The audience arrived at Vera Wang’s show Thursday afternoon to find sheets of paper on their seats bearing text that read simply “In Loving Memory of C.C. Wang.” The designer’s father had passed away in the early hours of the morning.
The darkly poetic clothes that followed seemed to fit the muted mood. Wang worked with moody colors and fabrics, creating an ethereal ambience that felt both sober and light at the same time. There was sparkle, but always hidden under another fabric, creating a muted effect.
Wang came out to take her bow with tears streaming down her face; she took a full lap of the runway and left much of the audience wiping their eyes as they rose to their feet. These were New York’s fashion insiders for whom Wang is like family and who understand the significance of her loss. It was C.C. who first suggested Vera begin a bridal line and who backed her when she started the company. The moment and the clothes fused to create a show of melancholy beauty.
— Amy Larocca
Read Amy Larocca’s profile of Vera Wang.
