Vera Wang Makes Playful Dig at Anna Wintour While Posing for Photographers Without Sunglasses

**Vera Wang’s Playful Nod to Anna Wintour’s Signature Look at Fashion Gala**

During the recent 2026 Figure Skating in Harlem Igniting the Dream Gala, renowned fashion designer Vera Wang brought a light-hearted moment to the evening by playfully referencing Anna Wintour’s iconic style. The event took place on May 18 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, where the 76-year-old Wang posed for photographers, initially wearing her sunglasses before opting to remove them for the cameras.

In a moment captured on social media, Wang joked, “I do both, I’m not Anna Wintour,” a comment that highlighted her playful rivalry with the influential Vogue editor. Wang’s quip referred to Wintour’s long-standing love affair with sunglasses, which have become an essential part of her public persona.

Wintour, also 76, has long been associated with the shades that she dons almost everywhere she goes, a style as emblematic as her famed bob haircut. The former editor-in-chief of Vogue has previously discussed her reliance on sunglasses, describing them as “incredibly useful” for concealing her thoughts from the outside world. In a 2019 interview with CNN, she shared that the eyewear helps her navigate social situations, particularly when she feels tired or overwhelmed.

“My sunglasses may have become something of a crutch in my life,” Wintour admitted, revealing that they serve more than aesthetic purposes. She explained, “They help me see and they help me not see. They help me be seen and not be seen.” This complicated relationship with her eyewear underscores her understanding of fame and the fashion industry’s relentless scrutiny.

While Wang’s comment brought laughter, it did highlight the different ways both women express their individuality through fashion. For Wintour, her sunglasses have become a signature accessory that complements not just her outfits but also her emotional state, adding layers to her public presence.

Conversely, Wang takes a more eclectic approach to eyewear. She has even launched her own line of sunglasses and has frequently described herself as a “collector” of frames. Wang sees sunglasses as a dynamic accessory that allows individuals to showcase their creativity and personal style. In a 2021 interview with 20/20 Magazine, she remarked, “Sunglasses are one of the most insane accessories. They are so creative and personal.”

The designer elaborated on the transformative power of eyewear, equating the ability to change one’s appearance through sunglasses to the effects of a new hairstyle or make-up. “It changes the shape of your face,” Wang said, indicating a belief in the profound impact accessories can have on one’s image.

Interestingly, despite her affinity for sunglasses, Wintour has made notable appearances sans the accessory, most prominently at the Met Gala. In 2022, she captured attention wearing a stunning outfit complete with a tiara, opting to forgo her customary sunglasses for the glamorous event.

The relationship between these two fashion icons illustrates the diverse ways in which personal style can shape public perception. Wang’s playful gesture towards Wintour’s signature look underscores a camaraderie within the fashion world, where individuality is celebrated, and humorous jabs are part of the game.

As both women continue to navigate their illustrious careers, their approaches to fashion serve as a testament to their unique personalities and perspectives within the industry. Fans of both designers eagerly await further developments, knowing that they will continue to inspire and entertain with their iconic styles and witty banter.