Vera Wang

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Vera Wang bigraphy, stories - American fashion designer

Vera Wang : biography

June 27, 1949 –

Vera Ellen Wang. The New York Times. June 23, 1989. Retrieved April 23, 2010. ( ; born June 27, 1949) is an American fashion designer based in New York City and former figure skater. She is known for her wide range of haute couture bridesmaid gowns and wedding gown collections, as well as for her clientele of elite ladies figure skaters, designing dresses for competitions and exhibitions.

Personal life

Vera Ellen Wang was born and raised in New York City, and is of Chinese descent. Her parents were born in Shanghai, China, and came to the United States in the mid-1940s. Her mother worked as a translator for the United Nations, while her father, Cheng Ching Wang, owned a medicine company. Wang has one younger brother, Kenneth. She graduated from The Chapin School in 1967, attended the University of Paris and earned a degree in art history from Sarah Lawrence College. Wang began figure skating at the age of six. While in high school, she trained with pairs partner James Stuart, and competed at the 1968 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. She was featured in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd in the January 9, 1968 issue.Sports Illustrated, December 15, 2006, p. 66 When she failed to make the US Olympics team, she entered the fashion industry. Wang continues to enjoy skating, saying, "Skating is multidimensional".

In 1989, she married Arthur Becker in an interfaith Baptist and Jewish ceremony. June 23, 1989 They resided in Manhattan with their two adopted daughters: Cecilia (born 1990), who currently attends the University of Pennsylvania, and Josephine (born 1993), who attended The Chapin School and currently attends Harvard University. Becker was the CEO of an information technology services company called NaviSite until August 2010. In July 2012, Vera Wang Co. announced that the couple have separated. The separation was amicable. One week later, it was announced that then-27 year old Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek had moved into her home, prompting speculation as to the nature of their relationship. In February 2013 Wang finally addressed the Lysacek rumour to interviewer Fern Mallis by telling that she was simply mentoring Lysacek and that she continues to have a wonderful relationship with Becker.http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/like_harry_sally_kXw9HC3BRzIP1U4fchZHaP?utm_campaign=OutbrainA&utm_source=OutbrainArticlepages&obref=obinsite Arthur Becker And I Were the Original When Harry Met Sally Fern Wallis Interviews Vera Wang for Fashion Icone Presented by 92ndd Street Y/ Martini Sparkling Wines

Retail

In 1990, she opened her own design salon in the Carlyle Hotel in New York that features her trademark bridal gowns. New York Magazine. Retrieved October 20, 2009. She has since opened bridal boutiques in New York, London, Tokyo and Sydney, Australia. Wang has also expanded her brand name through her fragrance, jewelry, eyewear, shoe and houseware collections.

‘White by Vera Wang’ launched on February 11, 2011 at David’s Bridal. Prices of the bridal gowns range from $600–$1,400 which gives more brides a more affordable way to wear Vera’s designs.http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PressRoom_Davids-Bridal-White-by-Vera-Wang-Launches In 2002, Wang began to enter the home fashion industry and launched The Vera Wang China and Crystal Collection, followed by the 2007 release of her diffusion line called Simply Vera, which are sold exclusively by Kohl’s.

In June 2012, she opend her third global and first Asian flagship store ‘Vera Wang Bridal Korea’, helmed by President Jung Mi-ri, in upmarket neighbourhood Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Career

Beginning in 1970, Wang was a senior fashion editor for Vogue but left Vogue after being turned down for the editor-in-chief position currently filled by Anna Wintour and joined Ralph Lauren as a design director for two years.

Wang has made wedding gowns for many well-known public figures, such as Chelsea Clinton, Karenna Gore,. CNN. July 12, 1997. Retrieved February 6, 2009. Ivanka Trump, Campbell Brown, People. April 2, 2006. Retrieved February 6, 2009. Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Victoria Beckham, Avril Lavigne, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Garner, Sharon Stone, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Hilary Duff, Uma Thurman, Holly Hunter, Kate Hudson, Retrieved March 1, 2009. Khloe Kardashian and Kim Kardashian. Wang’s evening wear has also been worn by Michelle Obama.. Elle Magazine.