A native New Yorker who spent her career at the forefront of fashion, Vera Wang began a sweeping makeover of the bridal industry in 1990 with the opening of her flagship salon at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City.
From the age of six, Wang started figure skating and she competed in the United States Figure Skating Championship in 1968. When Wang failed to become a part of the US Olympics team, she diverted her attention towards the fashion industry.
Wang was hired at Vogue magazine as an assistant. She quickly impressed her bosses and was named the magazine's youngest ever fashion editor in 1972.
She left Vogue to fulfil a dream: instead of writing about designers, she wanted to become one of them. As a matter of fact, in 1987, her wish came true when she was appointed as a design director at the fashion house of Ralph Lauren.
From the age of six, Wang started figure skating and she competed in the United States Figure Skating Championship in 1968. When Wang failed to become a part of the US Olympics team, she diverted her attention towards the fashion industry.
Wang was hired at Vogue magazine as an assistant. She quickly impressed her bosses and was named the magazine's youngest ever fashion editor in 1972.
She left Vogue to fulfil a dream: instead of writing about designers, she wanted to become one of them. As a matter of fact, in 1987, her wish came true when she was appointed as a design director at the fashion house of Ralph Lauren.
Vera Wang
Vera Wang at the skating rink
Young Vera Wang
Vera Wang and Ralph Lauren.
In 1989, Vera was around 40 years old and while she was planning her wedding to Arthur Becker, she found herself confounded by the lack of bridal gowns for older and more mature brides. As she explained, everywhere she went, the dresses were overdone with too many frills and lace; nothing she found was simple, elegant, or even remotely sexy. As a consequence, she ended up hiring a dressmaker to create a custom-made gown, which ended up costing $10,000.
Vera Wang has designed and manufactured wedding dresses for several noted personalities. Furthermore, her dress has been worn by many stars on red carpets. Additionally, she has made outfits for figure skaters like Michelle Kwan, Nancy Kerrigan and Evan Lysacek.
Lily Aldridge
In a Vera Wang dress for her wedding to Caleb Followill in 2011
In a Vera Wang dress for her wedding to Caleb Followill in 2011
Victoria Beckham
In a Vera Wang gown for her wedding with David Beckham in 1999
In a Vera Wang gown for her wedding with David Beckham in 1999
Tina Kunakey
A tulle wedding dress designed by Vera Wang with a curve-enhancing low-cut bustier for her wedding with Vincent Cassel.
A tulle wedding dress designed by Vera Wang with a curve-enhancing low-cut bustier for her wedding with Vincent Cassel.
Sarah Jessica Parker
In character as Carrie Bradshaw in a Vera Wang gown in the Sex and the City movie
In character as Carrie Bradshaw in a Vera Wang gown in the Sex and the City movie
Vera Wang is also known for her experiments with the colour of the wedding dress. She shocked the wide public by creating a black wedding dress and continues to create gowns in various shades of white, red, pink etc.
