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Who Is Vera Wang?
Vera Wang is a distinguished fashion designer and former senior fashion editor at Vogue, where she served for 15 years. Following her tenure at Vogue, she became the design director for Ralph Lauren. Wang’s journey into fashion design began after creating her own wedding dress, which led her to establish a bridal boutique. She subsequently launched her signature collection, which has gained immense popularity and a devoted Hollywood following. In addition to bridal wear, Wang has expanded her brand to include lingerie, jewelry, and home products.
Early Years
Vera Ellen Wang was born on June 27, 1949, in New York City, New York. As the daughter of affluent Chinese immigrants, she enjoyed a privileged upbringing on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Wang attended the prestigious Chapin School and the School of American Ballet, later enrolling at Sarah Lawrence College. During her sophomore year, she briefly studied abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris but returned to the United States to complete her degree in art history. A talented figure skater, she competed professionally throughout her teenage years. However, her Olympic aspirations were dashed when she and her partner, James Stuart, placed fifth in the junior pairs competition at the 1968 U.S. National Championships.
Transition from ‘Vogue’ to Ralph Lauren
Upon graduating from college in 1971, Wang set aside her skating career to join Vogue magazine. Within a year, at the age of 23, she was promoted to senior fashion editor, a role she held for 15 years. In 1987, Wang left Vogue to become the design director for accessories at Ralph Lauren.
Foray into Fashion Design
In 1989, Wang married her longtime boyfriend, Arthur Becker. Frustrated by the limited selection of bridal wear available at the time, she designed her own gown and commissioned a dressmaker to create it, incurring a cost of $10,000. The following year, with financial support from her father, she opened her bridal boutique in the upscale Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue in New York City. Catering primarily to celebrities and socialites, the Vera Wang Bridal House initially offered couture gowns by renowned designers such as Guy Laroche, Arnold Scaasi, Carolina Herrera, and Christian Dior. Over the ensuing years, Wang refined her design skills and eventually launched her signature collection, known for its streamlined and sophisticated bridal wear.
Commercial Success and Expansion
Vera Wang first garnered international acclaim during the 1994 Winter Olympics when she designed a hand-beaded ensemble for figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Since then, Wang has successfully expanded her brand to include a highly regarded line of elegant evening wear and the Vera Wang Made to Order collection.
In 2001, Wang introduced her inaugural fragrance and published a widely anticipated wedding guide. Over the years, her business has diversified to encompass lingerie, jewelry, home products, and even gourmet desserts. In 2006, she partnered with Kohl’s, a prominent department store chain, to launch an affordable ready-to-wear clothing line called Simply Vera. Additionally, Wang has secured licensing agreements with notable retailers such as Zales, David’s Bridal, and Men’s Wearhouse.
By harmonizing modern designs with traditional elegance, Wang has cultivated a substantial following, particularly in Hollywood. Her creations are frequently donned by high-profile actresses at film premieres and award ceremonies, with notable wearers including Halle Berry, Goldie Hawn, Charlize Theron, Anjelica Huston, and Meg Ryan.
In September 2019, Wang celebrated three decades in the fashion industry by staging an anniversary show during New York Fashion Week. The following month, she unveiled her 60th bridal collection, further solidifying her position in the world of fashion.
Accolades
Recognized as one of the foremost designers of bridal wear in America, Wang has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the industry. Among her honors are the 1993 Chinese American Planning Council’s Honoree of the Year Award and the 1994 Girl Scout Council’s Woman of Distinction Award. That same year, she was elected to the esteemed Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). In 2005, the CFDA named Wang as the Womenswear Designer of the Year, a testament to her influence and creativity.
In 2019, Wang was honored with the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, highlighting her commitment to philanthropy and social causes.
Personal Life
Vera Wang, who separated from her husband Arthur Becker in 2012, is the proud mother of two adopted daughters, Cecilia and Josephine.