“I’ve always believed that one woman’s success can only help another woman’s success.”

 - Gloria Vanderbilt

On February 20th, 1924 Gloria Laura Vanderbilt was born in Manhattan to railroad heir Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt of the Vanderbilt family and his second wife, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt. Gloria would grow up to become an heiress, socialite, and businesswoman known for her contributions to the arts. When her father died from cirrhosis in 1925, 18-month-old Gloria Vanderbilt became heiresses to $2.5 million (equivalent to ~$77 million today). A high-profile child custody trial followed between Gloria’s mother and her paternal aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, each seeking custody and control over the trust fund. The press referred to it as the “trial of the century” due to the prominence and wealth of the family. Vanderbilt was raised at her aunt’s mansion in Old Westbury on Long Island and took an early interest in theater, art, writing, and modeling.

She entered the 1970s by founding her company GV Ltd, and successfully launching a line of fashions, perfumes, and household goods (she’s credited with the popularization of designer blue jeans). Beyond her legacy as a fashion powerhouse, she also quickly became recognized for her artwork, books, and appearances on popular television dramas and talk shows including Studio One in Hollywood, The Dick Powell Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Carson, and CBS News Sunday Morning. Her personal life also remained in the public eye. She was married four times and divorced three times, giving birth to four sons including CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper. Her relationships, often rooted in the arts, were with people such as fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, actor Marlon Brando, billionaire businessman Howard Hughes, and photographer and filmmaker Gordon Parks.

Vanderbilt is also remembered for her colorful and elegant fashion (especially designer blue jeans) as well as her beauty. Through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and beauty practices, she aged with grace without shying away from the spotlight. Gloria could often be spotted sporting a delicate red lip while out and about or taking a leisurely day at home. Her eyebrows, even in old age, remained perfectly sculpted and bold. Her cheeks were often lightly rouged, enhancing her natural beauty while adding a bit of warmth to her overall look.

Her image, while commonly associated with the Vanderbilt family name, stood apart from her famous relatives. When she passed away on June 17, 2019, at the age of 95 after a lengthy battle with stomach cancer, she left a legacy of fortitude, effortless beauty, and creativity that will inspire generations of women to come.

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