When Gianni was murdered in 1997, suddenly Donatella was responsible for carrying on the brand and the legacy, alone. It wasn’t easy, but she mustered courage many times higher than her platforms and triumphed.

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.

As Donatella Versace steps down from designing after 27 years at the helm of the Italian brand, the fashion world has been reflecting on her achievements and what this means for the future. The 69-year-old took over the family business after her brother Gianni was murdered in 1997,

Donatella Versace, one of the world’s best-known designers, is stepping down as chief creative officer of the brand that bears her family name, marking the end of an era for the fashion house that could soon change hands.