The fashion world is in shock with the recent announcement that legendary designer Donna Karan would be stepping down from DKI.

For a career that began with a simple desire to make clothes for her and her friends to wear, Karan has made a name for herself in American fashion. The designer, who founded her brand 30 years ago and turned it into an empire of clothing, fragrances and accessories, announced on June 30 that she would no longer be the chief designer of Donna Karan International, reported The New York Times.

In her statement, Karan said, "Donna Karan New York is a part of me, past, present and future. It has been an honor to speak woman to woman about Seven Easy Pieces that forever changed the way women dress. I want to express my gratitude and my deepest feelings to the dozens and dozens of colleagues over the years who have helped take Donna Karan New York far beyond my wildest dreams."

The brand, purchased by Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton in 1996, released a statement on Instagram praising the designer and her contributions to fashion and society.

 Donna Karan's Next Journey After much thoughtful discussion and in partnership with Donna Karan International and LVMH, our visionary founder, Donna Karan, has made a personal decision to step down from her day-to-day responsibilities as Chief Designer for Donna Karan International. She will remain with the company in an advisory role and will dedicate her focus on her Urban Zen Company and foundation, which she founded in 2007. Over the past three decades, Donna Karan has inspired women around the world to embrace their power and sensuality. When she started her collection in 1985 she set out to simply make clothes for her and her friends. A little collection of simple black pieces that was all about need and desire. She quickly found out that she wasn't alone- she had a lot of friends out there. Her philosophy of a sophisticated system of dressing, "her seven easy pieces" revolutionized the working woman's wardrobe. Donna Karan is an icon, visionary designer and a passionate philanthropist. She believes in dressing and addressing women. Her impact on American Fashion has been extraordinary and she will continue to influence and inspire for years to come. We honor Donna today and always. We look forward to celebrating her past, present and future in her memoir, which is due out in October 2015. #DonnaKaran

A photo posted by Donna Karan New York (@donnakaran) on Jun 30, 2015 at 2:28pm PDT

Karan's effect on fashion has been considered just as strong as her influence in empowering women to dress confidently and use their sexuality to express themselves, something her designs embody.

The designer, like Diane Von Furstenberg before her, is credited with reinventing the wardrobe of the modern working women with her first collection in 1985. Karan's implementation of the "Seven Easy Pieces," a collection of items women can use during the day and at night, still contribute to modern day fashion guides.

Karan's brand has expanded throughout the years into several affordable departments like DKNY, DKNY Jeans and DKNY Kids.

The 66-year-old's designs have graced countless of red carpets over the years on stars like actresses Nina Dobrev, Sofia Vergara, Emilia Clarke, Jane Fonda and Viola Davis, as well as model Chanel Iman.

Karan is expected to continue to work with the brand in an "advisory role" and will now focus on her Urban Zen Foundation, which strives to reform health care, empower children and preserve world cultures.

Loving our #DonnaKaranAtelier ladies at last night's #SAG Awards. Which dress would you choose for your own #RedCarpet walk? A photo posted by Donna Karan New York (@donnakaran) on Jan 26, 2015 at 9:22am PST