Decades on the Late Gianni Versace Still Holds Sway in Modern Real Estate Luxury
Nearly 30 years after his untimely demise, icon Gianni Versace is still considered one of the most influential tastemakers the world has ever produced.
In real estate, the designer is celebrated for his unflinchingly decadent style that represented everything la dolce vita. Known for his beautiful abodes, Versace’s homes in Miami, Milan, and Lake Como have been repeatedly referenced throughout the years, thanks to their theatrical elements. From statues of Greek gods and portraits of Roman figures to gilded friezes and glittering candelabras, each home was carefully curated by the designer himself.
What may be less known for those outside of property circles, though, is that Versace is also a prominent personality in the luxury New York real estate market. This is evident from a number of listings, each frontloading their affiliation with the Italian fashion leader.
The fashionable legacy of Gianni Versace
From his early years in Italy working in his mother’s sewing business, Gianni’s eye for style was evident. Despite the poverty and political troubles that surrounded him, he was able to work his way up as a designer for the popular ready-to-wear brand Genny in 1973. His success there helped give him the resources to release his very first personal collection at the Palazzo Della Permanente Art Museum of Milan a few years later. From there, the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, while the Italian fashion is helmed by Versace’s younger sister and muse, Donatella, the brand’s essence and vision are still the same ones Gianni put in place. For instance, popular motifs like the Medusa icon and Baroque prints remain staples in Versace clothing lines. Both initially introduced in the early 90s, these prints are still widely used in more modern collections as recent as 2023. A true visionary, Gianni was also responsible for creating the bondage-inspired silhouettes and the Oroton fabrics that have become synonymous with the brand today. The same effort to preserve Gianni’s style has been made in newer brand creations that came following his death. This is perhaps most evident in their eyewear, which was first introduced in 2003. Versace sunglasses feature the same bold attention-getting approach with oversized frames and trademark metal hardware. Although these shades have been adapted for more contemporary preferences, such as compatibility with prescriptions or polarized coatings, the aesthetic of each one is still undeniably Gianni-inspired. In some of their most recent collections, like the Versace Women’s 2024 collection, the frames were still decorated with the aforementioned Medusa medallions.
Versace homes in New York
As can be expected, Gianni’s New York real estate legacy is just as ornate. A far cry from the minimalist spaces that have become more popular of late, Versace’s homes and decorations are over-the-top. In terms of architecture, while mid-century homes by John Howe, apprentice of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, are beloved for their clean lines, wide open spaces, and heavy use of wood, Versace’s properties are almost the exact opposite. In New York, Versace’s Upper East Side mansion is closer to a Baroque palace. Smack in the middle of the concrete jungle, this lavish home is 14,000 square feet. Grand double doors open up to a maximalist paradise with a marble gallery, inlaid geometric floors, sweeping staircase, and detailed columns. A true art history lover, Versace’s Big Apple mansion has painted ceilings and gilded paneling taken from a palazzo in Florence. Gold molding and a marble Jacuzzi elevate the primary suite. To really underscore the luxury of the estate, it has a media room, game lounge, rooftop terrace, and backyard garden. Currently owned by billionaire Thomas Sandell, the home is on the market for a whopping $55 million.
Given the steep price of owning one of Versace's past houses, some real estate stakeholders have instead taken to offering his furniture instead. Last year, a duplex penthouse in the NoMad district went on sale for $10 million. Apart from sweeping city views, the property’s big highlight was the inclusion of rare furnishings previously owned by Versace himself. Throughout the 3,564-square-foot, four-bedroom, and three-and-a-half-bathroom unit, Gianni-owned pieces such as sofas, accent chairs, rugs, ottomans, tables, and more are spread around. Initially purchased in an auction in 2001, these furnishings were purchased for approximately $60,000, which underscores how influential the late Versace remains.
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