Vera Wang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vera Wang
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Wang in 2009
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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 |
| Relatives | Emmy Rossum (cousin by marriage) |
Vera Wang (born June 27, 1949) is a famous American fashion designer. Before she became known for her beautiful clothes, Vera was a talented figure skater. She worked for well-known fashion companies like Vogue magazine and Ralph Lauren. In 1990, she started her own business, focusing on wedding dresses.
Vera Wang became famous around the world for her amazing wedding gown designs. Many celebrities have worn her dresses. Her brand grew to include everyday clothes, accessories, perfumes, and items for the home. In December 2024, after 35 years, Vera Wang sold her company to WHP Global, a brand management firm. She continues to be the founder and chief creative officer.
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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 has one brother, Kenneth.
Skating Dreams
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 was even featured in Sports Illustrated magazine. However, she did not make the U.S. Olympics team. She said she was "devastated" by this. After that, she decided to go into the fashion world. Vera still loves skating and says it is "multidimensional."
Education and Social Life
Vera Wang went to Friends Seminary and graduated from Chapin School in 1967. She also studied at the University of Paris. Later, she earned a degree in art history from Sarah Lawrence College. In 1968, she was presented as a debutante at the International Debutante Ball in New York.
Vera Wang's Fashion Career
After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College, Vera Wang immediately got a job as an editor at Vogue magazine. She was the youngest editor there at the time. She worked at Vogue for 17 years. In 1987, she left to work for Ralph Lauren for two years. When she was 40, she decided to start her own business as a bridal wear designer.
Designing for Stars
Vera Wang has designed wedding gowns for many famous people. These include Chelsea Clinton, Ivanka Trump, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Victoria Beckham, and Kim Kardashian. She became best known for her elegant wedding dresses. Her evening wear has also been worn by important figures like Michelle Obama.
Costumes for Skaters
Vera Wang has also designed costumes for figure skaters at the Winter Olympic Games. Some of the famous skaters who wore her designs include Nancy Kerrigan, Michelle Kwan, Evan Lysacek, and Nathan Chen. In 2009, she was honored and added to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. This was for her great work in designing costumes for the sport. She also designed uniforms for the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders.
Awards and Recognition
In October 2001, Vera Wang released her book called Vera Wang on Weddings. In June 2005, she won the Womenswear Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). She also received the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Her evening wear has been seen on many stars at red carpet events. For example, Viola Davis wore her design at the 2012 Academy Awards. In 2013, Vera Wang received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Expanding Her Brand
In 2006, Vera Wang made a deal with Kohl's department stores. This allowed her to create a more affordable line of clothing called Simply Vera, sold only at Kohl's.
In September 2019, Vera Wang returned to New York Fashion Week for her Spring/Summer 2020 show. This show celebrated 30 years of her brand. The show received very good reviews for its unique designs.
In December 2024, WHP Global bought the Vera Wang fashion brand. Vera Wang continues to be the founder and chief creative officer for the brand.
Vera Wang's Stores
In 1990, Vera Wang opened her first design salon in the Carlyle Hotel in New York City. This is where she sold her famous bridal gowns. Since then, she has opened bridal boutiques in cities like London, Tokyo, and Sydney. She has also expanded her brand to include perfumes, jewelry, eyewear, shoes, and home items.
Affordable Collections
"White by Vera Wang" was launched in February 2011 at David's Bridal. These wedding gowns are more affordable. In 2002, Wang started designing for home fashion with The Vera Wang China and Crystal Collection. In 2007, she released her Simply Vera line, sold only at Kohl's.
In spring 2012, Vera Wang worked with Men's Wearhouse to offer two styles of tuxedos. In June 2012, she opened new stores in Australia and South Korea.
Vera Wang has described her journey from being a journalist to a businesswoman as "painful." She learned that she had to make many decisions, from small details about a design to big choices that affect the people who work for her.
Vera Wang's Family 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 had separated.
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)
Books by Vera Wang
- Vera Wang, Vera Wang on Weddings, HarperCollins, October 2001 (ISBN: 9780688162566).
Recent 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.
See also
In Spanish: Vera Wang para niños
- List of fashion designers
