CITYist

Courtesy of Barton G

Barton G launched Vault Magazine at the famed South Beach rococo-designed house lovingly called the Versace Mansion, named after the house’s late owner Gianni Versace. The party was a who’s who of the Miami set and featured a large blown up cover of the magazine at the entrance.

The house is as stunning as the good looking party guests, but it wasn’t always this way. Not until 1992 did Versace walk by, his eyes fell on the kneeling Aphrodite statue in the center of the courtyard, did he begin his battle with local Miami government to change the art deco nearby lots making it the house of art, fashion and design that it is today. Guest over the years have included Madonna and Elton John (not at the same time, we presume). Mosaics make up the floors, walls, and even the pool, Versace signature home designs complete the tableware in the dining room, and as for the bedrooms—get ready for double king-size beds with custom made linens, and gold-lined showers.

If you weren’t invited to the party, you can still go inside the mansion. You can pay to stay there (Room rates start at $1,200 in the off season), or book a table at the Barton G Dining Room restaurant inside. If you happen to stroll by on an evening that the villa is not rented out for a special event, you can present yourself by knocking at the gate. Should the security and manager find you well dressed, and well behaved enough, you can go in for a cocktail at the Onyx Bar, a beautiful little hideaway in this richly designed house.

Courtesy of World Red Eye