At 76, Vera Wang is proving that age is no barrier to bold style choices. The celebrated designer debuted a striking platinum blonde hairstyle at the BAFTA Awards 2026 on Sunday, February 22, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, turning heads on the red carpet.
The dramatic hair color, almost white with darker roots showing through, was the focal point of her seem. The sleek, loose style framed her face and amplified her already-renowned fashion sense with a touch of playful rebellion. The fashion world often celebrates reinvention, and Wang’s latest look is a prime example.
The transformation was particularly noticeable as Wang had sported her signature long, brunette hair just the night before, on Saturday, February 21, at the BAFTA Film Awards Nominees’ Party. This quick change underscores her creative spirit and willingness to defy expectations, traits she’s demonstrated throughout her career.
To complement her recent hair, Vera Wang chose a flowing, white draped gown from her own label, paired with a black bolero jacket featuring dramatic, puffed sleeves for a graphic contrast. She completed the ensemble with oversized, cat-eye black sunglasses, adding a final touch of signature cool.
The designer, born June 27, 1949, in New York City to Chinese immigrant parents, according to the South China Morning Post, attributes her youthful energy to a simple formula: “a cocktail of vodka, a lot of sleep… but operate – work is the magic elixir.”
Vera Wang’s fashion journey began at Sarah Lawrence College and then at “Vogue,” where she worked as an assistant to former fashion editor Polly Mellen, a role she would eventually take on herself.
Her entry into design was somewhat unexpected. In 1989, while working as a design director at Ralph Lauren, she became frustrated with the lack of suitable bridal options and created a dress for herself, which ultimately launched her business, as noted by Harper’s Bazaar.
In 1990, she launched her eponymous brand, which quickly gained recognition for its elegant and sophisticated designs. Her creations have adorned numerous high-profile celebrities walking down the aisle, including Gwen Stefani, Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, and Victoria Beckham.
However, bridal wear is just one facet of Wang’s empire. She has expanded her brand to include ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, fragrances, and even a home goods line. And, often photographed alongside her daughters, both in their thirties, the difference in their ages is barely perceptible.
