Vera Wang on ageism in the fashion industry - 100 Women, BBC World Service

[@BBCWorldService]

👋🏽Hi! We hope you enjoyed this interview by the BBC 100 Women team. Vera Wang was included in the list of 100 names that BBC 100 Women publishes every year, with a mission to address the under-representation of women in media. We are constantly looking for inspirational women and girls from all around the world, leading on change in the fields of politics, social affairs, environmental activism, and many more areas. If you want to help us in this exciting project please suggest in the comments below names of amazing female leaders you would like to see included in that list. Thank you for watching this interview! If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel here 👉🏽 bbc.in/3VyyriM

[@theschnauz2138]

As I age, I realise how much I appreciate women who are fiercely themselves. When a woman knows who she is, she dresses to reflect that and those are the women whose style I admire. And my admiration doesn’t necessarily mean I emulate their style.

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

I'm an upcoming fashion designer wish me good luck. I hope you'll support me some days 😇🙏

[@thewheatfields8852]

@Nartarlyia Tremaynne Me aswell. 💃💃

[@frauleintrude6347]

I am over 60 years old and I do what I want, wear what I want and don‘t care what others, especially men say. At that age we are out of the game and hopefully out of competition. Gives a lot of freedom to express yourself however you want :-)

[@tracytrunn5625]

YESSSSSSSSS. Thank you ✨🙏💜🙏✨

[@tracytrunn5625]

I LOVE BEING A CRONE ✨🙏💞🙏✨

[@kikinorthington680]

I noticed that especially in America elderly and aging people are treated with such disrespect. We need a movement that encourages and considers how important it is to see aging as a beautiful thing!!!

[@GNICHO]

It’s because many elderly in the modern age are not “elders” they are perpetual children who aged faster than they matured. When we return to our customs of developing the soul and seeing elders as placeholders for important information, the respect will follow. Where sadly an “elder” like Wang is knowledgeable and easy to respect and love, that is not always true for the insecure, scared, aged people of modernity.

[@beautiful20106]

I don’t think so . Elderly people is respectful in USA

[@karomua703]

u never been in latinoamerica, here laters 40s woman hardly can get an ordinary work.

[@evechewietan]

Very refreshing to learn from others, who can admit to past failure, who can show how they can rise from the ashes of failed dreams, and channel their passion into another area of creativity, be it art or fashion of music, or writing.

[@GNICHO]

@@C12341 that’s because becoming old no longer has grace and many old people are bitter and vulnerable. Many sufferings from ailments that were preventable and struggling due to epidemic patterns that are often passed down to the youth that blindly venerate them. I, of course believe everyone should be at the very least tolerated, and someone being old should not be a reason to treat them badly. But classically it’s the old people in our society who have hoarded our resources, organized our society in divisive and painful ways and over all have the made the bed they sleep in. Learn from elders that are aligned with your values, and do not see age in and of itself as something worth worship. Youth on the other hand is the expression of renewal, not benevolence. It is not meant to be blindly followed. But it at least is that desire to be fresh. And a principal preoccupation of the elderly if you look close. Makes you think who started this “youth worship” society. And if maybe it’s because we let our “youth” go much before it is time to part with “it”.

[@katherinetutschek4757]

I absolutely loved her black wedding line. It was the only thing on the market which wasn't white. I couldn't afford Vera Wang, but it showed dressmakers (and friends and family) that black wedding dresses could be beautiful and chic. Pure white gowns never spoke to me, black is much more grounding.

[@MarianadeOliveiraSaitu]

I've always liked white clothes in general and wedding dresses were no exception. But when I first saw a traditional Indian wedding gown I was in AWE. I've never ever seen something like that, so colorful, so many textures, so much gold not only on accessories but on the dress itself. It was then that I realized that beauty is in diversity.

[@esterhudson5104]

Grounding? As in “ in the ground?” Boy, you can say that again. 😆

[@offbeatblackgerl8360]

Agreed. Black wedding dresses always felt natural to me.

[@bilal_ahmed1011]

Vera Wang, her words, her personality and her work is absolutely ravishing and inspirational. But I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the interviewer as well. A very well composed, confident person who is also a very attentive listener. Well done

[@rosatorres6430]

What a powerhouse!! Humble,direct, honest, caring and modern. Great interview.

[@rubberbiscuit99]

Thanks to Vera Wang for pointing out that ageism is old-fashioned, and the positives of aging. ❤️

[@sallynoveras6499]

Aging is Beautiful 😍❤...just enjoy who you are and love yourself. 💘What else can go wrong when you're just Happy 😊

[@bobbobbington3615]

She sure uses lots of young models.

[@crimsonfirelily]

What an inspiration for all women. I needed this at this moment. Turning 60 in a few months has been tough for me. Lucky I am alive yes! Big decisions are in line. Thank you 💜 😊 ✌

[@BBCWorldService]

Happy birthday! Check out more inspirational women here 👉 kzbin.info/aero/PLz_B0PFGIn4chwVM2CcwuPeP2tnYIQpp8

[@veronikapilchova1539]

How sad is the fact that I also thought "I needed this at this moment" being 29 scared of turning 30...

[@crimsonfirelily]

@@veronikapilchova1539 I felt the same way at 29. Now I feel it again at 59. I know I got through it then and all turned out awesome. Hang in there it gets better at 30, I promise. 💜

[@haleemahx]

@@veronikapilchova1539 I’ve turned 29 this year and suddenly, the fear of hitting 30 has arrived. I don’t know. I haven’t done enough; I haven’t seen enough, I haven’t BEEN enough. It’s so scary. It feels like everyone has got it all worked out and I’m still clueless. Sending love to you, beautiful stranger. ❤️

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

I'm an upcoming fashion designer wish me good luck. I hope you'll all support me some days 😇🙏

[@tomasiturralde4705]

I commend on how she can articulate her thoughts and emotions so eeloquently and touched on so many subjects like ageism, sustainability of her industry, the effects of the pandemic has wrought on all of us and she even mentioned 'resetting' our mindset to this abrupt change in our lives and adapt to move forward. Her feelings about Asian hate crimes really made me realize she does not live in a bubble being a celebrity thar she is and can relate to the events happening with the culture of violence quite rampant these day and respect and compassion must always be the order of the day. This interview was such a delight.

[@KoffeewithK371]

What an intelligent, confident, and overall badass woman. I'm glad to hear her speak out against Asian hate too.

[@junehitchcock170]

US and the Far East use ‘Asian’ meaning those of Oriental descent. But In UK the label ‘Asian’ refers to Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis. People of oriental/Chinese often experience as much covert/overt racism too, as the visibly black and brown skinned people. Only difference is our suffering from racism is not a high focus as those visibly black and brown skinned and not taken as seriously by authorities. Wish we could treat each other equally and respectfully in this melting pot we live in. Love this insightful interview with a talented feminist who knows herself very well.

[@didimarcus277]

Asians hate africans and see them as less as we speak, what about that? If they say stop Asian hate, let's remember Asians are worse when it comes to racism. Ask any african

[@TheArmadalatina]

72!!???? There is NOOO way Vera Wang is 72!!! God bless her, what a wonderful soul.

[@french5982]

I needed this today. She reminded me WE are powerful tools in this universe and to stay confident, ambitious, genuine never forgetting to stay true to culture. Love her even more now.

[@sophiaelayne9984]

Yes, yes, yes, yes and hell yes!

[@kachi2782]

She can say that, she is a millionaire, you are not. If you are broke then ageism is the last of your issues. She can afford the best fashion, the best skin care the best facial, she lives a life with zero stress and she has a chef who cooks for her, a maid who clean for her, someone who takes care of her kids , her husband is a billionaire. Don't get inspired by what she says , get inspired by what she accomplished. WE all age, but ageing in a private jet and a limo and without a single worry about the future is what makes her appreciate ageing. If you are not vera wang, you should be worried about it.

[@french5982]

@@kachi2782 you are reading into this way too deep. I hope you find peace.

[@kachi2782]

@@french5982 What better advice to follow than your own.

[@sweetwillow028_]

I feel like I can listen to her talks for days…. Her beauty is way more than her physicals her spirit n intellect… my god… I’m in awe

[@redmoondesignbeth9119]

I love Vera. You Go Gurl! :) I just turned 70 last month and the shift in life was unexpected. 3 years ago I gave everything away and started over in Santa Fe. This summer I'm going to play around with dying hemp and doing tunics and skirts.

[@GNICHO]

Forget how she looks, she sounds so sharp and vigorous! Her energy is impressive

[@berryblulight]

Very eloquent....she is an inspiration...as women at 58 approching the 60ties it s good to see women thriving and sharing wisdom

[@terriberrens2144]

I love her Kohl's collection and it's wonderful that she did something for us girls that just don't have the same means of income that usually can afford her

[@maywww]

But she always uses the cheapest fabric to make them...Not a big fan of 100% polyester

[@HosCreates]

@@maywww that's because polyester is cheaper to produce ,what did you expect from fast fashion?

[@roseschulze1647]

Her line at Kohls is one I can count on to fit me. :)

[@barbarablackman3742]

Excellent interview, I'm getting older but I'll never be old.

[@sumaaminahshaheed4255]

Love that❤️

[@LM-ch8rh]

i loved LOVED this interview! nada did an awesome job interviewing. even though i've read a fair amount about vera wang, nada asked new and interesting questions. she let vera take her time answering and didn't try to rush through the questions like a robot.

[@elevenkong]

I really love this interview. Unlike a lot of pure motivational interviews, this one got some really good content. I love 17:20 she said "I've been here before". She is truly a role model for experiencing lots of failures before the success. I also agree with her saying we grow especially with the care, the thoughts, the resistance, and the patience. I also found she is so real by commenting the compliments (people must be bored) and sustainability. and you can tell how fast her thoughts are. She always started answering before the questions are fully spoken out. Fast thinker, slow speaker. Classic.

[@karikasumi888]

I hope one day to be as elegant, intelligent and articulate as Ms. Vera. I've always heard her name but never knew her. This interview is so inspiring and thought provoking. She just became my new role model. 🖤

[@thesnoopydance645]

I love women like her who make being over 50 seem cool. 🙂💛☮

[@kikinorthington680]

Why is it such a big deal to be over 50? You’re lucky you made it that far

[@thesnoopydance645]

@@kikinorthington680 🤔 what ?

[@dammar117]

Yes, we're lucky. A whopping half century! Lots of experiences lived! Celebrate that you made it this far, and be grateful for every year you get beyond that. And work to get those beyond years, because if you don't take care of your health and mind, nature will remind you what 50+ truly means. What an entitled generation we have become.

[@candiceciao6749]

she's 72!

[@theminimalistninja]

This is such a beautiful interview! I love how much space you gave Vera for expressing herself! Very well-guided interview - thank you so much for uploading it! :)

[@kalichan55]

Loved her view on energy, love, wisdom, passion never age. We all can age in our own way in beautiful ways 💖❤️

[@Sakura-lp8gf]

She inspires me a lot. Turning 25 changes my whole life. Everyone treated me like a kid yesterday and today, they treat me like I’m an old woman who need to marry and have kids right now.

[@techrider4938]

Saradha uchiha..u already got one

[@chrystianaw8256]

It's really sickening

[@J_paints]

Ms. Wang is so right about work being source of energy and youthfulness, sharpness, flexibility of mind. Working among the beautiful and young is is inspiring. You cannot be beautiful as they are but you find your own beauty and value in how they relate to you and you to them, inspiring one another with skills, hope, ambition, new ideas and perspectives. I am 74 and work in a greenhouse among some very young adults as well as persons my age. We have fun. It is invigorating in every way.

[@shellisannes464]

I have always loved the style of Vera Wang from basic clothing to my eyeglasses she has a clean lines that I appreciate in design, maybe the first time I have seen what she looks like. Thank you for putting a face to the name.

[@ReynaSingh]

The aging process is what you make it. Love life and life loves you back

[@dreamingoftacos4388]

The young want to grow up and the older want their youth

[@chrystianaw8256]

Very true. It's what you make of it

[@rhondacosta160]

what an energy. i had never heard her before. and i was in the business. what a terrifically groovy soul.

[@kateforsyth1133]

Remarkable woman and very inspiring to me as a 57 year old woman. Anything is possible

[@ayanokoji5594]

Only possible if you live in the USA. Outside the USA it's not that easy to successfully run a company/business

[@ericmanipon4199]

She’s so eloquent. Amazing icon indeed.

[@angelagreen7388]

Oh my goodness, I've loved her fashion line sense 2015. Would love to see her black bridal collection. Her inspiration has been my sanctuary as a rebel at heart. Thank you ,Vera Wang, for giving us women options, choice, and self love!

[@elymartin8773]

"I think women have always been diverse, That's the beauty of women. " 💐

[@pamgraham7603]

I challenge Vera to embrace older women in her runway shows. That is the only way to show that you embrace all women. Designers’ shows are now diverse in every way…except age. There are so many of us who are tall, slim, could model and are over 60. Or 70. And we now have the money-and confidence-to wear her designs.

[@kateaye3506]

Exactly my thoughts as I watched this. If Ms Wang wants me to be her face for her Vera Wang perfume or her cosmetics, I'd be happy to oblige. The models at our age used these days are the super models of yester year, which kind of defeats the purpose.

[@dammar117]

@Pam Great comment. I agree. Lots of "diversity" in color and shape, but none in age. The 50+ woman is still invisible. But, once, I saw a lingerie website that was truly diverse. They had an older model, nice body, but a real one, with wrinkly stomach... Older than me. I was nearly in tears to see that we were being represented.

[@leahcrawford9501]

WOW…..what a great interview……such an awesome Q&A!!! I could keep listening ……. Full of substance!!

[@deidrelorenz8851]

I enjoyed this interview & vera wang is amazing. There was a comment below about the fashion industry & fashion sustainability. BBC, can you please do some future interviews with designers who are pushing for fashion austainabilitty & making poisitive changes to the fashion industry? I know the interviewer asked vera wang the question, but it would be nice to hear from other designers. Thx.

[@noellewest4347]

I would second that. I think Stella McCartney is now cruelty-free and focused on sustainability too, yes?

[@lucindalaree4666]

one of the most important and inspiring conversations I’ve seen In years

[@b.visconti1765]

Wow..she's beautiful! I have only a couple of her designs and cherish them..wish I could afford more..You Go Girl💃

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

I'm an upcoming fashion designer wish me good luck. I hope you'll support me some days 😇🙏

[@tonyperez5360]

I'm 67 been a photographer since 1973 but I want to continue never stop now I love fashion photography more ! I'm my only wall I need to break

[@junoharpoon]

Vera is a humble, smart & gorgeous woman. Thanks for this interview!

[@gigglesjumps2433]

Love love love this interview with Vera Wang. Through thrifting, I’ve enjoyed various pieces of hers that last forever and don’t age (like her). And those boots she’s wearing?!?😍😍😍 Baaaaby, those are bangin!!!!

[@anniesok868]

Gosh I can listen to her for hours.

[@heyjojo1998]

She is beautiful and I love her embracing something BOLD and not afraid people judging her. She looks so comfortable for her age and still being beautiful!!

[@ivecloptv]

Brilliant woman! I had never read or seen her speak, and I am really impressed. Well done!

[@Ohsolovely2]

Wow she looks amazing. I thought she was using a filter in her photos but she actually looks very youthful for 74.

[@amymalina5073]

Vera Wang is fabulous. A total inspirational and creative person. A great role model.

[@gamoyamo]

Wow she speaks so well, so eloquent with her words, was a pleasure to watch.

[@41yearoldnewdriver]

I like Vera Wang's style. I have a nice blue and black 2X beautiful Vera Wang long sleeved dress I got on sale at KOHLS. Vera Wang is one of the coolest fashion designers that has her own clothing line at KOHLS department store.

[@enns5366]

I adore Vera Wang and everything she does. She looks absolutely stunning. And her style is impeccable.

[@Lommy9999]

Strangely she looks better with age, also her style is cooler.

[@victorcraraujo]

She made such good points here. Love the interview.

[@nishasankaran]

I really love Vera. It’s so difficult to live from the inside out and true to yourself as much as possible and be ‘successful’ ❤️

[@TheXanneXanneChannel]

Oh I love her so much! She’s totally wearing the 2012 UNIF look. So ready to bring that back!

[@kgstiles]

Women are culture's trend setters. Ageism is the next barrier women need to breakthrough. Our mindset and attitude needs to shift to work for us, not against us. Everyone gets older. I started experiencing ageism when I entered my 40s. It was a real gut punch. Ageism, like racism is a fear based program. Ask yourself, Am I a purveyor of truth and love, or fear and defamation?

[@OriginalBigThing]

What a powerful presentation! Thank you Miss Wang!

[@epicellen7299]

Ageism like classism, castism, rasism are all snobbery. Go girl go. Love your way of thinking

[@lorrainenicoletti6232]

Vera Wang Ageless Your look is so Cool. You are my Hero for freedom to express. I’m 69 and Happy to watch and listen to you in this interview.

[@noellewest4347]

I am not a fashionista, but she has always been one of my favourite people. I will intuitively move toward a display or department store section if I see Vera Wang's name because I know there is something there that expresses my style. And, I think that her brand is the only one I have ever been willing to pay full price for.

[@sharonkaysnowton]

I love Vera Wang wedding dresses/ bridal wear/ and evening wear. She is a very talented woman.

[@vitormachado5417]

She's so classy... What a powerful lady!

[@Nikki-nt4pt]

The black bridal wear was gorgeous!!

[@kevinlui8601]

I’m impressed she decided to let herself age gracefully!

[@rebeccagonzalez2204]

Inspiring to hear her thoughts on ageism 👍👍👍

[@sophiaelayne9984]

Women need to know, must know, has got to know that the older you get the better you get.

[@aprilm9551]

I loved this, and Nada Tawfik did a great job interviewing, and bringing out Vera's thoughts and feelings.

[@mystrength5640]

Vera’s Wedding Gowns Are Beautifully Designed!

[@rosea1021]

Very well said, specially at the almost end portion of the interview, respect fot elders, not only elders but other people. And the pandemic has slowed us down & give us a chance to reflect..... great words of wisdom.

[@juliancoulden1753]

Vera Wang is a highly articulate woman who explains clearly what has inspired and driven her. A refreshing change, no la la land, California psycho babble. She’s an entrepreneur who comes across as completely grounded. And thank the lord she hasn’t ruined her own canvass, by covering herself in disfiguring tattoos.

[@tonirose6776]

What a beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent woman. Thanks for this.

[@katom1544]

That was a great interview! Vera ❤️

[@97B-p7g]

Vera is an amazingly talented and soft spoken inspirational woman. 🌺

[@southernmermaid2526]

I love you Vera for speaking and living your truths❣️

[@jrsupstateny]

My immediate reaction is I ❤️ her but then I start to think about me as a demanding consumer, her as an insanely wealthy mogul, the environment as a sacrifice to fashion, sweat shops, eating disorders, carbon footprints…. Now I need a Vera Vodka Cocktail followed a long nap to numb my guilt, resentment, and bitter skepticism of every polished word she spoke. And yes, I am a lot of fun at a party 😉

[@victoriarunnow2028]

bright smart wise and experienced! great interview!

[@autumnember7]

I LOVE her heels.

[@yvonnepatterson1443]

She is so insightful! I feel very inspired by what she said.

[@esterhudson5104]

“ I find old-fashioned so inspiring” ..Ester

[@beckfleur6875]

I love the black wedding dress series! They are so chic and modern.. and daring! Love it!

[@dekamikaze21]

Such a wonderful interview and her passion for everything is incredible. I love everything about this. I feel inspired and amazing about taking on the challenges of this world as a professional.

[@gee_emm]

Wow. This was absolutely golden. What an inspiring woman!

[@the_resourceful]

Wang's shoes are wild.

[@blahblah1438]

Vera, thank you for being you and so inspiring to me.

[@rachelhagen9176]

she looks amazing for someone who is 70, DAMM

[@leanhk]

She looks amazing, PERIOD.

[@jpaola9659]

@@TinyGardenChef exactly 👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️

[@dammar117]

Aging is physical decay. When you are well preserved, there's nothing wrong with being told that you look fantastic despite the passage of time.

[@IngeEvenwel]

She shows it can be done at 70

[@dannyismanoe6023]

I am facing it very right now at work....

[@tiffanyohara6364]

i like vera wangs humility. she wears her humility best of all. i dont care what else she has on.

[@allisonle8596]

Damn those boots are looking soo good on her!

[@AdamTWWilde]

what a great interview, inspiring

[@debbieclark7397]

Love everything about Vera Wang..absolutely Awesome 👌

[@SA-ih7rr]

What an amazing interview to watch!! Full of substance!

[@santodomingoexpat6866]

Long Live Vera Wang! What an amazing woman.

[@rknrlgrl6146]

What an inspiring woman. I can’t believe she is 72!

[@arnie3631]

She looks like she is in her late 40s!

[@kachi2782]

She can say that, she is a millionaire, you are not. If you are broke then ageism is the last of your issues. She can afford the best fashion, the best skin care the best facial, she lives a life with zero stress and she has a chef who cooks for her, a maid who clean for her, someone who takes care of her kids , her husband is a billionaire. Don't get inspired by what she says , get inspired by what she accomplished. WE all age, but ageing in a private jet and a limo and without a single worry about the future is what makes her appreciate ageing. If you are not vera wang, you should be worried about it.

[@yudonna]

You are a very bitter person

[@aishadoesthings]

She is so incredible....and i want her shoes so badly 😆

[@Lommy9999]

This is a great interview and she is very interesting.

[@bernadettebarbee5160]

I remember when she designed Nancy Kerrigan’s Olympics long program costume.

[@MarikamiLace-MalteseBobbinLace]

How inspiring. Thank you Vera Wang.

[@disappearintothesea]

Such an interesting interview. I admire her even more.

[@tyrarisby5315]

beautiful interview

[@Serena_9]

She looks stunning at her 80!

[@vivienliewleewen8474]

MsVera, thanks for the encouraging words and wisdom.