Vera Wang is chairman and CEO of Vera Wang International, the New York-based company she launched with a bridal salon after her own search for a wedding dress proved disappointing.

Wang transformed the traditional bridal category of frou-frou gowns to modern chic with exquisite detailing, sheer fabrics and low-cut backs that won favor with Hollywood celebrities headed down the aisle as well as the red carpet. Her designs first grabbed mainstream attention on the ice when Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan competed in a Wang costume.

Wang attended The Chapin School, a private girl’s school in New York City. She earned her BA in art history at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y., following a side trip to study at the Sorbonne (formerly the University of Paris). She was an editor at Vogue for 16 years before joining Ralph Lauren as design director of women’s accessories in 1985.

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In 1990, she opened a bridal salon and launched her company. She struggled to build a name in ready-to-wear until it caught on nearly two decades later. In 2006, Wang inked a deal with Kohl’s Department Stores to carry her Simply Vera line, bringing her look to the masses. The Vera Wang brand portfolio covers a wide range of categories including ready-to-wear, bridal, lingerie, jewelry, footwear, fragrance, beauty, accessories, fine papers and home goods.