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Rare objects of fashion Italian curation
Cut-Out Medusa1980s Versace black patent leather Medusa cut-out tote bagREF. TA-VER-0039
1980s Versace black patent leather Medusa cut-out tote bag – image 2
Versace

1980s Versace Black Patent Leather Medusa Cut Out Tote Bag

Black Patent Leather Medusa Cut-Out Tote · 1980s
A 1980s Versace black patent leather tote with cut-out Medusa, silver-tone hardware and beige compartmented lining. Made in Italy, 39 x 12 x 43 cm.
Details
Designer Versace
Period 1980s
Type Tote bag
Material Black patent leather
Detail Cut-out Medusa on front
Hardware Silver-tone
Straps Two black leather straps
Lining Beige, multiple compartments, zipped side pocket
Made in Italy
Dimensions 39 x 12 x 43 cm (66 cm with straps)
Condition Very good vintage, slight wear inside
PERIOD
1980s
PROVENANCE
Versace, 1980s. Made in Italy. Private Collection.
DESCRIPTION
A Versace tote from the 1980s in black patent leather, with a Medusa cut out on the front and silver-tone hardware. It has two black leather straps and a beige lining with several compartments, including a zipped side pocket. It was made in Italy.

It measures 39 x 12 x 43 cm, and 66 cm in height including the straps. The Medusa is the emblem Gianni Versace chose for the house he founded in Milan in 1978.

It is in very good vintage condition, with slight signs of wear inside.
AUTHENTICATION
Verified in-house by a LegitGrails-certified expert.
Construction, labelling, stitching, hardware and materials checked against house and period standards. AI-assisted, expert-decided.
CONDITION Very Good Vintage
Very good vintage condition, with slight signs of wear inside.
Authentic VersaceCut-Out MedusaPatent LeatherMade in Italy
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Worldwide Shipping
The Medusa Cut-Out
The Archivary - Italian Curation

The Medusa cut out of black patent leather, so that the emblem is formed by an opening. A large tote that makes the house sign part of its construction.

1980s Versace black patent leather Medusa cut-out tote bag – image 3
1980s Versace black patent leather Medusa cut-out tote bag – image 4
1980s Versace black patent leather Medusa cut-out tote bag – image 5
1980s Versace black patent leather Medusa cut-out tote bag – image 6
1980s Versace black patent leather Medusa cut-out tote bag – image 7
The Object and Its Moment
A Medusa in Patent

This Versace tote dates from the 1980s. It is made in black patent leather, with the Medusa cut out on the front, silver-tone hardware and two black leather straps. It measures 39 x 12 x 43 cm.

The emblem formed by an opening.

The Fashion Landscape
The First Decade

Gianni Versace opened his first shop in Via della Spiga, Milan, and presented his first signature collection in March 1978. In 1982 his Autumn/Winter collection won him the L'Occhio d'Oro award.

The Wider Culture
The Medusa

Gianni Versace associated the Medusa with the classical ruins he knew as a child in Reggio Calabria, and chose her head as the emblem of his house.

Reading the Object
Negative Space

The cut-out lets the Medusa appear in negative against the patent surface. Inside, a beige lining is divided into compartments with a zipped side pocket, and shows slight signs of wear.

The Medusa, drawn in negative.

Why It Matters Now
Gianni-Era Bags

Bags made during Gianni Versace's lifetime continue to attract collectors of the house. This tote keeps the Medusa at the centre of its design.

MARKET DEMAND
1980s
Versace leather bags
RARITY
Limited
Original period piece, no longer produced
ORIGIN
Italy
Italian-made Versace bag
HOUSE ERA
Gianni Versace
Founder and designer, 1978–1997
Demand
Medusa Bags

Versace bags carrying the Medusa continue to attract interest among collectors of the house.

Supply
Patent Leather

Patent leather can crease, scuff or discolour with age, so condition is assessed with care.

Context
The Medusa

The Medusa is a recognised Versace emblem.

Shipping

All orders are shipped fully insured.

Delivery Times

London & United Kingdom: 2–4 days
Europe: 4–5 days by courier
USA: 6–7 days by courier
Rest of the World: 7–8 days by courier

Import Duties

For clients based outside the UK, import duties and taxes may apply. Read more

Returns

Return rights depend on your region: UK, Europe, USA or Rest of the World. Read more

Price
£325
Authentication Included
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