For this special AAPI Month edition of GoodHonors, we’re giving Vera Wang her much-deserved flowers, here’s a breakdown of her inspiring achievements:
Vera was the youngest editor in the history of Vogue, getting her start at a mere 17 years old. She left after 15 years when she was not promoted to editor-in-chief (that’s right girl, know your worth!)
After her tenure at Vogue, she began working as an accessories designer at Ralph Lauren. She designed an impressive 18 collections while there.
In 1990, Vera opened what would be her first bridal boutique at the age of 41. The transition had its challenges, here's what she had to say about that era to the Harvard Business Review,
"When I got engaged, at 39, I was a little beyond the age of most brides and on a quest for a dress. I looked everywhere, from department stores to Chanel couture. My father identified that as an opportunity. He didn’t work in the garment industry, but he was a businessman...
I didn’t know anything about dress design. I didn’t feel ready. And when I left Ralph, a lot of doors that had been open to me slammed shut, whether it was a fabric manufacturer or a party I wanted to go to, because I was now so small. Harsh. But my DNA was to find something I felt passionate about, to make a difference, and to work, so that’s what I did."
In 1994, Vera received what many would deem as her “big break,” designing costumes for Nancy Kerrigan during the 1994 Olympics. The costumes received international attention, setting the stage for Wang to cement herself as the most sought after bridal designer.
From her work ethic to her entrepreneurial spirit, Vera Wang is an inspiration for creatives as she balances roles as the creative director AND CEO of her brand. Her advice for up-and-comers is as follows:
"It’s wonderful to be passionate and have a dream. But start by working for somebody you respect—or anybody, really—and get paid to learn. There is a learning curve—not only in what you know, but in how you behave. And if you don’t educate yourself first, you really can’t break rules...
I cared about my job. I felt honored to be there. My goal was to prove to my employers that I was the best I could be."