Gianni Versace Vanitas Quilted Handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)Length: 13 in (33.02 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167212760682
Gianni Versace Couture
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Louis Vuitton Purple Exotic Crocodile Brea HandbagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis is the most iconic and beautiful piece to add to your collection! A bag made to make a statement! This bag is vintage, made in 2001, and is perfect for the Louis Vuitton collect...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Emilio Pucci Canvas Top Handle BagBy Emilio PucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZSnag this unique print Pucci bag for the upcoming poolside season. Emilio Pucci is known for his fluid shapes, kaleidoscopic motifs, and bright colors. This bag features a beautiful blue leather handle, intricate flower print with hues of lime green, purple, blue and black, and a spacious monogrammed interior. Think about pairing this with your favorite summer dress in your closet and some vintage Dior wedges...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Crumpled White Patent Droplet Hobo Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZNOW TRENDING: Large slouchy bags! Get your hands on the biggest trend for the fall and winter. This soft teardrop shape drapes perfectly to give you that ...Category
2010s French Hobo Bags
- Prada Saffiano Lux Promenade Top Handle BagBy Miuccia Prada, PradaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Prada Saffiano Promenade handbag is the definition of understated elegance! Prada presents a neutral rendition of their iconic Promenade handbag in this versatile beige shade complimented by yellow gold hardware. The structure of this handbag is so sleek and modern, and the inside is so functional that you are never going to get enough wear out of this handbag. The inside is broken up into 3 different sized compartments all designed with different pockets/storing features to ensure your belongings stay organized and secure! Lined with the most stunning Prada logo satin, this bag is as luxurious as it is wearable! Pair this with an Hermes skirt...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Givenchy 2011 Antigona Mini Python BagBy GivenchyLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd some color to your looks with this amazing Givenchy Antigona bag! Circa 2011, this rare bag is beautifully crafted from laminated python and finished in vibrant hot pink. Feature...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Hermés 2006 Large Tan Canvas Travel ToteBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZHello Hermés lovers! Circa 2006, this large travel tote is crafted from tan and brown woven canvas and features pristine chocolate stitching, dual c...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Bag with Top Handle Classic Flap Graffiti Watercolor Turquoise Nylon BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLMulti color Chanel watercolor graffiti flap with ombre interwoven chain Year: 2011 Large ombre CC logo Magnetic clasp Nylon interior lining Interior center zipper pocket Strap drop ...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Bolide 1923 Mini Verso Mushroom / Biscuit Bag Gold Hardware EvercolorBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes 1923 Bolide Mini Verso bag featured in Mushroom and Biscuit. Beautiful in size and detail! Mushroom exterior with a Biscuit int...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermes Kelly 25 Etain Sellier Shoulder Bag Tin Grey Z Stamp, 2021By HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Kelly 25 Etain Sellier Shoulder Bag Tin Grey Z Stamp, 2021 The ultimate modern chic 25cm Kelly in the best neutral ever! Brand New in Box. Store ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Fendi 3Jours White Leather Shopper BagBy FendiLocated in Milano, ITLarge day bag by Fendi model 3Jours white. Year of manufacture: 2010-2019 made of white leather. The bag presents a great quality its double color on one side presents silver gray le...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- TYLER ELLIS Poppy Small in Cloudy White Ostrich Feathers with White SatinBy Tyler EllisLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Poppy is featured in Cloudy White Ostrich Feathers and Wedding White Satin. This soft pouch is designed with our custom half-metal frame and Pinecone Cl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Versace Brown Suede Logo Tote Bag, 2007By Versace, Donatella VersaceLocated in New York, NYVersace tote shoulder bag in white leather and brown suede color combination embellished with the brand's logo in gold-tone metal. Detachable shoulder strap. Year: 2007 Condition:...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags