The former home of Santo Versace has been transformed into The Wilde, a Milanese members' club that fuses traditional hospitality with digital accessibility. Olivia Palamountain reports

A modernist villa in Milan's fashionable Brera district has been transformed into The Wilde, a members' club that opened its doors on November 7, 2024.

The building, designed in 1954 by architects Carlo De Carli and Antonio Carminati, was the former residence of Santo Versace, brother of Donatella Versace and the late designer Gianni Versace.

The club features an unusual hybrid approach to membership, offering both physical and virtual access to its programming. Members can attend events in person or connect through a digital portal that includes exclusive content, podcasts, virtual workshops, and access to club news and dining reservations.  Renowned Italian designer Fabrizio Casiraghi has reimagined the villa, creating distinct spaces including three restaurants, a library, cigar lounge and a rooftop escape. The design incorporates local Milanese textiles from Arjumand's World alongside American walnut furnishings and contrasting materials such as pink lacquered wood and travertine.

In Arturo's cigar lounge, brown natural leathers create a warming atmosphere, while Jim Thompson's red and blue striped fabrics enliven the garden and Ava Rooftop.Dining spans Italian classics and world-class cocktails (including the Giardini Negroni) in The Club Room and Garden, Latin American-Japanese fusion at Nina (serving tacos, tiraditos and sushi), and Mediterranean dining at Ava. The library offers breakfast and all-day casual dining for those seeking quieter moments.

The club also houses an eclectic art collection curated by Ed Tang's Art Bureau, featuring works by artists including Andy Warhol, Diane dal Pra, Danh Vo and Nikolai von Bismarck."We are forging a community of the world's brightest and most interesting individuals. A physical and digital space where the exchange of ideas is encouraged, where intellect collides with entertainment," says Ben Pundole, chief brand and marketing officer, who previously developed the Edition hotel brand with Ian Schrager.

The opening of The Wilde marks the first of several planned international venues for the brand, with future locations slated for New York City, London and Los Angeles.The venture is led by Gary Landesberg, former executive chairman of The Arts Club, alongside Alice Chadwyck-Healey, previously of Annabel's and Mark's Club, as chief commercial officer. The project has received backing from Three Hills Capital Partners, whose hospitality portfolio includes La Bottega and Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group.

Prospective members can apply at The Wilde – or check out the club's Spotify playlists here for a taste of the mood.