Vera Wang: A stellar figure in the fashion world, who reshaped notions of refinement and ingenuity
Vera Wang: A Fashion Icon Revolutionising the Industry
Vera Wang, born in New York City to Chinese immigrants, has cemented her status as a true icon in the fashion world. Raised in a family that valued hard work and perseverance, Wang's journey to becoming a celebrated designer was not an easy one.
At the age of 40, Wang established herself as an independent bridal wear designer, stepping outside the confines of bridal wear and creating evening gowns that were embraced by stars on various red carpets. Her debut bridal collection received widespread acclaim, and she has since designed wedding gowns for notable personalities such as Haley Williams, Ariana Grande, and Chelsea Clinton.
Wang's love for figure skating, which led her to fail to make the U.S. Olympic team, took a different turn when her designs started to appear on the ice. Her creations have been showcased by figure skaters at Winter Olympic Games, including Nancy Kerrigan, Michelle Kwan, Evan Lysacek, and Nathan Chen.
Wang's designs have not only graced the red carpet and the ice but also found their way into popular culture. Her work has been a key plot element in shows like "The West Wing," and she made a cameo appearance in an episode of "Gossip Girl." Her designs have also been featured in films and TV shows such as "The West Wing," "Gossip Girl," and "Sex and the City."
Before embarking on her own career, Wang worked as an editor at Vogue and later joined Ralph Lauren. However, it was when she decided to venture out on her own that she truly made her mark. Between 2013 and 2018, Wang faced the challenge of expanding her brand beyond bridal wear into new markets like fashion, fragrance, and home goods while maintaining her signature elegance. She achieved significant success by successfully diversifying her product lines and solidifying her status as an influential fashion designer during this period.
Wang's brand has expanded beyond fashion, launching lines of fragrances, jewelry, eyewear, footwear, and home goods. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts. In 2012, Wang and her husband Arthur P. Becker announced their separation. Despite this, Wang's story serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers, proving that with determination and hard work, one can achieve greatness.
Wang and Becker adopted two daughters, and Wang married Arthur P. Becker in 1989 in a multi-faith ceremony. Wang's designs have been a source of joy and elegance for many, and her impact on the fashion industry will continue to be felt for years to come.