My Stay at the Versace Mansion

The best-known property on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach is the Villa Casa Casuarina, better known as the Versace Mansion. Notorious for its over-the-top style and the horrifying death that happened at its gates, the Versace Mansion holds so much history and was a fascinating and surreal experience for me. With its richly decorated walls, floors, ceilings, and windows, it retains the designer’s elaborate splendor and houses 10 custom guest suites and a 54-foot-long mosaic pool lined with 24-karat gold. I toured all the suites, including the bedrooms of Gianni Versace, Santo Versace (his brother), and Allegra Versace (his niece), but I had the pleasure of staying in 2 different suites in the mansion, the one Elton John stayed in and the other Madonna stayed in when they visited Versace in the 90s.

During my stay, I enjoyed drinks in Versace’s courtyard, admired the view of Miami’s South Beach from his conservatory and rooftop, and swam in his pool that is said to be made from more than one million mosaic tiles, thousands of them 24-karat gold. Each night, dinner was served poolside under the stars in the one-of-a-kind dining room that has marble and scrolling mosaics running on for at least 30 feet.

The exclusive corset I am wearing is inspired by the iconic Versace logo – the head of Medusa, a Greek mythological figure. Wearing it, I felt empowered and ultra-confident. The painted face and snakes on my corset represent seduction and power – a passkey to a world of luxury and fantasy. The artwork was in collaboration with artist Brianna O’Brien. Working with Brianna was exciting because the artwork possibilities were endless. Together we created an exceptional, wearable work of art that reflects both of our unique qualities as artists.  Read more about the Medusa Corset.