Vera Wang’s career has been anything but conventional. After a stint as a professional figure skater, she began working at Vogue in 1971, where she became the magazine’s youngest-ever fashion editor. She spent 17 years in editorial before shifting to design, spending two years in the accessories department at Ralph Lauren. In 1990, at 40, she launched her bridal wear company, ultimately designing gowns for everyone from Mariah Carey to Victoria Beckham.

By 2013, Wang received the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and five years later, she was named one of the U.S.’s wealthiest self-made women.

Wang sold her company in 2024, but her name remains synonymous with the city where she grew up—New York. She lives in a 1929 Art Deco building on the Upper East Side, in a palatial 7,400-square-foot apartment with 12 bedrooms … and 17 televisions. Here, she shares her favorite places to eat, stay, and shop in her neighborhood.

A bird’s eye view of the Carlyle Hotel, in New York.

The Carlyle

I’ve had a store in the Carlyle for over 35 years. Whether taking tea or having a drink, the Gallery room always brings back memories shared with my parents, colleagues, and friends. In the main dining room, I have a hidden table tucked away in the back, where my friend Charles takes good care of me. (rosewoodhotels.com)

BAR ITALIA

For a wonderful, casual, and delicious Italian meal, where the food is cooked to order. You can come dressed as you wish. Hassan, the host, is a great conversationalist. (baritaliamadison.com)

CAVIAR KASPIA AT THE MARK

Simple luxury for a quick reset. From New York to Paris to St. Petersburg, Caviar Kaspia always feels otherworldly and transporting. (caviarkaspiany.com)

A dish from Kappo Masa.

Kappo MASA

For the most sophisticated and inventive Japanese menu. A magnet for art enthusiasts, locals, and true foodies—an incredible treat. (kappomasanyc.com)

Inside Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar.

THE POLO BAR

There is nothing quite like the Polo Bar, founded in 2015 by my former boss and mentor, Ralph Lauren. It’s the perfect place for a celebratory, upbeat, and fun evening with a very mixed crowd. Their popovers, burgers, mini Reuben sandwich bites, and giant ice cream sundaes are sophisticated and satisfying comfort foods. (ralphlauren.com)

The exterior of Zitomer.

Zitomer

A unique pharmacy and department store where my daughters used to shop for toys back in the day. A totally unique and entertaining shopping experience! (zitomer.com)

GAGOSIAN, 980 MADISON AVENUE

Gagosian’s uptown location, in the former Sotheby’s Parke-Bernet galleries, shadows my long history with the Carlyle. For sophisticated clients and lovers of contemporary art searching for carefully curated collections and exhibitions, Gagosion cannot be missed. (gagosian.com)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the most beautiful museums in the world. And let’s not forget the Costume Institute—a must for us fashionistas—for which Anna Wintour hosts the annual Met Gala amid glorious galleries showing Shang dynasty bronzes, medieval armor, and Grecian urns and statuaries. It’s one of my favorite places in New York. (metmuseum.org)

Central Park

Let’s not forget Central Park, which provides an escape from the city’s streets and buildings. Between the year-round playing fields, winter ice skating, and summer pickleball at Wollman Rink, as well as the bouldering, biking, skateboarding, and the zoo and boathouse—where would we be without such an amazing place? (centralparknyc.org)

Photos: Monica Schipper/WireImage/Getty Images; Courtesy of Rosewood Hotels; Dacia Pierson Photography; Courtesy of Ralph Lauren; @facebook/zitomer