EOC: Week 5

1.       In what way is Vera Wang a great example of the ever changing career path of an individual?

Vera Wang is a great example of the ever changing career path of an individual because she began her career as a figure skater. “She competed in the 1968 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and was listed as a featured athlete in the January 8, 1968, issue of Sports Illustrated.” – Brand Story Page 75 Vera went to many different colleges including Chapin School in NY and Sarah Lawrence and after her sophomore year gave up figure skating to go into the fashion industry with a position at Vogue, “Wang did whatever they asked her to do, such as sweeping floors, providing yogurt for the models, and getting coffee. She was a glorified gofer. But young Vera knew her enthusiasm and work ethic would pay off.” – Brand Story page 75, 76 From Vogue, Wang went to work for Ralph Lauren before beginning a line of her own.

2.       Go to www.verawang.com. What changes have occurred in the company since the writing of this chapter? Has the brand expanded into other products?

Since this chapter Vera Wang has designed a line of wedding dresses for David’s Bridal and has added a wedding app to help brides plan their wedding from their cell phones and iPads. “Vera Wang helps you plan your wedding with her new iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch app! This unique resource includes Vera’s personal style advice, planning expertise, thousands of images and much more. A must have for all brides!” – www.verawang.com

3.       In your own words describe the Vera Wang brand. How does this brand differ from others, such as Ralph Lauren or Dolce & Gabbana?

The Vera Wang brand is both edgy and elegant at the same time. It reaches out to many different markets with her couture lines and then Simply Vera for Kohl’s and designing a bridal line for David’s Bridal. The Vera Wang brand differs from other designers because her main focus is bridal wear and everything else seem secondary, as in bridal wear is what she is really known and recognized for. She filled a void in the bridal market and will forever be known for that, where as other designers main focus is elsewhere and a bridal gown might show up once in a collection if that.