Home > Bibliographies > AAST298J (Spring 2004)

Vera Wang: Wedding Prophet by Kerrie Amirault

Books

• Wang, Vera. Vera Wang on Weddings. New York: Harper Resource, 2001.

  Vera Wang's book shares advice for brides planning their weddings. It contains many beautiful photographs of bridal gowns. The book is divided into different sections based on different aspects of wedding planning, such as décor, food, dancing, and so on. Wang's book is a good source of information on weddings. It provides direct insight into Wang's wedding ideas, her personal experiences, and how readers can use her artistry and creativity.

Newspaper or Magazine Articles

• Blackburn, Maria. "Modern Scent for a Sophisticated Man." Baltimore Sun 25 Jan. 2004: 10N.

  Vera Wang has made a name for herself as a designer of modern dresses that shine with sophistication. The ever-expanding world of Vera Wang design also includes fine china, shoes, jewelry, women's fragrance, and now a men's fragrance. Wang's new men's fragrance is an aromatic combination of mandarin leaf, yuzu, nutmeg, leather, anise, sandalwood, and tobacco. It is modern, fresh, and timeless like all of Wang's designs. This article not only shows that the Vera Wang industry is continuously expanding, but it discusses her fragrances as art.

• "Bridesmaid files $2 million lawsuit against Vera Wang." Associated Press 23 May 2003.

  This article covers the story of a Manhattan bridesmaid who sued Vera Wang for $2 million in damages after stepping on a needle in Wang's boutique. The bridesmaid claims she was severely injured and needed surgery to remove the needle. This story reveals the downside of owning a business and being a big name in your industry.

• Croft, Claudia. "The Wedding Planner." Sunday Times [London] 9 Feb. 2003: 12.

  For any celebrity planning to marry, a Vera Wang wedding dress is most desirable. Other designers envy Wang for her close celebrity relationships. Wang describes herself as a feminist because she believes women are capable of accomplishing anything. She says, "My fashion is the ultimate expression of how I feel about women. I don't want them to feel victimized in my clothes. I want the woman's personality to come through. That's an empowering thing." This article describes the extent of Vera Wang's empire and how her celebrity relationships help her move forward in her career. Wang sets an example for other Asian Americans.

• Eckler, Rebecca. "Big Day, Big Dress: I Want Vera Wang. After All, How Much Could One Dress Cost?" National Post [Canada] 5 Apr. 2003, Toronto ed.: T01.

  Rebecca Eckler briefly tells the story of her experience in a Canadian Vera Wang store. Eckler was surprised to find Wang's dresses "reasonably" priced; the dress she wanted for her own wedding cost $7,000. Eckler notes that Vera Wang designs are subtle, a characteristic many brides desire. Vera Wang's Toronto store is owned by two sisters, Carole and Eleanore Rosentein. They also own a Hugo Nicholson store. This article demonstrates Vera Wang's expansion outside the United States and her growing international popularity.

• Embry, Liz. "Fashion Designers Set Their Talents on the Home Dining Table." Houston Chronicle 24 Mar. 2004: 7.

  Many designers, including Vera Wang, create fine china and everyday dinnerware patterns. This article describes Wang's contemporary classic Wedgwood china designs. It also discusses designs by other names like Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Versace, and Hermes. According to Priscilla Thorne Tinsley of Foley's, designers want to "leverage their name brand." When customers like a designer's style, they are often interested in buying that designer's work in other mediums. This article shows how Vera Wang further strengthens her name brand in the world of home designs. She applied her creativity to a new medium beyond fabric.

• Hanafy, Erin. "Chic Brides: Bridal Fashion Designers Offering More Sophisticated Options." Associated Press 12 Jan. 2004.

  This article talks about current wedding dress styles. Until the 1990s, wedding dresses were often uncomfortable and unsophisticated. Now, fashion-conscious brides have more stylish dresses from which to choose. Fall bridal fashion shows in New York showcased wedding dresses with simple lines and feminine details. Strapless necklines are quite popular, and embellishments like ruffles give gowns a soft touch. Many of Vera Wang's designs feature such embellishments. Many dresses revisit historical styles, bringing back the 1950s. Some Vera Wang gowns are accented with fur and faux fur wraps. The 1920s are a strong influence as well, as seen in Vera Wang's sheer flapper dress. This article reveals various influences behind Vera Wang's wedding dress designs.

• "Holly's a Big Fan of Vera Wang." Vancouver Province [British Columbia] 17 Feb. 2004: A23.

  At a recent Vera Wang runway show, actress Holly Hunter sat in the front row to support her friend of 10 years. Vera Wang has been dressing Hunter ever since the 1993 Academy Awards when Hunter wore Wang's black illusion gown. Hunter counts on Wang for her wardrobe because, according to the actress, Wang knows how to dress small women. This article does not reveal much about Vera Wang except that her continued friendships with celebrities keep her career alive.

• Janjigian, Robert. "Designers Support Signature Styles, but Sweeten Them with Subtle Details." Cox News Service 11 Feb. 2004: Lifestyle.

  For designers, too much of a fashion risk is a bad thing; it is best for designers to be consistent with their creations. Designers who stray from their signature styles risk losing the support of retailers and customers. For a designer's longevity in the fashion industry, he/she must design clothing that is identifiable around the world. Vera Wang is known around the world for the softness of her designs. She creates elegant bridal gowns, evening dresses, and day wear. Wang's use of detail and sparkle are not overpowering. She often uses contrasting colors from a color-palette of blacks, browns, pale greens, lavenders, and nude tones. This article compares Vera Wang's style to that of other designers. It also gives readers a more intimate look at Wang's personal fashion sense, portraying Wang as an individual and not just a name.

• Johnson, Marilyn. "Dressed and Tressed On Ice: Top Designers Behind Some Costumes." Atlanta Journal-Constitution 10 Jan. 2004: 1C.

  Costumes for figure skaters have come a long way since the 1960s. Female skaters' costumes have become especially important aspects of their shows. Michelle Kwan put her faith in Vera Wang because, according to Kwan, Wang knows what kind of costumers work on the ice. Wang is a former skater herself. Other designers, such as Bob Mackie, have worked with skaters to create unique costumes. This article mainly focuses on figure skaters, but it also shows how Vera Wang has incorporated an aspect of her identity into her designs.

• Johnson, Marylin. "Wang Wedding Gown Connects Friends for Life." Atlanta Journal-Constitution 11 Mar. 2004: 1H.

  Diana Fuchs fell in love with Vera Wang bridal gowns after trying on her friend's Vera Wang dress. The owner of the dress, who introduced Fuchs to her future husband, suggested Fuchs try it on. Immediately, Fuchs felt like the dress was made just for her. Now, the dress is packed away so that Fuchs' daughter may one day wear a Vera Wang dress. The dress is truly a symbol of two women's friendship. This article shows the personal value of Wang's designs to her customers.

• Johnson, Marylin. "The World of Vera Wang." Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 7 Mar. 2004: 4LS.

  Fifty-four-year-old designer Vera Wang has evolved into a multimillion-dollar empire. Wang's business took years to create, and it includes everything from dresses to home designs. Wang fell in love with fashion when her mother took her to see Paris fashion shows. After studying at Sorbonne, Wang worked for Vogue magazine. By 1985, she worked as a design director for Ralph Lauren. In this article, Wang describes her personal life. She talks about a typical workday, her family, her company, and the sources of her inspiration. This article offers readers a chance to see Wang as both a businesswoman and a mother.

• Jones, Lamont. "Fine Lines: Details Add Touch of Elegance to Designer's Fall Ensembles." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 12 Feb. 2004: C1.

  Vera Wang, most widely known for her bridal fashions, is finding her way into other fashion genres. Wang's Fall 2004 fashion line included daywear, but according to critics, nothing too appealing. Lamont Jones remarks that Wang's new pant, skirt, and jacket designs are "wearable" but lack the special quality he expected. This special quality is what Jones says is necessary to convince today's women to spend their money on designer clothing. Jones also comments on other designers, such as David Rodriguez, Douglass Hannant, John Varatos, Vivienne Tam, and Paula Hian. This article is one of the few that does not praise Wang's work; rather, it expresses some disappointment.

• Kingston, Anne. "I Take This Dress..." National Post [Canada] 8 Mar. 2004: AL01.

  This article is an excerpt from "The Meaning of Wife," a book by Anne Kingston. In this excerpt, Kingston discusses how the one-day bride is marketed as an ultimate fantasy. The modern bride is a thing of fairy tales, symbolizing hope, purity, and primal desire. Advertisers use this image to market their products to brides-to-be. Kingston explains how the wedding dress has become more important than the bride because Vera Wang brought dresses into the spotlight. According to Kingston, the dress - not the bride - is the star on a woman's wedding day.

• Kremer, Lisa. "Vera Wang Has Designs on Everyday; Not Just Fancy: She Says She's No Martha Stewart Look-alike." News Tribune [Tacoma, Washington] 5 May 2004: E01.

  Vera Wang denies the claim that she only designs $25,000 wedding dresses. Wang is now working on more affordable product lines. Wang promoted her new Macy's home line in Seattle, describing her flatware as beautiful and practical. Soon, Wang will introduce items like towels and sheets in an effort to sell a lifestyle of modern luxury. In the future, Wang plans to release extremely bold and graphic designs. When compared to Martha Stewart, Wang clarifies that they are two very different people. One main difference between the two women is that Wang began as a designer. This article reveals Wang's thoughts on herself and how the public perceives her

• Pyke, Alicia. "If You're Making..." Courier Mail [Queensland, Australia] 26 Nov. 2003: 24.

  Vera Wang wedding gowns are now available in Australia. Although they are only on sale at one Sydney bridal boutique, it will not stop women from all over the country from making the trip to try on Vera Wang wedding gowns. Vera Wang is considered the ultimate in contemporary wedding fashion. This article further demonstrates how Vera Wang is becoming a world-wide brand.

• Rubin, Sylvia. "Visions of Vera." San Francisco Chronicle 1 June 2003: E6.

  In most publicity photos, Vera Wang appears in all black, looking somber. This image contradicts Wang's self-described "approachable" nature. Wang has a long history of fashion experience, owns a bridal business, has a family, and puts out four ready-to-wear collections each year. Wang's design inspiration comes from all over. Her recent spring collection was inspired by Vionnet's 1920 gowns and a trip to Beijing. Wang was inspired by colors she saw in China. Rather than the usual red and gold, Wang incorporated purples into her line. This article reveals the colors Vera Wang prefers in creating her designs. Her color palette changes with the trips she takes and the colors she sees.

• Schneider, Anna. "Dreams of Cinderella Fuel Fire for Vera Wang Wedding Gowns." New York Sun 19 May 2003: 11.

  Brides-to-be go crazy for Vera Wang dresses on-sale in New York City. They stand in line for hours at the Vera Wang Warehouse Sale where dresses are sold at steep discounts. Any misbehavior on behalf of the customers - pushing, line-cutting - is grounds for dismissal from the store. In her boutique, Wang's clients receive attentive one-on-one service. At the Sale, shoppers help themselves to a dozen unordered racks. This article provides one example of the Vera Wang craze at work.

• "Syratech Corporation Names Badger Kry & Partners to Create Advertising Campaign for the New Vera Wang Silver and Gifts Collection." Business Wire 4 Nov. 2003.

  Badger Kry & Partners, an advertising agency, was charged with the marketing for Vera Wang's product lines. Ads for Wang's new silverware and gifts collection were set to be released in Spring 2004 issues of wedding magazines. These ads were created to excite consumers about the new product line and communicate the beauty of the collection. The photography style used in the ads highlights Vera Wang's classic, simple, and elegant designs. This article shows the importance of advertising for Vera Wang in entering a new market such as home wares.

• "Vera Wang Designs Steal the Bridal Gown Show." Channel NewsAsia 11 Apr. 2004.

  Couples are willing to pay as much as $18,000 for a Vera Wang wedding dress. The International Designers Bridal Couture Show in Singapore is part of the Singapore Fashion Festival. The Festival showcases exclusive bridal creations by acclaimed designers from Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Vera Wang drew the biggest crowd.

• "Vera Wang is a 'Style Force'." Hamilton Spectator [Ontario] 25 Nov. 2003: G06.

  In a ceremony honoring extraordinary women, Glamour magazine named fashion designer Vera Wang one of its Women of the Year. Wang helped make bridal fashion sexy and sophisticated. Her fashion empire now includes a line of china and a namesake perfume. This article is important because is shows the acceptance of an Asian American woman in the style world. Such a breakthrough lends hope to other Asian Americans trying to make it in the fashion industry.

• "Wedding Gowns Fit for the Bride." Ottawa Citizen 24 Apr. 2004: I4.

  Fashion designers, including Vera Wang, recommend certain styles of wedding dresses for different body types. This article offers tips for women's body types in their search for a wedding gown. It does not discuss Vera Wang in any detail.

• "Wedgwood Woos Brides-to-Be with Vera and the Duchess." Business and Industry HFN 5 Apr. 2004: 30.

  Vera Wang and Lord Wedgwood toured several Macy's stores hosting bridal events. They also appeared on various talk shows. The two designers drew large crowds due to the popularity of Wang's new tabletop collection created in collaboration with Wedgwood. Wang also plans to make appearances in California and Seattle. This article demonstrates the continued growth of Wang's business.

• Witchel, Alex. "From Aisle to Runway: Vera Wang." New York Times 19 Jun. 1994, late ed.: 22+.

  Bridal fashion designer Vera Wang is introducing a line of evening clothes in June. The new line, which will be sold in stores across the country and sell in the $900 range, features her variations of the staple black dress. A second-generation Chinese-American, Wang earned her reputation by introducing fashion and sexuality to the bridal gown. She attracted attention by designing Nancy Kerrigan's Olympic skating costumes, a wedding dress for Mariah Carey, and Oscar gowns for Marisa Tomei, Holly Hunter, and Sharon Stone. Wang runs two businesses in New York City: Vera Wang Bridal House, where ready-to-wear designs run from $2,200 to $4,800, and Vera Wang Made to Order, where custom made dresses sell for between $10,000 and $25,000. This article shows the exclusivity of the Vera Wang brand. Wang's items are very expensive; they are difficult to obtain, making them even more desirable.

Newspaper or Magazine Articles on the Internet

• Zaslow, Jeffrey. "Straight Talk: Vera Wang." USAWeekend Magazine 8 May 1997. Date Accessed: 20 Jun. 2006 <http://www.usaweekend.com/98_issues/980510/980510talk_wang.html>.

  In this article, Vera Wang opens up about her own wedding experience and the lessons she learned. Based on her experience, Vera Wang offers valuable advice to her clients: "Know your age." This article reveals a central influence in Wang's design and fashion advice: her own wedding.

Television Programs

• "The Savvy Business Style of Vera Wang." The Biz. Host David Haffenreffer. Cable News Network. 11 Feb. 2004.

  Vera Wang joined David Haffenreffer to discuss her Fall collection. Wang's Fall show allows her to present more than just lightweight clothing. As a result, her Fall clothes allow for more creative expression. Wang's fall collection also consists of clothing that is easily transformed from day to evening wear. She designed separate pieces that are sophisticated, youthful, easy to wear, stylish, and artistic. Wang also discussed competitive pressures surrounding her new lines of jewelry, footwear, eyewear, fragrance, and home wares. Immediately following the interview, Wang boarded a plane to Florida. This television interview reveals Vera Wang's busy lifestyle, focusing on her company rather than her personal life.

• "Secrets of Women Who Rule: Vera Wang, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, and Meg Whitman discuss Their Lives." The Oprah Winfrey Show. 17 Oct. 2003.

  While on Oprah, Vera Wang described how women of all body types can wear her dresses. She discussed the amount of time it takes to create various types of dresses. Later in the show, an audience member who lost everything to Hurricane Isabella was given the opportunity to be dressed by Vera Wang on her wedding day. The show also featured a small, informal fashion show of Vera Wang's latest designs. Finally, Oprah asks Wang about her personal life. They discussed Wang's childhood ice skating, her adopted daughters, dinnertime, her husband, and even Wang's anti-anxiety medication. This show offers an intimate look at Wang's personal life.

Websites

• Verawang.com. 2006. Vera Wang. Date Accessed: 20 June 2006 <http://www.verawang.com>.

  Vera Wang's website presents photos of her latest runway fashions, bridal and maids dresses, fine jewelry, footwear, eyewear, fragrances, and home collections. The site also contains excerpts from Wang's book. A particularly interesting section of the website talks about Wang's personal life. This section includes photos of Wang's family, friends, and childhood. Bibliographic information found on Wang's site focuses on both her career and her family. The section titled "Press" displays magazines in which Wang has been featured. "Advertising" allows visitors to view a sample portfolio of ads. Other features of this website include company information, a store locator, and a guest list. The guest list allows visitors to receive e-mails about upcoming Vera Wang events, shows, and launches. This website is an important source of information on Vera Wang because it comes from her.