Vera Wang

American Fashion Designer

Date of Birth	:	27 Jun, 1949
Place of Birth	:	New York, New York, United States
Profession	:	Fashion Designer, Businessperson
Nationality	:	American
Social Profiles	:	Facebook Twitter Instagram

Vera Ellen Wang is an American fashion designer. Wang initially pursued a career in figure skating before transitioning to fashion. She worked for Vogue and Ralph Lauren before launching her own bridal gown boutique in 1990. Wang gained international recognition for her wedding dress designs.

Early life and education

Wang’s parents immigrated to the United States from China in the 1940s. Her father headed a successful pharmaceutical company, and her mother was a UN translator. Wang was early exposed to fashion by her stylish mother, who often took her to high-end fashion shows. At age six she began ice skating, and she later competed in pairs figure skating. At the 1968 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, she and her partner failed to qualify for the Olympics after placing outside the top three. Wang subsequently decided to stop skating competitively. At the time she was attending Sarah Lawrence College as a premed major, and she opted to spend a semester at the Sorbonne in Paris. While there she discovered her passion for fashion. After returning to Sarah Lawrence, she began studying theatre and art history.

From Vogue to wedding dresses

Following her graduation in 1971, Wang began working at Vogue magazine, where she was an assistant to the fashion director. She quickly moved up in the company, becoming fashion editor at the age of 23. In that position she was responsible for the magazine’s editorial fashion spreads. The job was demanding and left little time for her to pursue her dream of designing. Wang eventually left Vogue in 1987 to work at Ralph Lauren. There she designed accessories for the fashion label.

Unable to find a dress for her upcoming wedding, Wang designed her own in 1989. The following year she quit her job at Ralph Lauren and shortly after opened a couture bridal gown store, Vera Wang Bridal House, in New York City. At first Wang only offered dresses from other designers. However, she eventually began selling her own designs, and they proved so popular that the store exclusively sold her creations. Within a few years Wang expanded her collection to include bridesmaids’ dresses and couture evening gowns. She became known for using sheer fabric in her designs.

Activities in the 21st century

Wang continued to expand her brand in the 21st century. In 2000 she offered her first ready-to-wear collection, which showcased an elegant draping and layering style combining modern and traditional touches. In 2003 she designed the outfits for the Philadelphia Eagles professional football cheerleading team. Wang opened wedding gown boutiques in the United States, and her designs were also available from high-end retailers throughout the world.

Sarah Lawrence College

college, Bronxville, New York, United States

Sarah Lawrence College, Private liberal arts college in Bronxville, N.Y. It was founded as a women’s college in 1926 and named for the wife of its founding donor, William V. Lawrence. It became coeducational in 1968. Contemporary programs emphasize creative and performing arts as components of a liberal arts education. Notable alumni include performance artist Meredith Monk, writer Alice Walker, fashion designer Vera Wang, politician Rahm Emanuel, and film director J.J. Abrams.