Fashion icon, self-made woman and legendary designer, Vera Wang seldom missesthe mark. And, on the eve of her 72nd birthday, Wang has a lifetime of redcarpet looks, high-profile wedding gowns and couture wear to prove it. From herbeginnings as a figure skater to her award-winning designs on Olympic athletesand Hollywood celebrities, Vera Wang continues to be a revolutionizing force inthe fashion industry.Photo courtesy: Harvard Business ReviewOn June 27, 1949 on the Upper East Sideof New York City, Vera Wang was born to immigrant parents that, she laterreflected, were the source of much of her tireless work ethic. Wang recalled in this [https://hbr.org/2019/07/lifes-work-an-interview-with-vera-wang] 2019interview:> My parents were immigrants, and they never allowed me to be spoiled. You worked.You worked. You worked. That’s an immigrant mentality. And when I’m in Chinanow, I feel Chinese. I’m proud of everything positive about my heritage, whichis the desire to work and better oneself.At the age of eight, Wang began competition in figure skating, a passion thatwould teach her discipline and stay with her throughout her life. Afterattending the Chaplin School and earning a degree in art history from SarahLawrence University, Wang fell just short of Olympic dreams as a figure skaterupon placing 5th in the junior pairs competition at the 1968 U.S. NationalChampionships. Undeterred, Wang went on to hone in her skills as a designer, andwas quickly hired at Vogue. At the time, Wang was the youngest editor at themagazine. Within a year, she was promoted to senior fashion editor. Wangremained at Vogue for the next 17 years. At age 39, Wang was presented with a problem: the newly engaged designer couldnot find a single bridal gown that suited her style and design needs. Withencouragement and financial support from her father, Wang decided to solve herown problem. Departing from Vogue and a 2-year stint with designer Ralph Lauren, Wang started her own independent, upscale bridal boutique in New York. Cateringprimarily to celebrities and socialites, the Vera Wang Bridal House began withofferings of the most elite designers, such as Christian Dior and Arnold Scaasi.Soon, though, her own designs began to fill the racks. As the newly independentfashion mogul realized her style was popular in its own rite, her business tookoff. In addition to bridal gowns, her boutique offered her own cocktail dresses,blazers, and other custom-made pieces. Wang has since designed wedding wear forstars such as Ariana Grande, Chelsea Clinton, Karenna Gore, Alicia Keys, MariahCarey, Victoria Beckham, Avril Lavigne, Hilary Duff, Khloe Kardashian, and KimKardashian (to name a few). Over the years, her business has expanded to include lingerie, jewelry, homeproducts and even desserts. In 2006, Wang teamed with Kohl's to produce anaffordable line of ready-to-wear clothing called Simply Vera. She has alsoreached licensing agreements with Zales, David's Bridal and Men's Wearhouse. AsWang turns 72, you might be wondering: is there anything she can't do? Learn more about the legendary designer here[https://hbr.org/2019/07/lifes-work-an-interview-with-vera-wang].