One-minute bio: Vera Wang

American-Chinese designer Vera Wang is unanimously acknowledged as the queen of bridalwear. A student of figure skating and dance, she applied the rigour of those artistic forms to her passion for design. She was the editor of Vogue US for 17 years, and then design director at Ralph Lauren, before founding her own atelier in 1990.

After her success in the local market, Wang embarked on a journey dressing brides worldwide. Her clientele comprises Hollywood stars like Kim Kardashian and Alicia Keys, as well as first ladies and daughters including Ivanka Trump, Chelsea Clinton and Barbara Bush.

Wang extended her bridal fashion empire to ready-to-wear, accessories, beauty and home products, marking a total estimated net worth of US$6.3 billion. Her red-carpet creations were favoured by former American first lady Michelle Obama for state receptions.

Awarded Womenswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2005, Wang was made a chevalier of France’s Legion of Honour in 2017.

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