Donatella Versace announced today that she will step down as creative director of Versace, ending her nearly 30-year tenure at the helm of the Italian luxury fashion empire.

Donatella took over the helm of the luxury Italian fashion house after her brother, Gianni Versace, was murdered outside his Miami Beach mansion in 1997.

Gianni Versace

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on the legacy of my brother Gianni. He was a true genius, but I hope I have given a little of his spirit and perseverance," she wrote on Instagram.

After her brother's death - and despite having no experience in design or fashion - Donatella quickly became an icon of the Versace brand and remains a beloved figure in the fashion industry.

Donatella and Gianni Versace

Capri Holdings, the luxury brand's parent company, led by Michael Kors, said Versace "is what it is today because of Donatella Versace and the passion she has shown in her role every day for nearly thirty years."

Dario Vitale , the former design and image director of Italian brand Miu Miu, will lead the fashion house as its new creative director, the company said in a statement on social media.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to Donatella for her trust in me and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today," Vitale said in a statement.

“It is a privilege to contribute to Versace's future growth and global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication,” he concluded.

Donatella Versace will remain with the company as its main brand ambassador.

"I will remain Versace's most passionate supporter," she said. "Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart."

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Source: NBC News