After Winning Praise For Her ‘New Face,’ Donatella Versace Steps Down As Creative Director Of Versace After 30 Years

Donatella Versace has stepped down from her role as the luxury brand’s creative director after 30 years, marking the end of an era. She will serve as the band’s global ambassador in the future.

Versace first assumed a high-status role at the company following the murder of her brother, Gianni Versace, in 1997. Since she took over, the brand has famously expanded its global reach while retaining its trademark style of “bold, glamorous, and unapologetically sexy.”

>MORE: DONATELLA VERSACE WINS PRAISE FOR HER ‘NEW FACE‘

Versace shared the news on Thursday via Instagram, writing, “Championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me. I am thrilled that Dario Vitale will be joining us, and excited to see Versace through new eyes. I want to thank my incredible design team and all the employees at Versace that I have had the privilege of working with for over three decades.”

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy,” she continued. “He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity.”

Versace concluded, “In my new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, I will remain Versace’s most passionate supporter. Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart.” 

In a statement shared on the brand’s Instagram Stories, Vitale expressed his own excitement to be taking over the role from Versace, saying, “The House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion…I want to express my sincere thank you to Donatella for her trust in me, and for her tireless dedication to the extraordinary brand that Versace is today…it is a privilege to contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication.”

Known as one of the most luxurious brands in the world, A-list celebrities such as Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Olive Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and many more have turned to Versace’s signature designs.

With over 12 million followers on Instagram, Versace is the most-followed fashion designer on social media.