Donatella Versace is stepping down as the chief creative officer of Versace. The Italian fashion designer was the head of her late brother Gianni Versace’s luxury fashion empire for nearly 30 years. She took over the fashion house after his tragic murder in 1997.

MILAN – Donatella Versace was named brand ambassador of the fashion house she has helped grow on her own for the past 28 years, following the death of her beloved brother Gianni. On Thursday, Versace announced that the designer would be succeeded by Dario Vitale, named chief creative officer, effective April 1.

Donatella Versace took the reins of her family's eponymous brand after the July 1997 murder of her brother Gianni, the famed Italian fashion designer.