Vera Wang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vera Wang
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Wang in 2007
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| Born |
Vera Ellen Wang
June 27, 1949 New York City, U.S.
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| Education | Sarah Lawrence College (BA) |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Spouse(s) |
Arthur P. Becker
(m. 1989; separated 2012) |
| Children | 2 |
Vera Ellen Wang (Chinese: 王薇薇; pinyin: Wáng Wēiwēi; born June 27, 1949) is a famous American fashion designer. She is best known for her beautiful wedding dresses.
Before becoming a designer, Vera Wang was a talented figure skater. She later worked for well-known fashion magazines and brands like Vogue and Ralph Lauren. In 1990, she opened her own shop to design bridal gowns.
Her wedding dresses became very popular and have been worn by many celebrities. Vera Wang then grew her brand to include everyday clothes, accessories, perfumes, and items for the home. In 2024, she sold her company to WHP Global, but she will still be involved as the main creative leader.
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Vera Wang's Early Life
Vera Ellen Wang was born on June 27, 1949, in New York City. Her parents were from China and moved to the United States in the 1940s. Her mother, Florence Wu, worked as a translator for the United Nations. Her father, Cheng Ching Wang, owned a medicine company.
Vera Wang started figure skating when she was eight years old. She trained hard and even competed in the 1968 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. She hoped to join the U.S. Olympics team, but she didn't qualify. This made her sad, but it led her to a new path in fashion. She still loves skating today.
Wang went to Friends Seminary and graduated from Chapin School in 1967. She also studied at the University of Paris and earned a degree in art history from Sarah Lawrence College.
Vera Wang's Career in Fashion
After finishing college, Vera Wang started working at Vogue magazine. She was the youngest editor there and stayed for 17 years. Later, she worked for Ralph Lauren for two years.
When she was 40, Wang decided to start her own business. She became an independent designer focusing on bridal wear.
Vera Wang has designed wedding gowns for many famous people. These include Ariana Grande, Chelsea Clinton, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and Kim Kardashian. Her elegant wedding dresses made her very well-known. She has also designed evening wear for figures like Michelle Obama.
Beyond fashion, Vera Wang has designed costumes for figure skaters at the Winter Olympic Games. Some famous skaters who wore her designs include Nancy Kerrigan, Michelle Kwan, Evan Lysacek, and Nathan Chen. In 2009, she was honored for her contributions to skating as a costume designer.
In 2001, Vera Wang released a book called Vera Wang on Weddings. She has received many awards for her work in fashion. These include the Womenswear Designer of the Year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2005. In 2013, she received the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2006, Wang partnered with Kohl's department stores. They created a more affordable clothing line called "Simply Vera." This made her designs available to more people.
In 2019, Vera Wang returned to New York Fashion Week to celebrate 30 years of her brand. Her show received good reviews for its unique style.
In December 2024, WHP Global bought the Vera Wang fashion brand. Vera Wang will continue to be the founder and chief creative officer.
Vera Wang's Retail Stores
In 1990, Vera Wang opened her first design salon in New York City. It featured her famous bridal gowns. Since then, she has opened bridal shops in major cities like London, Tokyo, and Sydney.
She has also expanded her brand to include many other products. These include perfumes, jewelry, eyewear, shoes, and home goods.
In 2011, "White by Vera Wang" was launched at David's Bridal. This line offered wedding gowns at lower prices, making her designs more accessible. Vera Wang also started designing items for the home, like china and crystal collections.
In 2012, Wang partnered with Men's Wearhouse to offer tuxedo styles. She also opened bridal stores in Australia and Seoul, South Korea.
Vera Wang has said that moving from being a journalist to a businesswoman was challenging. She learned to make many decisions, from small details in a design to big choices that affect her employees.
Vera Wang's Personal Life
In June 1989, Vera Wang married investor Arthur P. Becker. They have two daughters, both of whom were adopted. In July 2012, the couple announced that they were separating.
Vera Wang in Movies and TV
Vera Wang has appeared as herself in several movies and TV shows:
Movies
- First Daughter (2004)
- The September Issue (2009)
Television
- Gossip Girl (2012)
- Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2011)
- Chelsea Lately (2011)
- The Celebrity Apprentice (2008)
- Ugly Betty (2007)
Vera Wang's Books
- Vera Wang, Vera Wang on Weddings, HarperCollins, October 2001 (ISBN: 9780688162566).
Vera Wang's Recognition
Vera Wang was named one of the BBC's 100 women in 2021. In 2023, she received a special award from the CFDA Fashion Awards for her big impact on bridal fashion.
Images for kids
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Wang in 2009
See also
In Spanish: Vera Wang para niños
