Inside Vera Wang’s Glamorous World

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Vera Wang built her illustrious brand name making other women’s fashion dreams come true.

On her journey, she managed to attain a lifestyle that outshone even her most ambitious hopes – an achievement all the more impressive given that it was sparked when she first stepped into the bridal industry.

In 2021, Wang, who was then 76 years old, shared with CNBC’s Make It that she had considered it might be past her time when she launched her namesake brand at 40. This was after she had difficulties finding the ideal wedding gown for her own wedding.

Design enthusiast, there was still time left. Born and raised in New York, this individual created the gown for her own wedding to businessman Arthur P. Becker in 1989. The next year saw the emergence of Vera Wang Bridal.

The marriage concluded in 2012, and the former partners have two daughters, Cecilia Becker and Josephine Becker (both in their thirties). Although the marriage is over, their business, which includes ready-to-wear lines and more, seems to continue endlessly.

Wang shared with Make It, “There have been countless moments when I questioned my decisions or wondered why I took certain actions. But there have been far more instances where I feel incredibly fortunate to be engaged in something I’m passionate about and gaining valuable insights not just as a designer, but also as an entrepreneur on a daily basis.

At the same time, she’s been teaching a master class on living it up.

On her birthday, which fell on June 27th, Wang flew to Paris to celebrate. She wore a dress without a back for her evening out with friends, and later in the week, she opted for an outfit reminiscent of lingerie as the party carried on.

In a 2024 episode of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast “Wiser Than Me”, she expressed that each era has its distinct charm and moment. It’s unlike any other, and it won’t ever be the same, but we manage to navigate through every phase in life.

Indeed, it appears that Wang is capturing more attention due to her appearance at this stage in her life, and that observation holds true.

Moreover, the 5-foot-3 fashion designer, who continues as Chief Creative Officer of her own brand after selling it in December 2024 to WHP Global, enjoys flaunting her stylish minimalist outfits. However, she goes all out when attending the Met Gala, requiring additional accessories.

In an interview with BBC News in March, Wang stated that at some point, women are often viewed as less significant or invisible, not only in their careers but across various professional fields. He emphasized that this is not limited to professions like modeling or editing.

But, she stressed, “It is not about age, it is about style. And that is always how I felt.”

Her enthusiasm for fashion originated, as she expressed on Make It, from her mother, Florence Wu (formerly known as a “clothes horse”), who moved to New York from Shanghai alongside her husband Cheng Ching Wang during the 1940s.

Growing up in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Wang harbored dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater. She often accompanied her parents on trips to Paris, as she shared with the South China Morning Post‘s Post Mag. During these trips, she would accompany her mother to the Yves Saint Laurent showroom while her father shopped at Hermès.

After not making the 1968 U.S. Olympic team and feeling deeply disappointed, the athlete decided to spend a semester in Paris instead, having studied art history at Sarah Lawrence College.

Deep down, I had always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, as expressed in a 2015 interview with CCTV’s Global Business. However, following her graduation, her father made it clear that he would not provide further financial support for her education in this field.

She remembered him saying, “If your passion for fashion is sincere, show me by securing a job in the industry.” Being a dedicated Chinese daughter, as she was, she followed his advice.

The role you’re referring to is the one that made Wang the youngest editor ever at Vogue, a position he held for 17 years until his departure in 1987 to start designing accessories for Ralph Lauren.

Initially, fashion icons such as Victoria Beckham, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, and Mariah Carey were among the brides who wore Vera Wang’s designs at their weddings. However, when Vera Wang launched her bridal line, her very first client was Ethel Kennedy – the widow of Robert F. Kennedy.

According to Wang, Max, her son, was set to wed a stunning law student, Victoria Strauss. He shared this information with BBC News. Interestingly, just ten minutes after the wedding ceremony, instead of wearing the elaborate dress I had meticulously crafted for eight months, she was already out playing football with the Kennedy brothers.

Despite not being particularly fond of Hyannis Port, Wang has resided in various locations throughout her life, including a Paris apartment inspired by Coco Chanel’s suite at the Ritz, as she shared with Vogue in 2020, and a lavish Beverly Hills mansion purchased for $10 million in 2011, which was also her home with her former spouse.

Instead, her primary residence these days is a refurbished 7,400-square-foot apartment on Park Avenue, which was once owned by her parents.

She shared with Vogue that her parents had resided in this apartment for approximately three decades. They consistently maintained a room for her brother, Kenneth Wang, who runs the Pound Ridge Golf Course in New York, and herself – regardless of whether we were married, or if we were older, single, and without partners.

Upon Wang’s arrival, the old-fashioned interior design was replaced by a significant number of walls, as she desired a living space that functioned more like an artist’s studio, allowing her to rearrange items whenever she felt like it. She aimed for a modular and flexible layout.

She pointed out that when one is deeply engrossed in work, it can be challenging to pay equal attention to art and architecture as well. Essentially, Karl Lagerfeld, for example, did not have an extensive collection of furniture.

It’s not as severe as it sounds, though, according to Wang’s daughters.

Instead, as Josephine shared with Vogue, her mother’s sanctuary appears more comfortable than one might assume upon first glance. It’s surprisingly snug and cozy.

If you’re curious about where Wang displays her favorite designer clothes from brands like Prada, Rick Owens, and Margiela, she transformed one of the original six bedrooms in her apartment into a spacious walk-in wardrobe instead.

She expressed to Vogue that every piece of clothing, footwear, and accessory is like a child to her, and she loves them all. For those who assume she needs an eternity to wear it all, she playfully suggested, “I’m quite certain I’ll reach 10,000!

Observe the celebrities who have both funded Vera Wang’s collection and chosen to wear it for their wedding: this is a testament to the designer’s popularity among the stars.

In the state of Maine, the ex-First Daughter got married to Craig Louis Coyne, donning an elegant custom gown made from ivory silk crepe designed by Vera Wang for the occasion.

The actress from Beverly Hills, 90210 opted for an unanticipated yet stunning decision by walking down the aisle in a black silk georgette and silk faille halter ball gown from Vera Wang’s Fall 2012 wedding line.

The model walked alongside Kings of Leon lead singer Caleb Followill, wearing a unique Vera Wang dress that featured intricate Chantilly and corded lace detailing without straps.

As an utterly smitten admirer, I can’t help but exclaim over the breathtaking ensemble that graced the stage! This one-shouldered, exquisite ivory silk creation by Vera Wang left me spellbound, its Grecian goddess design only enhancing its enchanting allure. The perfect finishing touches were a dazzling crystal headpiece from Jacob & Co., and a captivating bouquet of violet calla lilies that complemented the gown flawlessly. Simply mesmerizing!

In a nod to the timeless elegance of Grace Kelly, the judge from “The Celebrity Apprentice” chose a Vera Wang dress that embodied classic beauty.

In a beautiful, fitted Vera Wang mermaid dress adorned with draped tulle and a round skirt made of organza petals, Vice President Joe Biden’s daughter exuded elegance.

In a striking Vera Wang gown, another political family member, Chelsea Clinton, left many amazed.

In 2009, the bride donned a tightly fitted, ruffled Vera Wang mermaid-inspired gown to marry tennis player Andy Roddick.

In the year 2008, the individual in question tied the knot with Lamar Odom. On this special day, the bride chose a stunning, strapless dress designed by Vera Wang, adorned with intricate lavender trim for her vows.

NEXT GALLERY: What Hollywood Brides-to-Be Should Wear

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2025-07-13 15:17