Vera Ellen Wang is a renowned American fashion designer celebrated for her exquisite bridal gowns. Prior to her fashion career, Wang was a competitive figure skater. She honed her fashion sense at Vogue magazine and with designer Ralph Lauren before opening her own bridal boutique in 1990.
June 27, 1949: Birth of Vera Ellen Wang
On June 27, 1949, Vera Ellen Wang was born in New York City to Chinese immigrant parents.
1967: Vera Wang Graduates from Chapin School
Vera Wang graduated from Chapin School in 1967.
January 9, 1968: Vera Wang Featured in Sports Illustrated
On January 9, 1968, Vera Wang was spotlighted in the "Faces in the Crowd" section of Sports Illustrated.
1968: Vera Wang's Debutante Ball
In 1968, Vera Wang was formally introduced to society at the International Debutante Ball held at the Waldorf Astoria New York.
1987: Vera Wang Leaves Vogue for Ralph Lauren
After 17 years at Vogue, Vera Wang left the magazine to join Ralph Lauren in 1987.
June 1989: Vera Wang Marries Arthur P. Becker
Vera Wang and investor Arthur P. Becker were married in June 1989 in a ceremony that honored both Baptist and Jewish traditions.
1990: Opening of Vera Wang's Flagship Bridal Salon
Vera Wang inaugurated her first design salon in 1990, situated within the Carlyle Hotel in New York City.
1990: Vera Wang's Father Becomes Chairman of Vera Wang Group
In 1990, Vera Wang's father, Cheng Ching Wang, assumed the role of Chairman of the Vera Wang Group.
1990: Launch of Vera Wang Bridal Boutique
In 1990, Vera Wang established her first bridal gown boutique in New York City's Carlyle Hotel.
1992: Vera Wang Designs for Nancy Kerrigan at the Olympics
Vera Wang designed figure skating costumes for Nancy Kerrigan at both the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympic Games.
1994: Vera Wang Designs for Nancy Kerrigan at the Olympics
Vera Wang designed figure skating costumes for Nancy Kerrigan at both the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympic Games.
1998: End of Cheng Ching Wang's Tenure as Chairman
Cheng Ching Wang concluded his term as Chairman of the Vera Wang Group in 1998.
1998: Vera Wang Designs for Michelle Kwan at the Olympics
Vera Wang designed costumes for figure skater Michelle Kwan at the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics.
October 23, 2001: Release of "Vera Wang on Weddings"
Vera Wang's book, "Vera Wang on Weddings," was released on October 23, 2001.
2002: Vera Wang Designs for Michelle Kwan at the Olympics
Vera Wang designed costumes for figure skater Michelle Kwan at the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics.
2002: Vera Wang Enters Home Fashion
Vera Wang made her foray into the home fashion market in 2002 with the launch of "The Vera Wang China and Crystal Collection."
June 2005: Vera Wang Wins CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year
Vera Wang was honored as the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Womenswear Designer of the Year in June 2005.
May 27, 2006: Vera Wang Receives André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award
The Savannah College of Art and Design bestowed the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award upon Vera Wang on May 27, 2006.
2006: Launch of "Simply Vera" at Kohl's
Vera Wang partnered with Kohl's department stores in 2006 to launch "Simply Vera," an exclusive line of affordable ready-to-wear clothing.
2007: Launch of "Simply Vera" Diffusion Line
Vera Wang debuted her diffusion line, "Simply Vera," sold exclusively at Kohl's stores, in 2007.
2009: Vera Wang Inducted into U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame
In recognition of her costume design contributions, Vera Wang was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2009.
2010: Vera Wang Designs for Evan Lysacek at the Olympics
Vera Wang designed the figure skating costume worn by Evan Lysacek at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
February 11, 2011: Launch of "White by Vera Wang"
"White by Vera Wang," an affordably priced bridal gown line, was introduced at David's Bridal on February 11, 2011.
July 2012: Vera Wang and Arthur P. Becker Announce Separation
After over two decades of marriage, Vera Wang and Arthur P. Becker announced their separation in July 2012.
2012: Vera Wang Gown Featured in "Revenge" TV Series
A Vera Wang gown from her Fall 2012 collection was worn by Madeleine Stowe's character, Victoria Grayson, in the TV series "Revenge."
2012: Vera Wang's Designs at the 2012 Academy Awards
Viola Davis wore a Vera Wang gown to the 2012 Academy Awards.
2013: Vera Wang Discusses Career Transition
In a 2013 interview with CBS, Vera Wang reflected on her transition from journalism to becoming a businesswoman, highlighting the challenges and the need to make impactful decisions.
2013: Vera Wang Receives CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award
Vera Wang received the Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
2018: Vera Wang Ranked 34th on Forbes' Richest Self-Made Women
Forbes ranked Vera Wang 34th on their list of America's Richest Self-Made Women in 2018, with her revenues reaching $630 million that year.
2018: Vera Wang Designs for Nathan Chen at the Olympics
Vera Wang designed Nathan Chen's figure skating costumes for the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics.
September 10, 2019: Vera Wang's Return to New York Fashion Week
On September 10, 2019, Vera Wang marked her return to the New York Fashion Week runway after a two-year hiatus, showcasing her Spring/Summer 2020 collection to commemorate her brand's 30th anniversary.
2020: Vera Wang's Spring/Summer 2020 Collection Show
Vera Wang's Spring/Summer 2020 collection, unveiled at New York Fashion Week, garnered praise for its designs but was also marked by a few instances where models experienced footwear issues.
2021: Vera Wang Named One of BBC's 100 Women
In 2021, Vera Wang was recognized for her accomplishments and influence by being included in the BBC's list of 100 inspiring and influential women.
2022: Vera Wang Designs for Nathan Chen at the Olympics
Vera Wang designed Nathan Chen's figure skating costumes for the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics.
2023: Vera Wang Receives CFDA Board of Directors' Tribute
Vera Wang was honored with the Board of Directors' Tribute at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards in acknowledgment of her significant contributions to the bridal wear industry.