Vera Ellen Wang (born June 27, 1949) is an American fashion designer. She gained international recognition for her wedding dress designs and her gowns have been worn by numerous celebrities. She 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. 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. In 1968, she was presented as a debutante to high society at the International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria New York. When she failed to make the U.S. Olympics team, she entered the fashion industry. She worked for Vogue and Ralph Lauren before launching her own bridal gown boutique in 1990. She has expanded her brand to include ready-to-wear fashion, accessories, fragrances, and home goods.
