After 27 years at the helm of the Italian house, Donatella Versace has stepped down as creative director. "It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni's legacy," Donatella Versace said via press release. "He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity."

Gianni founded Versace in 1978 with his brother, Santo, becoming CEO while Donatella worked on Atelier Versace and Versus – it was during this time that she introduced the infamous safety pin dress, which Elizabeth Hurley rocked at the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere in 1994.

For the first time since its founding, Versace will not be designed by a member of the family. After almost three decades at the helm of the brand, Donatella Versace is stepping down from the house’s top creative role. She will be succeeded by Dario Vitale, most recently the design director of Miu Miu.