CCTV America interviews designer Vera Wang about running her company

Summary

In this interview, Vera Wang shares her journey from a fashion enthusiast to a global icon, offering insights into her career and the risks that shaped her brand. She discusses the influence of her Chinese-American heritage, her early career at Vogue and Ralph Lauren, and her bold decisions in bridal fashion, such as introducing colorful gowns. Wang reflects on the women who have inspired her, including her mother, Anna Wintour, and her daughters. She emphasizes hard work, passion, and the importance of mentorship, offering advice to young women aspiring to succeed in the fashion world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vera Wang always wanted to be a fashion designer but faced resistance from her father, who refused to fund her further education. She proved her dedication by starting a job at Vogue.
• 😀 Working at Vogue and Ralph Lauren had a significant influence on Vera Wang's career, helping shape her design philosophy and work ethic.
• 😀 Hard work and passion are key to Vera Wang's success, and she encourages young people to pursue their passions to achieve greater success.
• 😀 Vera Wang took risks in her career, notably transforming the traditional bridal gown by introducing non-traditional colors like pink, yellow, green, and black.
• 😀 Her approach to bridal design is unconventional, viewing herself as a designer of bridal gowns rather than a specialized bridal designer, which allows her creative freedom.
• 😀 Vera Wang's mother was a major influence, instilling in her a sense of style, wisdom, and the importance of self-expression. Her mother embraced both Eastern and Western values.
• 😀 Vera Wang credits women like Anna Wintour and her daughters for inspiring her, with Wintour's intelligence and energy influencing her career, and her daughters' perspective helping her stay relevant.
• 😀 Celebrity endorsements and collaborations with high-profile figures have played a significant role in the success of Vera Wang's brand, especially in the bridal and red carpet sectors.
• 😀 Vera Wang's upbringing, with parents from Shanghai, gave her a unique blend of Asian work ethic and American perspective, which has greatly influenced her career and creativity.
• 😀 Vera Wang advises young women to work with mentors they admire, as learning from those they aspire to be like is one of the best ways to gain experience and grow in their careers.

Q & A

What inspired Vera Wang to start her own business?

Vera Wang was always passionate about fashion, but her journey began when her father refused to fund further education after college. Instead, he challenged her to prove her commitment to fashion by getting a job. This led her to her first job at Vogue, which played a key role in shaping her career.

How did working for Ralph Lauren influence Vera Wang's career?

Vera Wang credits Ralph Lauren as a major influence on her career due to his decisiveness, brilliance, and consistency. Working with him shaped her perspective on her own career and provided valuable insights into the fashion industry.

What would Vera Wang credit her success to?

Vera Wang attributes her success to hard work and passion. She emphasizes that if you truly love something, you will find success more easily, and she encourages young people to follow their passions.

What risks did Vera Wang take in her bridal collections?

Vera Wang took creative risks by introducing non-traditional bridal gowns, such as dresses in black, pink, and other unconventional colors. She viewed this as a way to keep the bridal collection fresh and to offer brides a form of self-expression.

How does Vera Wang define herself as a designer in the bridal industry?

Vera Wang sees herself as a designer who happens to create bridal gowns rather than a bridal designer. This mindset allows her greater creative freedom and the ability to redefine what bridal fashion can be.

Who were the women that influenced Vera Wang's career?

Vera Wang was heavily influenced by her mother, who was a fashion icon and instilled in her the idea that every woman is beautiful in her own way. Other women who influenced her include Anna Wintour, for her intelligence and passion, and Vera's daughters, whose perspective on youth and relevance inspires her.

How has Vera Wang's work been influenced by both East and West?

Vera Wang draws from both her Chinese heritage and her American upbringing. The work ethic, devotion, and dedication she learned from her Chinese background combine with the freedom and broad perspective of American culture, shaping her creativity and design philosophy.

What role has celebrity played in the success of Vera Wang's brand?

Celebrities have played a significant role in the success of Vera Wang's brand, particularly in the bridal and red carpet markets. Her collaborations with high-profile women have helped establish her brand's visibility and reputation.

What advice does Vera Wang give to young women pursuing a career in fashion?

Vera Wang advises young women to work for someone they admire and respect. She believes that working under a mentor is one of the best ways to learn and grow in the industry, as it allows for practical experience while being paid.

What does Vera Wang think about the future of women in leadership?

Vera Wang sees the future as a 'century of women,' with more women leading companies and countries than ever before. She believes that young women today have more opportunities and resources than ever, making this an exciting time for them to succeed.