Vera Wang
Born: New York, U.S., 1949
Vera Wang’s journey in the world of fashion was shaped by her family’s immigration to the United States in the mid-1940s. Initially, Wang pursued a career as a figure skater, aiming for a spot on the US Olympic team. However, when her Olympic aspirations didn’t materialise, she transitioned into the fashion industry.
Her career in fashion began as a senior fashion editor at Vogue, where she dedicated sixteen years of her life to the magazine. In 1985, Wang decided to leave Vogue after missing out on the opportunity to be promoted to editor-in-chief. She then joined the prestigious fashion house Ralph Lauren, taking on the role of design director.
After gaining valuable experience at Ralph Lauren for two years, Vera Wang took a bold step in 1990 by establishing her own fashion company. Recognizing an unexplored niche and with financial support from her father, Wang opened a luxurious salon in the Carlyle Hotel in New York. Here, she designed and offered wedding dresses that embraced the traditions of Parisian couture.
Initially, Wang’s salon featured couture gowns from renowned designers such as Guy Laroche, Christian Dior, and Carolina Herrera. However, as she honed her design skills, she began to create her own collections, setting the stage for her own unique brand.
One of Vera Wang’s notable achievements was designing figure skater Nancy Kerrigan’s Olympic costume in 1994, which garnered international attention and acclaim.
In 2000, Wang expanded her repertoire by launching a ready-to-wear collection, which enjoyed immediate success. Her exceptional contributions to fashion were recognized in 2005 when she received The Council of Fashion Designers of America’s ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’ award.
Further diversifying her portfolio, Vera Wang introduced her first fragrance in 2001 and published a wedding guide. As her business continued to flourish, Wang collaborated with the department store Kohl’s in 2006, creating a diffusion line exclusively for the chain, aptly named “Very Vera.”
Today, Vera Wang is synonymous with fashionable brides not only in the United States but around the world. Her label has graced celebrities including Ivana Trump, Chelsea Clinton, Victoria Beckham, Nancy Kerrigan, and Kate Hudson, making it the top choice for famous brides.
Wang’s brand is renowned for its superb craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and impeccable tailoring, all evident in her feminine and contemporary designs that effortlessly blend modernity with a touch of tradition.
Vera Wang Biography
Written by Saxony Dudbridge
Saxony Dudbridge was one of the first contributors to the Catwalk Yourself project, Saxony studies International Fashion Marketing and she is responsible for our great History and Designers Biographies sections.