Wang, Vera, 1949-

Vera Ellen Wang[1] (Chinese: 王薇薇; pinyin: Wáng Wēiwēi; born June 27, 1949)[2] is an American fashion designer. Wang initially pursued a career in figure skating before transitioning to fashion. She worked for Vogue and Ralph Lauren before launching her own bridal gown boutique in 1990.

Wang gained international recognition for her wedding dress designs. Her gowns have been worn by numerous celebrities. She expanded her brand to include ready-to-wear fashion, accessories, fragrances, and home goods.

Early life
Vera Ellen Wang was born June 27, 1949,[3] in New York City to Chinese parents who immigrated to the United States in the mid-1940s. Wang began figure skating at the age of eight, training under Peter Dunfield and Sonya Klopfer in Denver during the summers and with the Skating Club of New York during the rest of the year.[5][6] 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.[7] When she failed to make the U.S. Olympics team, she entered the fashion industry.[8] Wang continues to enjoy skating, saying, "Skating is multidimensional".[5]

Wang attended Friends Seminary,[9] graduated from Chapin School in 1967, attended the University of Paris, and earned a degree in art history from Sarah Lawrence College.

In 1968, Wang was presented as a debutante to high society at the International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria New York.[10] Wang was hired to be an editor at Vogue immediately upon graduation from Sarah Lawrence College, making her the youngest editor at that magazine. She stayed at Vogue for 17 years, leaving in 1987 to join Ralph Lauren, for whom she worked for two years. At 40, she resigned and became an independent bridal wear designer.[11] In June 1989, Wang married investor Arthur P. Becker in an interfaith Baptist and Jewish ceremony.[1] They have two daughters, both of whom were adopted.[47] In July 2012, the couple announced their separation.[48]