History of Vera Wang in Timeline

Vera Wang is a prominent American fashion designer, renowned primarily for her bridal gowns. Initially a figure skater, she later entered the fashion industry, holding positions at Vogue and Ralph Lauren. In 1990, she established her own bridal boutique, which propelled her to widespread recognition and solidified her status as a leading figure in the world of bridal fashion and design. Her brand has since expanded to include ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and fragrances.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 27, 1949: Vera Wang Born

On June 27, 1949, Vera Ellen Wang was born. She is an American fashion designer who initially pursued figure skating before transitioning to fashion.

Others born on this day/year

1967: Graduated from Chapin School

In 1967, Vera Wang graduated from Chapin School, marking a milestone in her early education.

January 9, 1968: Featured in Sports Illustrated

On January 9, 1968, Vera Wang was featured in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd for her figure skating achievements, marking an early recognition of her talent.

1968: Presented as a Debutante

In 1968, Vera Wang was presented as a debutante to high society at the International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria New York, marking her entry into social circles.

1987: Joined Ralph Lauren

In 1987, Vera Wang left Vogue after 17 years to join Ralph Lauren, marking a transition in her fashion career.

June 1989: Married Arthur P. Becker

In June 1989, Vera Wang married investor Arthur P. Becker in an interfaith Baptist and Jewish ceremony, marking a significant personal life event.

1990: Vera Wang Group Established

From 1990 to 1998, Cheng Ching Wang served as the Chairman of the Vera Wang Group, contributing to the company's establishment and early leadership.

1990: Launched Bridal Gown Boutique

In 1990, Vera Wang launched her own bridal gown boutique after working for Vogue and Ralph Lauren, marking a significant step in her fashion career.

1990: Opened First Design Salon

In 1990, Vera Wang opened her first design salon in the Carlyle Hotel in New York City, which featured her trademark bridal gowns and marked a pivotal step in her career.

1992: Designed Costume for Nancy Kerrigan (Olympics)

In 1992, Vera Wang designed costumes for figure skater Nancy Kerrigan at the Winter Olympic Games, starting her contribution to the sport as a costume designer.

1994: Designed Costume for Nancy Kerrigan (Olympics)

In 1994, Vera Wang designed costumes for Nancy Kerrigan at the Winter Olympic Games, furthering her contribution to the sport as a costume designer.

1998: Cheng Ching Wang Left Vera Wang Group

In 1998, Cheng Ching Wang's tenure as Chairman of the Vera Wang Group came to an end, marking a leadership transition within the company.

1998: Designed Costume for Michelle Kwan (Olympics)

In 1998, Vera Wang designed costumes for Michelle Kwan at the Winter Olympic Games, continuing her contributions as a costume designer.

October 23, 2001: Released "Vera Wang on Weddings"

On October 23, 2001, Vera Wang's book "Vera Wang on Weddings" was released, marking her foray into publishing and sharing her expertise on weddings.

2002: Launched The Vera Wang China and Crystal Collection

In 2002, Vera Wang began to enter the home fashion industry and launched The Vera Wang China and Crystal Collection, expanding her brand into new markets.

2002: Designed Costume for Michelle Kwan (Olympics)

In 2002, Vera Wang designed costumes for Michelle Kwan at the Winter Olympic Games, solidifying her role as a prominent costume designer in figure skating.

June 2005: Won CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year

In June 2005, Vera Wang won the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Womenswear Designer of the Year award, recognizing her excellence in womenswear design.

May 27, 2006: Awarded André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award

On May 27, 2006, Vera Wang was awarded the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award from the Savannah College of Art and Design, honoring her career achievements.

2006: Deal with Kohl's for Simply Vera Line

In 2006, Vera Wang reached a deal with Kohl's to produce a less expensive line of ready-to-wear clothing exclusively for them called Simply Vera, expanding her brand's accessibility.

2007: Released Simply Vera Line

In 2007, Vera Wang released her diffusion line called Simply Vera, which are sold exclusively by Kohl's, increasing the accessibility of her designs.

2009: Inducted into U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame

In 2009, Vera Wang was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport as a costume designer, marking a significant honor.

2010: Designed Costume for Evan Lysacek (Olympics)

In 2010, Vera Wang designed costumes for Evan Lysacek at the Winter Olympic Games, further cementing her legacy as a costume designer in the sport.

February 11, 2011: "White by Vera Wang" Launched

On February 11, 2011, "White by Vera Wang" was launched at David's Bridal, offering bridal gowns at prices ranging from $600 to $1,400.

June 2012: Expanded in Australia and Asia

In June 2012, Vera Wang expanded in Australia with the opening of "Vera Wang Bride Sydney" and her first Asian flagship store "Vera Wang Bridal Korea" in Seoul.

July 2012: Announced Separation from Arthur P. Becker

In July 2012, Vera Wang and Arthur P. Becker announced their separation, marking the end of their marriage.

2012: Worn by Viola Davis at Academy Awards

In 2012, Vera Wang's evening wear was worn by Viola Davis at the Academy Awards, showcasing her designs at a prestigious red carpet event.

2013: Awarded CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2013, Vera Wang was awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the fashion industry.

2013: CBS Interview Describing Career Transition

In 2013, during an interview with CBS, Vera Wang described her transition from journalist to businesswoman as "painful" but also a matter of "no choice," highlighting the challenges and evolution of her career.

2018: Forbes Ranking in America's Richest Self-Made Women

In 2018, Forbes ranked Vera Wang 34th in the list of America's Richest Self-Made Women, with revenues rising to $630 million that year, acknowledging her financial success.

2018: Designed Costume for Nathan Chen (Olympics)

In 2018, Vera Wang designed costumes for Nathan Chen at the Winter Olympic Games, marking her continued involvement in figure skating costume design.

September 10, 2019: Returned to New York Fashion Week Runway

On September 10, 2019, after a two-year sabbatical, Vera Wang returned to the New York Fashion Week runway for her Spring/Summer 2020 fashion show, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of her brand.

2020: Spring/Summer Fashion Show

In 2020, Vera Wang's Spring/Summer fashion show was presented. Although the show received positive reviews, it was marred by footwear malfunctions.

2021: Recognized as one of BBC's 100 Women

In 2021, Vera Wang was recognized as one of the BBC's 100 Women, acknowledging her influence and achievements.

2022: Designed Costume for Nathan Chen (Olympics)

In 2022, Vera Wang designed costumes for Nathan Chen at the Winter Olympic Games, highlighting her enduring influence in figure skating fashion.

2023: Received Board of Directors' Tribute at CFDA Fashion Awards

In 2023, Vera Wang received the Board of Directors' Tribute at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards for her Bridal impact, celebrating her contributions to the bridal fashion industry.

December 2024: WHP Global Acquires Vera Wang Brand IP

In December 2024, WHP Global announced an agreement to acquire the IP of the Vera Wang fashion brand, with Vera Wang continuing as Founder & Chief Creative Officer and joining WHP Global as a shareholder.