This article delves into the life of Vera Wang, a famous and talented American fashion designer celebrated worldwide for her elegant wedding dress designs. More about her early life, career, and personal story below on manhattanka.
Early Life
Vera Ellen Wang was born on June 27, 1949, into a wealthy family of Chinese immigrants in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Her mother, Florence Wu, worked as a translator for the United Nations, and her father, Cheng Ching Wang, was a medical entrepreneur. Vera also had a brother, Kenneth.
From an early age, Vera was passionate about figure skating and trained under renowned skaters such as Sonya Klopfer and Peter Dunfield. Her dedication led her to compete in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Simultaneously, she pursued her education at the prestigious Chapin School and later earned an art history degree from Sarah Lawrence College.
Building a Career in Fashion Design
When Vera’s aspirations in figure skating didn’t fully materialize, she turned her focus to fashion. Her initial foray into the industry began as a sales assistant at the Yves Saint Laurent boutique on Madison Avenue. Recognized for her potential, she was offered a role as an editor at Vogue, where she worked for 17 years before leaving to collaborate with American designer Ralph Lauren.
Armed with substantial experience, Vera launched her own business and focused on designing bridal wear. In 1990, she opened her first bridal salon at The Carlyle Hotel, showcasing her signature wedding dresses. Her work gained immense popularity, and celebrities like Avril Lavigne, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, and Alicia Keys donned her designs. Her work also extended to figure skaters such as Nathan Chen, Michelle Kwan, and Nancy Kerrigan.
Expanding her brand, Vera opened boutiques in major cities, including London, Tokyo, New York, and Sydney. She diversified her collections to include jewelry, perfumes, footwear, eyewear, and home accessories. Some notable collections include White by Vera Wang, The Vera Wang China and Crystal Collection, and Simply Vera.
In 2001, Vera published a book titled Vera Wang on Weddings. She received several accolades, including the “Womenswear Designer of the Year” award and a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2013. In 2012, Forbes ranked her 34th on its list of America’s richest self-made women. Vera also expanded into Asia, opening flagship stores such as Vera Wang Bride Sydney and Vera Wang Bridal Korea.
Personal Life
Details about Vera Wang’s personal life are limited. She was married for 23 years to Arthur Becker, an American investor and former CEO of NaviSite and Zinio. The couple divorced in 2012. Vera and Arthur have two adopted daughters, Josephine and Cecilia.
Wang continues to inspire the fashion world with her creativity and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy in the bridal and fashion industry.