Miami is a city that’s known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious lifestyle. But did you know that it was also home to one of the most famous fashion designers of all time – Gianni Versace?
The Italian designer lived in Miami for several years before his untimely death in 1997. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where in Miami Versace lived and what made his home so special.
Who Was Gianni Versace?
Before we delve into the specifics of Versace’s Miami home, let’s first talk about who he was. Gianni Versace was an Italian fashion designer who founded the eponymous fashion brand – Versace.
He was known for his bold designs and use of vibrant colors, which quickly gained him worldwide fame. He dressed some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Madonna, Princess Diana, and Elton John. Unfortunately, his life came to a tragic end when he was shot dead outside his Miami Beach mansion in 1997.
Versace’s Miami Home
Versace purchased Casa Casuarina – his Miami Beach mansion – in 1992 for $10 million. The property was originally built in 1930 by architect Alden Freeman and was later converted into an apartment complex before being bought by Versace. The designer spent millions renovating the property to suit his personal taste.
The mansion had a total of ten bedrooms and eleven bathrooms spread across three stories. It also featured a stunning mosaic pool lined with 24-karat gold tiles that spelled out the Medusa head logo – an iconic symbol of the Versace brand.
The Design
Versace’s design aesthetic was evident throughout every inch of the property. The entrance hall featured a frescoed ceiling with scenes from Greek mythology while the walls were adorned with hand-painted murals depicting Versace’s life and work.
The designer’s bedroom was located on the second floor and featured a balcony that overlooked the pool. The walls were lined with his favorite artwork, and the bedding was custom-made with the Versace logo.
The Legacy
After Versace’s death, Casa Casuarina was sold for $19 million to Peter Loftin, a telecom entrepreneur who turned it into a boutique hotel. Today, the property is known as The Villa Casa Casuarina and offers guests the opportunity to stay in one of ten luxurious suites. The pool is still intact and remains one of the most stunning features of the property.
Conclusion
Gianni Versace may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on through his work and his former Miami home – Casa Casuarina. The property is a testament to his impeccable taste and design aesthetic, and it continues to inspire people around the world today.