The name Gloria Vanderbilt is synonymous with wealth and fame. This woman belonged to one of the richest families of New York in the 20th century. She was well-known and is still remembered by many New Yorkers as one of the most beautiful and versatile women of that era. Among her hobbies were writing, art, fashion design and acting. In addition, she entered the history of New York through a high-profile lawsuit. Thus, her mother was considered inadequate, causing other family members to sue her for termination of parental rights shortly after the death of her father, the railroad magnate Vanderbilt. Read more about her life on newyorka.
The beginning of the story
Vanderbilt was truly blessed with extraordinary beauty. Even her father noticed this when she was just born: ‘It is fantastic how Vanderbilt she looks! See the corners of her eyes, how they turn up?’. Gloria was born in New York in 1924, into one of the wealthiest families of the 20th century. Her father was a railroad magnate, so her future could not be anything but luxurious.
In addition to her beauty, Vanderbilt was an advanced child beyond her years. She showed great interest and talent in various areas including art, acting and writing. All these talents became defining aspects of her diverse personality.
Vanderbilt as an artist
Vanderbilt had a good education. Thus, she studied at the Greenvale School, at Miss Porter’s School, at the Wheeler School and at the Art Students League of New York. In the latter, she developed her artistic talent. Thanks to this, she became known not only as a rich heiress of the Vanderbilts but also as a talented artist.
Gloria developed her talent over the years. She not only painted pictures but also held personal exhibitions. Her masterpieces were painted in oil, watercolor and pastel. Her first exhibition took place in 1948. In the 1960s, her artwork was adapted and licensed. From that time, Vanderbilt began developing designs specifically for different types of cookware.
Vanderbilt as an actress
Vanderbilt’s no less exciting hobby was acting. During the 1950s and 1960s, she actively developed her acting talent, studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse. In 1954, she made her debut in the play The Swan. In addition to theater, Vanderbilt also performed on television. Thus, she starred in such TV series and programs as Playhouse 90, Studio One in Hollywood, The Dick Powell Show, The Love Boat and others.
Vanderbilt in the fashion industry
It should not be forgotten that in addition to artistic and acting talent, Vanderbilt had extraordinary beauty. It became a tool for her to achieve success. For instance, at the age of 15, she began her career as a photo model. Her photo could be seen in such a famous women’s fashion magazine as Harper’s Bazaar.
However, fashion photo shoots were not enough for her. She wanted to be a part of the fashion industry and create new looks for women. Thus, in the 1970s, the Vanderbilt name and images were licensed for a line of scarves. Soon, she was even offered to launch a line of designer jeans with the Vanderbilt signature and her swan logo embroidered on the back pocket. Her line of jeans was different from other models of that time. They were tighter and thicker. Thanks to this, they instantly became popular among buyers.
Already in the mid-1970s, Vanderbilt had her own company, which was engaged in the production of fashionable dresses, blouses, sheets, shoes, leather goods and accessories. Before that, in the period from 1982 to 2002, the L’Oreal company released eight fragrances under the trademark Gloria Vanderbilt.
Personal life
Such a beautiful woman as Gloria Vanderbilt had many sweethearts throughout her life. She was married four times. For the first time, she became the wife of Pat DiCicco at the age of 17. There were no children in the marriage and the couple divorced after 4 years. According to Vanderbilt, DiCicco was a rapist. He often hit her head against the wall.
Days after divorcing DiCicco in 1945, Vanderbilt married Leopold Stokowski, who was more than 40 years her senior. The couple lived together for 10 years. During this time, they had two sons, namely Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski and Christopher Stokowski.
Vanderbilt married a third time a year after her divorce from Stokowski, in 1956. This time her chosen one was Sidney Lumet. The couple lived together until 1963 and divorced. They did not have children.
Vanderbilt’s fourth and final marriage was to Wyatt Emory Cooper. She married him in 1963. This marriage lasted the longest, for 15 years, until Cooper died. Two sons were born from this marriage, namely Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, who committed suicide at the age of 23, and Anderson Hays Cooper.
Vanderbilt had many romantic stories during her lifetime. Her last relationship was with a photographer and director Gordon Parks. They were together until he died in 2006.
Vanderbilt lived to the age of 95 and died in 2019 of stomach cancer.