The signature extravagance of legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace — forever aligned with glamour, sex, celebrity and spectacle — can overshadow the Italian couturier’s broad and deep engagement with history and culture. Today, his vintage dresses and gowns, handbags, sunglasses and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration, and his subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” he once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life.
Gianni Versace was born in 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, he 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. 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” — as the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace's 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 evening dresses, handbags, day dresses and more on 1stDibs.
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage 1990s Pale Pink Chenille Body Con Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sparks, NV
Super soft pale pink body con dress in a velvety chenille by Gianni Versace Couture. The cut on this is so flattering! Simple, elegant and chic. Details: Fully Lined Size Zip...
1990s Versace black leather mini halter dress with zip front
By Gianni Versace
Located in Austin, TX
1990s VERSACE black leather mini halter dress with zip front Made in Italy 31" bust, 26" waist, 32" hips, 28" length Condition; Very good size S / M
Gianni Versace New Strapless Lace Up Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
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 Silk Strapless Jumpsuit 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous purple silk strapless bustier jumpsuit from an early Gianni Versace collection. The fitted, micro pleated, boned bustier bodice crosses and w...
Gianni Versace Leather Lace up Dress S/S 2002
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
An extraordinary and collectible supple black leather dress from Gianni Versace. This has all of the couture details Versace is known for- a fine fringe hem, laser perforated leather...
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 Mixed Flower Print Silk Skirt 1980s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous brightly colored flowered silk skirt from Gianni Versace. It has a 2" waistband, falls straight to the hem with a panel draping across the front and is comprised of diffe...
Gianni Versace Vintage Dress with Cut out Waist S/S 1998
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 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 Silk Skirt with Leather Band 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 F/W 2001 Purple Baroque-Print Slip Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Paris, FR
From the F/W 2001 collection of Gianni Versace, this slip-style mini dress is executed in a lustrous fabric carrying an all-over tone-on-tone baroque acanthus-scroll print throughout...
Gianni Versace Reversible Skirt with Elaborate Applique 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
Gianni Versace Leather and Lace Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather and lace dress by Gianni Versace. It has flower pattern lace cap sleeve semi fitted bodice and around the hem. The le...
Gianni Versace Couture Silk Dress with Leather Hip Band A/W 2001
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
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...
1990s Gianni Versace Red Lace Insert Silk Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Concord, NC
Gianni Versace vintage red long slip dress with sheer lace inserts and a criss cross back. Size: No size tag, refer to measurements for best fit Condition: Excellent condition Me...
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...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace Black Lace Sheer Leather Gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 ...
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 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 Vintage 80s Bustier Top & Balloon Trousers Black Silk Set
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Versace by Gianni Versace Vintage 1980s silk/wool mix and velvet fabric set . This elegant designer outfit shows the bold, structured style that was popular in the 1980s. The set is ...
2000s Donatella Versace Green Pink ethereal mesh corset bustier cocktail dress
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Sheffield, GB
2000's Donatella Versace Green & Pink ethereal mesh corset cocktail dress MADE IN ITALY. Spaghetti strap shoulders, fitted Body, Concealed zip up back, hand sewn sequin detaili...
Gianni Versace Sculptural Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning red wool dress by Gianni Versace. It has great lines with square cut armholes, a fitted bodice and fabulous flared skirt with the back a few inches longer and fuller than ...
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown IT 44 Gianni Versace couture evening dress featuring sheer top, embellished medusa logo straps, square ne...
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Appliquéd Cutout Plunged Backless Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Appliquéd Cutout Plunged Backless Dress Gown Size: IT 42 Condition: good vintage condition, some small runs throughout not noticeable when worn, a s...
Gianni Versace 1995 Silk Women's Evening Dress Look 54 Antique Vintage
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Versace by Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1995 (Look 54) Dress material is in great condition with no wear and tear however the hardware shows obvious signs of age and missing logo em...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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 New Turquoise Leather Dress 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible turquoise leather dress from Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a V neckline and plunging V to the waist in the back. The shoulders are gathered onto fine gold metal...
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 ...
1990s Gianni Versace Vintage Bodycon Dress with Colourful Betty Boop Print
By Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 1990's Versace Jeans Couture by Gianni Versace turtle neck bodycon dress. Made from super stretchy, figure hugging fabric, with a colourful and extremely iconic Betty Boop print...
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...
Gucci Runway 1920's Showgirl Style Chain Mail Evening Dress
By Gucci, Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Gucci 2018 runway show presented a featured array of exciting eventful evening wear. From designer Andre Michelle, a lovely soft lilac chain mail evening dress. A 1920's show...
Versace Spring 2008 Runway Purple Blue Cape Back Jersey Avant Garde Dress Sz 42
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy Spring 2008 Runway ( Look # 40 ) GIANNI VERSACE Avant Garde cape back sleeveless purple Grecian style dress! Features the perfect vibrant purp...
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...
1990s Gianni Versace Sushi Novelty Print Versus Bodycon Vintage Sequin 90s Dress
By Gianni Versace, Versus Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Fun vintage 90s GIANNI VERSACE colorful sushi novelty print bodcon sequin dress! Features vibrant colors of purple, yellow, green, turquoise, orange a...
Gianni Versace Leather Dress with Mink Hem F/W 1997
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A soft, supple black leather dress with 2" of mink fur around the hem by Gianni Versace. It is a simple, subtle A-line silhouette with small straps, a back zipper, and a full silk li...
Gianni Versace for Istante Vintage Black Embossed Black Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sparks, NV
Unlined Back Zip and Hook Closure Designer: Gianni Versace Label: Istante Estimated size: S-M Color: Black Bust: 36" Waist: 28" Hips: 34" Shoulder: 16.5" Sleeve: 14" Tot...
Gianni Versace Color Block Dress 1980s
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
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...
1997 Runway Documented Versace Lime Green Embellished Dress
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
This dress walked the runway as part of Versace’s Fall 1997 show - the last ready-to-wear collection that Gianni Versace ever designed. The final time he appeared on the runway to ta...
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 S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Lace Gold Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Embellished Lace Gold Dress Size: IT 40 Condition: New with tags, chainmail and lace layer are in pristine condition. The under lining has discolorations due to age and storage which are not visible when worn. Gold vintage Gianni Versace metal mesh...
Rare Versace Betty Boop Dress
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Rare 90s Versace Betty Boop blue dress, size 42 IT. Condition: Really good.
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 Floral Purple Silk Evening Dress with Appliquéd Cutwork, FW 2001
By Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Gianni Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2001 ▪ Fabric: Silk ▪ Size: IT42 - FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condition: Excellent ...
Gianni Versace Embellished Printed Silk & Mesh Plunging Neckline Dress, SS 1999
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Gianni Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 1999 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Mesh ▪ Size: approx. IT42 - FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condi...
Gianni Versace Low Back Mesh Insert Dress, 1999
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Gianni Versace Low Back Mesh Insert Dress, 1999 Sensual and unmistakably late 1990s, this rare Gianni Versace black evening dress from 1999 embodies the sleek body conscious glamour ...
1990s Vintage Gianni Versace Bodycon Black Cut - Out Crochet Bondage Dress
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage Gianni Versace little black bondage dress! Features crochet cut-out at neck, with halter ties. Extremely flattering fit, with lots of stretch! Made in Italy. In great co...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Lilac Silk Chiffon & Crystal Metal Mesh Cocktail Dress Wit
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Lilac Silk Chiffon & Crystal Metal Mesh Cocktail Dress With Full Side Slits
Gianni Versace Black Draped Strapless Corset Evening Dress, SS 2001
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Gianni Versace ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Jersey, Satin, Glass Beads ▪ Size: IT42 - FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in:...
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Red & Yellow Poly/Lycra Jersey Iconic Novelty Marilyn Monr
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
1990S GIANNI VERSACE Red & Yellow Poly/Lycra Jersey Iconic Novelty Marilyn Monroe Print Dress Stretch
Gianni Versace New F/W 1996 Red Leather Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red leather dress by Gianni Versace. It is sleeveless with a squared neckline and armholes and flap patch pockets each with a large mat...
Gianni Versace One Shoulder Dress with Cut out
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from Gianni Versace. It is comprised of a one shoulder bodice attached by one side to the skirt portion leaving a wedge of exposed skin between the two. ...
Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Embellished Backless Evening Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Embellished Backless Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Look 46 from the Spring 2001 Collection. Coral Gianni Versace embellished...
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
BARBIE 1990s Versus Gianni Versace Bubblegum Pink Beads Butterfly Dress Cardigan
By Versus Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Barbie alert ! Sexy and iconic VERSUS by GIANNI VERSACE late 90s bubblegum pink butterfly sequin and beaded encrusted sleeveless bodycon dress and matching cardigan sweater ! This Ba...
Gianni Versace Typhoon Line Short Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace bright purple wool blend faced with chrome yellow satin short evening dress. Cowl neckline and asymetrical front draping forming t...
NWT Gianni Versace S/S 2002 Plunging Backless Semi Sheer Lace Ivory Dress Gown
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
NWT Gianni Versace S/S 2002 Plunging Neckline Halter Backless Semi Sheer Corset Style Lace Up Ivory Dress Gown IT 44
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Fuchsia Floral One Shoulder Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Fabulous one-shoulder short dress designed by Gianni Versace in the 1990s, made in Italy. ORIGINAL LABEL. The dress is very seductive, made entirely of a soft fuchsia fabric with a f...
Gianni Versace Purple 1990s Dress with Origami Hem
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous light weight purple wool dress by Gianni Versace. It is semi fitted with a stand up collar and long sleeves. The hem has intricate layers folds at angles front and back....
Couture Gianni Versace Cut Outs Medusa Buttons Ad Campaign Mini Dress SS 1996
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Chicago, IL
With an elegant tucked front and artful drama on the back, this Gianni Versace Couture S/S 1996 black crepe short-sleeve lined mini dress features peek-a-boo art-like cut-outs as Luc...
$1,541Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace Medusa safety pins golden metal chainmail top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, IT
Gianni Versace 1990s top Golden metal chainmail Medusa safety pins and enameled decor Signed on the closure Measurements: armholes circumference 28 cm - 11 in Good condition, some...