Vera Wang, born on June 27, 1949 (age 75), in New York City, was destined for a life of excellence. She was raised by her parents, Florence Wu and Cheng Ching Wang, who immigrated from China in the 1940s. Her father was a successful businessman, while her mother worked as a translator for the United Nations. Vera also has a younger brother, Kenneth Wang.
From an early age, Wang developed a passion for figure skating. By the age of eight, she was training competitively, with aspirations of reaching the Olympics. She even competed at the 1968 U.S. Figure Skating Championships but fell short of making the U.S. Olympic team. Despite not making it as a professional skater, her love for the sport remained strong, influencing her later work in fashion.
Academic Journey and Entry into Fashion
Wang pursued her education at Friends Seminary before transferring to the Chapin School, where she completed her high school education in 1967. She later enrolled at Sarah Lawrence College, majoring in art history. As part of her academic journey, she spent time studying at the University of Paris before earning her degree in 1971.
Shortly after graduating, Wang joined Vogue as an editor, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in fashion. At just 23 years old, she became the magazine’s youngest editor, a position she held for 17 years. Her keen eye for fashion and in-depth industry knowledge made her an invaluable asset. She later moved on to Ralph Lauren in 1987, where she worked for two years before taking the leap to launch her own fashion line.
Establishing Vera Wang as a Global Brand
At the age of 40, Wang embarked on a bold new venture—bridal fashion. She opened her first boutique at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City in 1990, showcasing a selection of elegant and innovative wedding gowns. Over time, her designs became synonymous with luxury and sophistication, attracting celebrity clientele such as Chelsea Clinton, Alicia Keys, Kim Kardashian, and Victoria Beckham.
As her brand flourished, Wang expanded beyond wedding gowns. She ventured into evening wear, launching collections that graced the red carpets and were worn by notable figures such as Michelle Obama, Viola Davis, and Sofia Vergara. In 2002, she introduced The Vera Wang China and Crystal Collection, marking her expansion into home decor. This diversification allowed her to cater to a broader audience while maintaining her reputation as a high-end designer.
Affordable Luxury: Expanding Reach with Retail Collaborations
Recognizing the demand for her designs among everyday consumers, Wang partnered with Kohl’s in 2007 to launch the Simply Vera collection, offering affordable yet stylish apparel and accessories. In 2011, she introduced White by Vera Wang, a more accessible bridal collection in collaboration with David’s Bridal, featuring wedding gowns starting at just $600. She also extended her brand to menswear, working with Men’s Wearhouse to design tuxedos.
Her ability to blend luxury with affordability set her apart from many designers, making her brand one of the most successful in the fashion industry.
Contributions to Figure Skating and Sports Fashion
Despite her departure from professional skating, Wang’s connection to the sport never faded. She made significant contributions by designing costumes for top-tier figure skaters, including Nancy Kerrigan (1992, 1994 Winter Olympics), Michelle Kwan (1998, 2002 Winter Olympics), Evan Lysacek (2010 Winter Olympics), and Nathan Chen (2018 Winter Olympics). Her expertise in blending elegance with functionality made her a favorite among athletes.
Her contributions to figure skating were recognized when she was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2009. Beyond skating, she even designed uniforms for the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, further showcasing her versatility in fashion.
Challenges and Comebacks in the Fashion Industry
Fashion is an ever-evolving industry, and Wang has faced her fair share of challenges. After taking a two-year break, she made a triumphant return at New York Fashion Week in 2019, unveiling her 2020 Spring/Summer collection. Despite some minor setbacks—such as models experiencing difficulties with footwear—her collection was widely praised for its innovation and elegance.
Her resilience and ability to adapt to changing trends have allowed her to maintain relevance in an industry known for its constant shifts.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
In 1989, Wang married Arthur Becker, an investor, in an interfaith ceremony blending elements of Baptist and Jewish traditions. The couple adopted two daughters, Cecilia Sloane and Josephine Heloise, whom they raised in New York. However, after 23 years of marriage, Wang and Becker separated in 2012.
Despite the challenges in her personal life, Wang remained committed to her work and philanthropy. In 2007, she repurchased and renovated her childhood home in Manhattan, where she now primarily resides. She also owns properties in Paris and California, enjoying a life of luxury befitting her success.
Net Worth and Business Acumen
With an estimated net worth of $650 million, Vera Wang stands as one of the wealthiest fashion designers in the world. Her ability to blend luxury, affordability, and functionality across various segments of fashion has played a crucial role in her financial success. Her partnerships with Kohl’s, David’s Bridal, and Men’s Wearhouse have expanded her brand’s reach, ensuring continuous revenue streams.
Wang’s legacy is not just about her exquisite wedding gowns; it’s about her persistence, innovation, and ability to reinvent herself. She has mastered the art of evolving with the times while staying true to her brand’s essence.
A Lasting Impact on Fashion
Vera Wang’s journey from figure skater to fashion mogul is nothing short of inspiring. At 75, she continues to lead her brand with passion and creativity, setting trends and influencing the industry. Whether it’s bridal fashion, evening wear, sports apparel, or home decor, Wang has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Her name is now synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and resilience, proving that success is built on determination, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.