Over the last 30 years, Vera Wang has designed wedding gowns for some of the world’s most famous brides, Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, and Chelsea Clinton among them. Now, as she celebrates three decades in business, Wang is focusing her attention not on celebrity names or made-to-order clientele, but on unknowns. Today, she’s announcing her partnership with Brides Across America, a national nonprofit organization that honors veterans by gifting weddings and wedding attire to thousands of military and first responder couples around the country.
Wang will invite some of these couples to her studio in New York this October, offering them a VIP bridal service that includes fittings for wedding gowns and tuxedos, looks for the bridal parties provided by David’s Bridal and Men’s Wearhouse, and a complete package for the big day that includes wedding bands by Zales, invitations from Crane, Wedgwood dinnerwear, and linens and bedding by Kohl’s and Revman International, as well as Coty fragrances and Kenmark Eyewear. One of the couples will be given a private, one-on-one fitting session with Wang herself. Only 10 will be chosen to participate, and applications open today on the Brides Across America website.
“Working with Brides Across America is my way of honoring those that have given so much to us, to our country, and to their families and loved ones,” the designer notes. “Their loyalty and sacrifice to our country have always struck a chord in my heart, and the privilege of helping them in their time of joy and happiness seemed like a perfect way to give back and do so in a very personal way.” Wang was enthusiastic to participate in this partnership not only because of her deep respect and admiration for our veterans, but also because she hopes that this collaborative effort will spread the kind of uplifting sentiment and message that America truly needs right now. “I have always believed that getting married is one of the most optimistic decisions an individual can make,” she says. “Now is a great time to reach out by mentoring, listening, and caring, and weddings are all about connecting.”