Article #2790

Sister of Gianni who took over Italian label after his murder in 1997 will become chief brand ambassador at Versace

• Donatella Versace defied expectations to become a fashion icon of her own

For the first time in almost 50 years, Versace will no longer be designed by a Versace.

Three decades after she started working for the company – and 27 years after she stepped into the role of creative director after the murder of her brother, Gianni – the designer Donatella Versace has announced she is to step down from her role at the Italian brand from the end of March.