While an art history major at Sarah Lawrence College, Vera spent some time studying abroad in Paris, and found herself drawn to fashion. What it really is in the end is the process, and what you learn about yourself and about life. Upon her return to the States, she secured a sales position at Yves Saint Laurent, where she had the great fortune of meeting Frances Stein, who, at the time, was the fashion editor of Vogue.
Vera impressed her so much so that upon graduation, Stein hired her to work for Vogue magazine, and within the year promoted her to senior fashion editor. Vera was only 23 at the time. And in a sense, her career did take off, but not without some turbulence along the way. Seventeen years later, Vera had come to the painful conclusion that her time at Vogue may be coming to an end. Realizing that her career at the magazine had plateaued, and that she would never become editor-in-chief, she once again found herself making the tough and painful decision to quit.
Although, this time it was more of a pivot. She knew she wanted to stay in fashion, but she also knew there was more for her. More than her job at Vogue would be able to offer. The position she moved into? The design director for accessories. Just a few years into her new position at Ralph Lauren, Vera became a bride.
But not just any bride. An extremely frustrated bride. At the time, options for bridal wear were very limited. And while this frustrated brides-to-be, it also had the potential of inspiring the right fashion expert who was ready to tap into that market. Vera Wang became that person. After designing her own gown and commissioning a dressmaker to bring her vision to life, Vera decided to open her own bridal boutique in New York City where she originally sold designer couture gowns.
A few years later, after feeling ready to debut her design skills, she launched her own collection of bridal wear. In , Wang launched her first fragrance and published a highly anticipated wedding guide.
Over the years, her business has expanded to include lingerie, jewelry, home products and even desserts. In , Wang teamed with Kohl's, a chain of department stores, to produce an affordable line of ready-to-wear clothing called Simply Vera. By balancing modern designs with traditional elegance, Wang has acquired a large following, particularly in Hollywood. Her fashions are frequently worn to film premieres and award ceremonies by a number of high-profile actresses, including Halle Berry , Goldie Hawn , Charlize Theron , Anjelica Huston and Meg Ryan.
The following month, she debuted her 60th bridal collection. Arguably the most prominent designer of bridal wear in America, Wang has been honored with a number of accolades for her achievements, including the Chinese American Planning Council's Honoree of the Year Award and the Girl Scout Council's Woman of Distinction Award.
We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. Ralph Lauren is an American clothing designer best known for his sportswear line Polo Ralph Lauren, the centerpiece of his fashion empire. Designer Marc Jacobs is powerhouse in the fashion world fueled by the success of his own eponymous label.
Famous for his women's evening wear and suits, his line is distinctly modern yet feminine. And then three. And then five.
And eventually it became completely me. Two weeks later, we started to do these bespoke evening cocktail dresses. By word of mouth, women would come in to have them made. We still do some one-of-a-kind, but then I also had to learn how to reproduce.
Can you get a scale on the garment? I also look for an affinity and understanding of what I do, my brand, my sense of style. How do you balance your time between the two? I prioritize like mad. There are people whose livelihoods depend on you. The industry is difficult. Really, fashion is no different from any other industry today. But business is creative. To do well, you have to think creatively. You were a figure skater in your youth.
What lessons did you take from the sport into your career? It teaches you discipline. It gives you the joy of self-expression. How has your multicultural life—Chinese heritage, American upbringing, significant time in Europe—influenced your career?
My parents were immigrants, and they never allowed me to be spoiled. You worked. My education in fashion also started with my mother, who dressed to impress. I remember when Yves Saint Laurent opened right on my block—on Madison and 71st—and I worked there as a salesgirl for two summers when I was in college to earn pocket money.
But France is where I learned to appreciate beauty. The French live for their food, their wine, their lives. They enjoy their time. Or do you want to rush around and die early? You have 1 free article s left this month.
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