By Kate O'Keeffe

Macau casino operator SJM Holdings Ltd. (0880.HK) and Italian fashion house Gianni Versace SpA said they have signed an agreement to open a hotel in the world's gambling capital.

The Palazzo Versace Macau will be a part of SJM's new casino-resort project in Macau's fast-growing Cotai area, according to a joint statement from the firms Tuesday.

The news of the tie-up is the first real glimpse into SJM's vision for its Cotai project. Macau's other five casino operators have already sketched out their Cotai plans. It also could mark a design departure for the casino operator, whose flagship Grand Lisboa casino is known for its towering lotus structure and the expensive Chinese relics inside.

The project will be the fashion house's third Palazzo Versace venture, following a property on Australia's Gold Coast and one in Dubai currently under construction.

Write to Kate O'Keeffe at kathryn.okeeffe@wsj.com

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