Vera Wang is an icon in the fashion industry, but did you know her original aspirations fell in the figure skating and dance industries?
Vera began figure skating at age 8 and competed at the national level and nearly qualified for the 1968 Olympic Games. She also trained at the School of American Ballet, where she honed her skills in classical ballet. Wang’s disciplined approach and commitment to excellence in skating and dance translated seamlessly into her future endeavors.
Here are 10 more facts you may not have known about Vera Wang:
Work Ethic: Wang worked at Vogue for 17 years, climbing the ranks to become the magazine’s youngest editor ever.
Early Olympic Dreams: Vera Wang aspired to become an Olympic figure skater. She was devastated when she did not make the 1968 Olympic team and had a mental breakdown. She traveled to Paris to re-group and it was there that she discovered a love of fashion.
Self-Taught Designer: Unlike many fashion designers, Vera Wang is largely self-taught in design. She didn’t attend a formal design school but learned by immersing herself in the fashion world and honing her skills through hands-on experience.
Late Entry Into Design: Wang didn’t start her own label until she was 40 years old. She launched her bridal collection in 1990 after struggling to find a suitable wedding dress for her own wedding.
Celebrity Status: Vera Wang has played herself in several television cameos including Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty.
Diverse Design Range: While primarily known for her bridal gowns, Wang has expanded her brand to include ready-to-wear collections, accessories, fragrance lines, home goods, and collaborations with various brands, showcasing her versatile design expertise.
Celebrity Clientele: Vera Wang has dressed numerous celebrities for their weddings, including Chelsea Clinton, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and Victoria Beckham.
Sporting Connections: Wang’s design talents are not limited to fashion. She has also designed costumes for various Olympic figure skaters, including Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan.
Eating Habits: Wang admits to eating McDonalds everyday. The confession comes after she posted photos of her with a plate of fries and burgers ordered from McDonald’s during a work lunch with her team.
Multiple Awards and Accolades: Throughout her career, Vera Wang has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the fashion industry, including induction into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Lifetime Achievement Award.