Vera Wang
(1949 - )
Vera Ellen Wang was born in New York City on June 27, 1949. She studied at New York’s Sarah Lawrence College, where she earned a degree in art history that included a year at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. When she graduated from Sarah Lawrence, in 1972, Wang worked for Vogue magazine as an editor; she stayed at Vogue for sixteen years. In 1987, Wang left Vogue and was hired as creative director, and design director of accessories for American designer Ralph Lauren. Wang worked for Ralph Lauren for the next two years and in 1990 with financial backing from her father, she launched the bridal line with her name and opened a showroom located in the famous Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue.
Vera Wang published a book in October of 2001 called “Vera Wang on Weddings.” In 2002, she launched her first signature fragrance under agreement with Unilever Cosmetics International and also launched the Vera Wang’s collection of china and stemware for Wedgewood. In 2004 she introduced her men’s fragrance. In September 2003, Wang designed the uniforms for the Philadelphia Eagles cheering squad. Later that month, American actress Sarah Jessica Parker showed off Wang's new jewelry collection at the Emmy Awards. Wang launched a Silver and Gifts Collection in 2004 in collaboration with Towle Silversmiths which features barware, flatware, gift-ware and more.
In 1993, Vera Wang was recognized with the Chinese American Planning Council's Honoree of the Year Award; in 1994, she was awarded the Girl Scout Council's Woman of Distinction award; and was elected member, Council of Fashion Designers of America.
