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 Black Yellow Silk Tie
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIANNI VERSACE VINTAGE tie in a black and yellow silk featuring a baroque with polka dot. Made in Spain. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Width: 4 inches Length: 60 inches Sui Gener...
$488Sale Price|66% Off
Gianni Versace Medusa Gold Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Gianni Versace iconic Medusa gold chain belt. Its definitely a collectable items since all the models were wearing it on the runway and champ...
Silver leather sandal with chain on the heel VERSACE
By Gianni Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silver leather sandal with chain along the heel . Buckle closure on the top side. Heel height : 10cm Shoe size : 39 (It)
Gianni Versace 676 Oversized Gold-Tone Bar Shield Sunglasses circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Gianni Versace 676 Oversized Gold-Tone Bar & Tortoise Shield Sunglasses from the circa 1990s exemplify bold luxury and vintage glamour. The oversized design features a stri...
Carré Gianni Versace 90s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Carnate, IT
Silk carrè by atelier Versace. Limited edition of its baroque style. Excellent condition 90x90cm It has no labels
Gianni Versace vintage sunglasses 80s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Versace MODEL: 294 - 61K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 54 mm / 2 1/8 in Lens height: 45 mm / 1 3/4 in Bridge: 16 ...
Gianni Versace Massive Medusa Heads and Flower Iconic Belt Spring Summer 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nice, FR
GIANNI VERSACE iconic quadruple gold toned greca motif belt featuring massive red resin Medusa head medallions and multicolored resin flowers embellishement. 1993 Spring/Summer Coll...
Gianni Versace Iconic Signature Whimsical Silk Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace wonderful iconic signature whimsical silk scarf in rich shades of reds and coral, measures 33 inches by 34 inches. Hand-rolled edges and made in Italy.
Gianni Versace sunglasses translucent grey
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 294 - 60K MADE IN: Italy ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 54 mm / 2 1/8 in Lens height: 45 mm / 1 3/4 in Brid...
$872Sale Price|46% Off
1990s Gianni Versace curb chain medusa head belt with rhinestones
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
This Gianni Versace belt is made from a gold tone gild metal. The style of the chain reflects the 90s era as it has a curb shaped chain. The belts chain is covered with clear rhinest...
1990s Gianni Versace Gold Tone Rhinestone Greek Key Medusa Medallion Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible gold-tone Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the early 1990s, this incredibly rare chic belt featur...
$265Sale Price|25% Off
1990s Gianni Versace Houndstooth Wool Leather Winter Gloves
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace Houndstooth wool winter gloves, black leather, Medusa silver toned metal logo, Made in Italy Condition: 1990s, vintage, good, slight sig...
Gianni Versace Marilyn & James Dean Print Silk Neck Tie
By Gianni Versace
Located in Geneva, CH
Passionate of Andy Warhol’s work and considering him as his soul mate, Gianni Versace paid tribute to the Pop Art artist by creating one of his most f...
1990s Gianni Versace fur hat with earflaps
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Gianni Versace fur hat with earflaps size M excellent vintage condition tanned hat dust cover included
Versace black leather triple platform heels.
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Versace black leather triple platform heels These striking Versace heels are crafted from smooth black leather and set on an ultra-high triple platform with a sculptural gold metal...
Gianni Versace 80s sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Gianni Versace MODEL: 310 MADE IN: ITALY ERA: 1980s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 52 mm Bridge: 18 mm Temple-to-temple width: 140 mm COLOR...
S/S 2001 Versace by Donatella Couture Runway Pink Stripe Sunglasses
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Versace sunglasses from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection by Donatella Versace feature bold pink and black striped acetate frames with an angular, sculptural silhouette. The le...
Gianni Versace Black Leather and Gold Medusa Emblem Belt size 80/32
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
1990s Gianni Versace women's Medusa design leather belt. Fine grain black leather. Gold buckles with silver Medusa design. Two-tone buckle fastener. Made in Italy. Vintage, cir...
Gianni Versace Python Heels
By Gianni Versace
Located in Eivissa, ES
This exquisite pair of Gianni Versace heels showcases the brand’s dedication to luxury and bold design.Crafted from vibrant blue genuine python leather, these heels are a true statement piece, seamlessly blending exotic materials with refined craftsmanship. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of high-end vintage footwear, they exude sophistication and allure. · Material: genuine python leather in a striking blue finish · Color: vibrant blue with natural python patterning · Size: EU 39 / US 8.5, ideal for a standard fit · Condition: excellent vintage condition These Gianni Versace python...
1990s Gianni Versace Silver Leather and Gold Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gianni Versace thin waist belt from the early 1990s. Silver rigid leather with gold tone hardware. Gold on buckle features Greek key detailing. Belt loops are gold tone metal with a ...
Gianni Versace Vintage Gold Mare Sandal Heels Size 36EU, Circa 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of gold Gianni Versace Mare motif sandal heels, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, similar gold ...
$1,722Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Versace gold tone square chain belt c.1990's
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Gianni Versace Gold Heavy Square Belt with Medusa Head Details This stunning Gianni Versace gold belt is a bold statement piece, combining lu...
New Vintage Gianni Versace Mod 4146B Purple & Silver 2000 'S Italy Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace Rectangular Purple And Silver Accents Frame Sunglasses Holding Pair Of Gradient Grey Lenses. New, Never Worn. It May Show So Minor Sign Of Wear Due To More ...
Gianni Versace multicolor silk tie vintage 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Genova, IT
Gianni Versace men's vintage tie with multicolor pattern, made of silk in Italy in the 1990s ABOUT An extraordinary silk tie by Gianni Versace, this is a vintage men's fashion acce...
1993 GIANNI VERSACE Flower Medusa Medallion Tiered Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
A rare collectors' piece from GIANNI VERSACE 1993 Spring/ Summer collection. Features: - 100% Authentic GIANNI VERSACE. - Colourful flowers in resin, ...
1990s Gianni Versace Purple Velvet and Pearl Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gianni Versace belt from the early 1990s. Purple cut velvet with heavy gold tone hardware and large faux pearls. Interesting details on buckle. Tonal purple top stitching. Black leat...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Metal Rhinestone Jaguar Motif Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible gold-tone Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1992 collection, this incredibly rare ...
1980s Gianni Versace Red Kid Leather Gloves w Cashmere Lining & Tassel Chain
By Gianni Versace
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Gianni Versace Red Kid Leather Gloves with Tan Cashmere Lining & Chrome Chain Link with Tassel at wrist. Ready to wear, in beautiful condition. Fits up to size 8.
1990s Gianni Versace safety pin leather belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Gianni Versace safety pin leather belt This Gianni Versace belt from the 1990s is crafted in black leather and adorned with the house’...
Gianni Versace "Shades of Coral" Signature Silk Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace "Shades of Coral" signature silk scarf is finished with hand-rolled edges and measures 34" x 34". This wonderful silk scarf ...
New S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Rhinestone Black Suede Kitten Heels 37
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Gianni Versace mule heels from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection by Donatella Versace are crafted in black suede with a sharply pointed toe and slender heel. The vamp is embell...
Gianni Versace Multi-Color Floral Silk Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace multi-color silk scarf is finished with hand-rolled edges and measures 34" x 34".
Gianni versace, belt with silver safety pins
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni versace, Very rare vintage belt with silver safety pins. The item is in good condition with light scratches on the leather.
Gianni Versace Signature Polished Gilded Gold Hardware Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace signature polished gilded gold hardware is detailed with etched gold hardware arms finished with black lucite tips. The...
1980s Gianni Versace Chain Buckle Red Crocodile Embossed Leather Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous red crocodile Gianni Versace belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the 1980s, this belt is complete with a chain belt bu...
Gianni Versace, Green croc stamped leather waist belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, Green croc stamped leather waist belt. The item has signs of wear on the leather (scratches and wrinkles) Hardware is in good condition.
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Iconic Medusa Safety Pin Necklace Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage GIANNI VERSACE Iconic Medusa Safety Pin Necklace Belt Measurements: Wearable Length: 32.28 inches (82 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic GIAN...
$545Sale Price|57% Off
Gianni Versace 1990s zebra print metal belt with diamantes
By Gianni Versace
Located in Nottingham, GB
Gianni Versace is know for his use of bold prints. This metal silver tone belt from his 1990s era highlights just what the designer i known for. The belt features 17 circular links w...
1991 Versace Gold Medusa Chain Belt With Frosted Glass and Diamantés
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in London, GB
This incredible, iconic circa Fall 1991 Gianni Versace gold tone chain belt with frosted glass and diamanté Medusa charms is in absolutely impeccable vintage condition. The models wa...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Medusa Silk Scarf Lady Bug Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This pink scarf belt from Gianni Versace's Spring/Summer 1995 collection is crafted from silk and features a playful ladybug print. It includes large Versace Medusa medallions for de...
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Silver Tone Safety Pin Medusa Pendent Hair Clip
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible silver-tone Gianni Versace Medusa hair clip designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this oversized safety pin barrette is covered in Versace Medusa logos and is complete with additional safety pins that dangle off the clip. One of Gianni Versace's most iconic house codes, popularized by Liz Hurley...
Versace Medusa and Leopard Silk Shawl
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Versace Vintage Medusa & Leopard Scarf is crafted from 100% silk. Preowned in excellent condition.
Gianni Versace Black Leather Baseball Cap With Medusa Medallions circa 1990s
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gianni Versace Black Leather Baseball Cap with Medusa Medallions from the circa 1990s is a striking and iconic accessory that embodies the bold and luxurious aesthetic of the era. Crafted from soft supple black leather, this cap features the signature Medusa medallions prominently displayed on the front, adding a touch of mythological opulence and unmistakable Versace flair. The cap’s classic baseball shape is complemented by meticulous detailing, making it a versatile piece that elevates any casual or high-fashion look. It pairs beautifully with statement items such as a tailored Versace blazer, a pair of sleek Gucci sneakers, or a bold Alexander McQueen leather jacket...
Gianni Versace silk tie with vintage 1990s asterisks
By Gianni Versace
Located in Genova, IT
Gianni Versace vintage silk tie with a pattern of asterisks. Vintage tie from the 1990s ABOUT Vintage tie by Gianni Versace, made of pure silk, dating from the early 1990s. The tie...
Vintage Versace Mod 2007 Metallic Grey Frame Sunglasses 90's Made in Italy Y2K
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace Metallic Grey Frame With Medium Blue Lenses. New, Never Worn. It May Show So Minor Sign Of Wear Due To More Than 20 Years Of Storage. Made In Italy. Front. ...
$329Sale Price|49% Off
Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s Pink Red Leather High Heels with Medusa
By Gianni Versace
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Gianni Versace rare iconic pinkred high heels from the 90s with a little Medusa head on it are a real eyecatcher! Gianni Versace was an iconic Italian fashion designer known for his ...
New Vintage Gianni Versace M 4148B Black & White Frame 2000'S Italy Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianni Versace Black & White Frame Holding A Pair Of Medium Grey Lenses. New, Never Worn. It May Show So Minor Sign Of Wear Due To More Than 20 Years Of Storage. Made ...
F/W 1993 Gianni Versace Documented Yellow Check Flannel Paperboy Hat M
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a yellow check paperboy style Gianni Versace Couture hat, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, this oversized pape...
Gianni Versace Sandals - 1980s Vintage - Gold Leather Plaited Straps - EU 37.5
By Gianni Versace
Located in KENT, United Kingdom
Product Details: Gianni Versace - 1980s Vintage - Sandals - Gold Leather + Black Cord Plaited Front Strap Detailing - Electric Blue Leather Soles - Made in Italy Era: 1980s Vintage ...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Gold Tone Medusa Medallion Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible gold-tone Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this chic belt debu...
F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Metal Black Rhinestone Roman Motif Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous gold-tone cameo Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1991 collection, similar chain belt...
Gianni Versace Early 1990's Medusa Metal Studded Black Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Gianni Versace - Early 1990's - Medusa Metal Studded Black Belt - Studs and metal medallions engraved with Medusa - Good condition: metal medallions damaged by time - M...
S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Medusa Gem Rhinestone Chain Medallion Black Satin EU37
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning pair of Gianni Versace shoes created by the house's creator. This fabulous pair of satin strap heels are perfectly elevated with gold Versace Medusa medallions ...
Gianni Versace, belt with gold triangle applications
By Gianni Versace
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianni Versace, Leather belt with gold triangle applications and silver medusa studs in white. The item is in fair condition with scratches on hardware and discoloration and scratche...
GIANNI VERSACE c.1990s Abstract Op Art Color Block DV Initials Silk Square Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIANNI VERSACE c.1990s Abstract Op Art Color Block DV Initials Silk Square Scarf Circa: 1990’s Brand / Manufacturer: Gianni Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Style: Square scarf...
NEW S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pony Hair Appliqué Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Versace sunglasses from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection by Donatella are fully wrapped in brown and white pony hair with a rectangular frame and dark lenses. Purple and green...
Gianni Versace 1990s Black Leather Medusa Hat
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add a touch of 90s Versace to your look with this amazing Gianni Versace hat! Circa early 1990s, this hat is crafted from ultra soft black leather and feat...
1996 Gianni Versace Medusa Chain Orange Mod Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of vibrant orange round silver tone chain arm Gianni Versace sunglasses, designed by Gianni Versace. These ultra-rare sunglasses from 1996 feature the famo...
1990s Gianni Versace Silver Medusa Medallion Thin Pendant Belt Not listed
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In the 1990s, Gianni Versace created this silver-tone metal belt for his eponymous label. The belt features alternating diamond and circle Medusa reliefs on a chain link design. It a...
New Vintage Gianni Versace 418 P Oval Tortoise Sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy
By Gianni Versace
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianni Versace amber tortoise oval with gold accents, faux leather covered temples frame with medium brown lenses. New never worn or displayed. Comes with its original G...