style can be worn with a dress, skirt...
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Metallic Gold Quilted High Waisted Pants
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sparks, NV
Phenomenal metallic gold quilted pants by Gianni Versace Couture. High waist and straight leg cut. Details: Unlined Side Pockets Side Hook and Button Closure Marked Size: 44...
1993 Unworn Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Shorts as Worn by Naomi Campbell
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Sparks, NV
Colorful Gianni Versace Couture stretch denim striped shorts with a high waist and back pockets. Worn by Naomi Campbell in a 1993 ad campaign shot by Steven Meisel! Details: Pa...
Versace Iconic Medusa Graphic Print Stretch Jeans Size 28
By Gianni Versace Couture, Versace
Located in University City, MO
Versace Iconic medusa graphic print stretch jeans couture Size 28 The bold print is collage of Versace's signature Medusa's with lions & gold chains thr...