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 | : |
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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.
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.
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.
Quotes
Total 40 Quotes
I work with structure, but I go outside the box and give it my own spin. I adore the challenge of creating truly modern clothes - where a woman's personality and sense of style are realized.
I am not the sort of woman who would wear high heels with a bathing suit. Let's get that straight right now.
I used to get tons of letters that said, "I'll never get to wear you," or "I'll never get married in one of your dresses," or "I'll never have an evening gown like the one I saw on the red carpet." I thought that was sad, because you give your life to this and you end up reaching very few people. So that was a major goal for me - to be able to reach and encourage more women, to encourage them to express themselves and be what they want to be.
It's important to view fashion as personal and creative - even for brides. When brides ask me, "What's the best advice you can give me on my wedding day?" I always have the same answer: "Be yourself." Someone's marrying you, they love you for who you are, and they don't want you to be someone else, they want you to be who you are. If you never wear blue eye shadow, why would you put it on on your wedding day? If you wear your hair simply, why would you suddenly dye it a different color and get a big 'do? To me it's about respect and self-understanding and honesty.
To me, eyewear goes way beyond being a prescription. It's like makeup. It's the most incredible accessory. The shape of a frame or the color of lenses can change your whole appearance.
I've been designing since I was 8. I started sketching dresses I could wear when skating. I was always involved in all aspects of skating, not just the technique, the choreography, the music, but the visual aspects, too - what I should wear.
When I decided to get married at 40, I couldn't find a dress with the modernity or sophistication I wanted. That's when I saw the opportunity for a wedding gown business.
I was struggling to find a way to make evening clothes more deconstructed. I like to think that I translated the Latin concept in a more modern way. I don't think that I was that literal.
My closet is organized by tops, pants, and outerwear, but not a lot of dresses. Gowns are in another room because I don't often dress formally, even though I design gowns. Like most designers, I have a uniform, and mine is a legging.
My mother was extremely controlled, sort of flawless. And I always tend to be a bit more hippie.
