1980s Gianni Versace Calfskin Sequin Vest
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 29 in (73.66 cm)Bust: 44 in (111.76 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Leather and sequins
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU16723486571
Gianni Versace
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Gucci Vintage 1990's Cashmere BlazerBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZA beautifully luxurious 100% cashmere Gucci blazer to add to your winter wardrobe. This is a soft and plush faded yellow blazer that will have you lookin...Category
1990s Italian Blazers
- Chanel Wool Beige Tweed Long CoatBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis highly-tailored Chanel dream will leave you feeling your best! If you are not one who likes to be swallowed by your winter-wear, this is the perfect coat for you! Vintage from t...Category
Early 2000s French Coats and Outerwear
- Missoni Plaid Wrap CoatBy M MissoniLocated in Scottsdale, AZHow adorable is this Missoni plaid wrap coat?! The perfect jacket for nearly any time of year, this versatile and eye catching piece is calling your name! Missoni AW21 presents Missoni's signature knit this time in an incredible plaid made up of pinks, purples, oranges and yellows. Features a collar style at the neck which adds in an element of structure which is off set by the removable wrap tie coming from the back which allows for versatility with wear. The large front pockets are the finishing touch and ensure this jacket is as practical as it is stylish. Style this with its matching skirt pictured (sold separate), a Dior crop top and some Miu Miu kitten heels...Category
2010s Italian Jackets
- Decadence Rabbit Fur Denim CoatLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your winter wardrobe with the Decadence Rabbit Fur Denim Coat. Crafted from faded denim, this mid-length coat exudes a timeless and chic appeal that effortlessly complements ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Jackets
- Gucci Fringe Trim Python Print Leather CoatBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZMake an unparalleled style statement with the Gucci Fringe Trim Python Print Leather Coat – a mesmerizing trench coat that combines luxury with avant-garde design. Crafted from pytho...Category
2010s Italian Jackets
- Issey Miyake Black Bubble CoatBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe Issey Miyake Black Bubble Coat circa 2001 is a remarkable piece that captures the essence of Issey Miyake's innovative and experimental design philosophy. This trench coat, desig...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Jackets
- Roberto Cavalli yellow iridescent snakeskin pant suit with sequins, ss 2001By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GB▪ Roberto Cavalli yellow iridescent snakeskin pant suit ▪ Fitted jacket with double-ended gold zipper ▪ Zip-up cuffs ▪ Matching slim-fit snakeskin pants...Category
Early 2000s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Roberto Cavalli beige croc-embossed leather jacket and mini skirt set, fw 2000By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GB▪ Roberto Cavalli beige croc-embossed leather 2-piece set ▪ Fitted leather jacket ▪ High-waisted mini skirt ▪ Matching wide belt ▪ Jacket: Sma...Category
Early 2000s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Balenciaga Beige Sheer Lace Open Front Jacket MBy BalenciagaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This lovely jacket by Balenciaga will make sure you deliver chic looks every time. Crafted from sheer lace fabric, it comes in a lovely beige shade. It flaunts a fairly relaxed silho...Category
2010s Italian Jackets
- Roberto Cavalli Multicolor Printed Silk and Beige Suede Overlay Sleeveless VestBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Lend a modern take on fashion with this excellent Roberto Cavalli vest. If your style is lively and feminine, then this vest with suede overlay is an ideal pick for you. Score extra ...Category
2010s Italian Vests
- Giorgio Armani Cream Floral Jacquard Tie Detail Vintage Blazer XSBy Giorgio ArmaniLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Grab attention by wearing this Vintage blazer from Giorgio Armani. This comfortable and stylish cream blazer is designed in a simple style with tie details on the front, floral patte...Category
2010s Italian Blazers
- Just Cavalli Multicolor Abstract Nylon Blend Print Crop Top Blazer SBy Just CavalliLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Just Cavalli blazer features a cropped silhouette with an interesting print all over. Wear yours with fitted trousers or over a plain solid color dress for the ultimate boho loo...Category
2010s Italian Blazers