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Gianni Versace’s Mansion Ignites Bidding War


The firm auctioning off slain fashion mogul Gianni Versace’s former villa claim the luxury Florida property has sparked a frenzy among potential foreign buyers. The Casa Casuarina failed to find a buyer when it was on the market last year, but the owners hope the buzz generated by an auction will convince someone to part with more than $40 million.

“We have been contacted by a bunch of international buyers, from Russia and a lot from South America,” Adam Marshall, a lawyer at a firm that represents the latest owners, told us.

The palatial mansion, complete with marble and mosaics, is situated in South Beach just a stone’s throw from the ocean.


It was here, on the doorstep, that Versace, 50, was shot dead in July 1997 by serial killer Andrew Cunanan.

In the wake of the murder, the Italian fashion designer’s family put the property up for sale and it subsequently changed hands in 2000 for $19 million.

Most recently, the villa had served as a boutique hotel.

For now, the upcoming sale remains shrouded in mystery and it appears unlikely the press will be able to witness the September 17 bidding process.

“We can’t reveal their identities for the moment,” said Marshall of those interested. “No one wants to make public their names when we are asking a $3 million deposit and to show wherewithal to pay $40 million.”

“Casa Casuarina is the Mona Lisa of real estate in South Florida,” said Coldwell Banker realtor Jill Eber, who gave reporters a tour of the property on Tuesday.

Eber highlighted — among other things — a swimming pool lined with 24-karat gold and palm trees that provide both shade and privacy from prying paparazzi.

“It’s a unique property because there is nothing more iconic than this villa,” she said.

“You can see, you can feel Versace’s vision, Versace’s soul everywhere,” Eber added. “He’s everywhere here. Versace lived and owned it and designed all you can see in this property.”

Casa Casuarina boasts 10 bedrooms and 11 baths, mosaic flooring and an array of frescoes and murals custom-made for Versace.

Two rooftop terraces boast spectacular views of the beach and an observatory has everything one needs for an evening of star-gazing — cushions, armchairs and a bar.

Other luxury features include gold-plated bathroom fixtures and an open-air courtyard.

A suite once occupied by the designer himself contains a king size bed, as well as a huge bathroom, a walk-in closet and even a small terrace overlooking the sea.

The Mediterranean mansion was built in 1930 by architect and philanthropist Alden Freeman in tribute to a house built in the Dominican Republic in 1510 by Diego Columbus, the son of explorer Christopher Columbus.

Seven years later, in 1937, the house was sold to Jacques Amsterdam, who called it “The Amsterdam Palace.”

It was in 1992 that Versace bought the property for $2.9 million, in addition to the empty Revere Hotel next door. He spent $33 million on renovations.

The villa went on sale more than a year ago for $125 million but, in the absence of buyers, the asking price dropped to $75 million several months ago.

Potential buyers have until September 12 to make a deposit and prove they meet the requirements to make an offer.

Unobstructed Ocean Views: Laguna Promontory Residence in California


With its contemporary irregular design and plenty of glazing, the Laguna Promontory Residence stands out in its surroundings. Located in the Laguna Beach resort city, California, United States, the retreat boasts three bedrooms with fantastic ocean views and is situated just a one minute walk away from the beach.


With a jaw-dropping renting cost of $1800 per night, the villa is likely to impress. The living spaces on the bottom floor are highly modern, featuring comfortable lounge furniture and ensuring unobstructed ocean vistas. The bedrooms are located on the upper level, each offering a king sized bed and a flat room TV. Other amenities of the villa include a two car garage, a full floor master suite with walk-in closet and private furnished terrace and a finely appointed gourmet kitchen with wine fridge. The overall design is modern and refined, yet also vivid and holiday inspiring.











Daily Dream Home: Waverley Residence


Located in Sydney’s Waverley neighborhood, today’s dream home borrows the name of its location. Known as the Waverley Residence, this modern and sustainable home was designed by Anderson Architecture. Displaying an uncluttered collection of spaces that seamlessly connect to one another and to the outdoors, the contemporary residence boasts a ground floor created with comfort in mind. Natural colors compose a stress-free atmosphere in an open floor plan that combines the living space, dining area and kitchen into a bright social space. Because clients requested “a warm and modern 4 bedroom house with a strong connection to the outdoors and minimal reliance on artificial heating, cooling and lighting”, architects transformed the existing weatherboard house into a striking contemporary home that grabs the attention of everyone lucky enough to visit it.


Using passive solar techniques, natural ventilation, internal thermal mass, shading systems and an operable roof design, architects created a sustainable comfort to be enjoyed by the owners and their guests. The roof was designed to capture northern light and extend the influence of natural sunshine on each indoor activity. An asymmetrical facade adorned with wood breaks the monotony that once used to define this plot of land. Now, an outdoor area extends the possibilities for relaxing and entertaining, while the interior spaces remain in permanent visual contact with the surroundings.

Technical details and existing problems turned the architect’s work into a challenge: “Extensive computer modelling was used to confirm principles and develop the passive solar design, resulting in an 8 star certification. This modelling highlighted the limitations imposed by a 3 storey northern neighbour on passive solar potential, and led to a C-Bus controlled active design, featuring operable shading, ventilation, day-lighting and heating/cooling elements regulated by numerous internal and external temperature, rain, light and wind sensors.”















POD hotel by Pod Design

The PODhotel is an eco POD hotel with three very well insulated PODhouses to provide affordable accommodation and maximum comfort during even the most extreme weather located in a small valley in Flims (Laax Falera), Switzerland. The PODhouse is a sustainable prefab module built by Robust Outdoor Brands and designed by POD Design+Media.











Charlotte Olympia’s Christmas Capsule Collection Jingles All The Way

The essence of a traditional Christmas is captured in the lyrics of Jingle Bells. However Charlotte Olympia intends to spruce up the festival’s fashion trend by launching an exclusive capsule collection. Christened, Jingle All the Way, the collection celebrates with X’mas themed clutches and footwear.



“All I want…” is uttered to express our desire to own the best and most beautiful stuff that come our way. So here is the All I Want red and gold patent leather wedges from the Charlotte Olympia’s stable. Materialize your wish by stepping in to the glistening wedges shaped out of suede and calfskin. Made in Italy, it can be strapped on with a buckle ankle strap. Sporting a 4 inch heel along with 1 inch platform, the sole also puts on view the signature gold Charlotte Olympia spider web logo. All I Want wedges are up for $1,300.



Match the above mentioned red wedges with Gift Box clutch bag. Up for $1,600, this blood red perpsex square clutch box is sealed with a shiny gold ribbon. The bow shaped clasp closes the clutch hidden magnetic closure. This hot gift shaped bag is also made in Italy and sized at 9 x 6 x 1 inch. It also sports the label’s sign on the hinge.



Indulge in the most lip-smacking of all accessories, the Christmas Pudding pouch. Made from rich brown suede, cream patent icing topped with green stefanil leaves and red berry beads, it is the ultimate Christmas treat for $800. Featuring gold plated Charlotte Olympia plaque inside, it is completely lined in blush silk.



Ginger not only ups the spicy flavor of a dish, but Charlotte Olympia’s Ginger ups the playful element with the patent leather and embroidered gingerbread lady clutch. For $750, it dazzles with Swarovski details and comes with a detachable strap.



Add jingle to every step you take all through the merry-making season with the Jingle Bell Dolly. A must-have to raise the glam quotient without losing the essence of the season, these red velvet pumps will make a melodious statement for $1,000. Sporting a 6 inch heel, it stands tall on a gilded calfskin 1 inch platform. If making noise is not your style then the jingling feature can be eliminated with the detachable ankle straps that hold the gold bells.



Karl Lagerfeld to Open London Flagship: WWD



Karl Lagerfeld will open a hi-tech flagship store in London next year for his personal label.Via WWD:

Karl Lagerfeld is set to open his biggest European store to date in London next year as part of the global retail expansion of the designer’s signature brand. The 2,700-square-foot flagship will be located at 145-147 Regent Street, previously home to men’s wear brand Hackett. Set to open in March, the Karl Lagerfeld concept store will carry men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections, including handbags, leather goods, scarves, eyewear, watches and shoes, as well as limited editions and special objects.

Timeless Elegance In Modern Form: Bulgari Hotel in Milan



Visiting Milan and you want to stay somewhere inspiring, comfortable and customized to your luxurious taste? Then look no further than the Bulgari Hotel in Milan – an astonishing place where elegance is highly rated and the guests highly valued. Designed by architectural studio Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel and Partners, the hotel hides unexpected courtyards and fascinates with uncompromising elegance.

Located in the heart of the city, the 5-star hotel shares the street with buildings dating back to 1930. Its 18th century architecture clad in white Marmorino stucco showcases the updated design welcoming clients from all over the world. The timeless elegance of the BVLGARI brand was mirrored in the interior design of this exclusive hotel with spacious, neutrally colored rooms. Materials like teak, oak, stone from Vicenza and Afyon or black marble from Zimbabwe promise a delightful textural design with a worldly feeling while keeping the refined Italian heritage intact.