The 92nd Street Y was filled with industry-goers and socialites as they came out to listen to Vera Wang in the hot seat with fashion industry leader and award-winning creator of New York Fashion Week Fern Mallis at the Fashion Icons Talks with Vera Wang hosted by MARTINI Sparkling Wines.

The pint-size former figure skater was all smiles as she answered questions and posed for pictures, including a picture with Fern Mallis and a magnum bedazzled bottle of MARTINI Asti with the designer’s name in silver Swarovski crystals.

Guests, including Million Dollar Listing’s Ryan Serhant, Correspondent on ABC’s “The Chew” Chef Jason Roberts, fashion designer Geoffrey Banks, businesswomen and princess Basma bint Saud bin Abdulaziz, and designers Falguni & Shane Peacock gathered in the Kauffman Hall to hear the 63-year-old designer, who once accidentally wore mismatching shoes to a fashion industry get-together at the White House, dish about her life and career.

“I wore one black shoe and one dark brown shoe!” explained Vera.  “I didn’t think anyone would notice!” Among those who noticed were designers Oscar de le Renta and Michael Kors, who won’t seem to let Vera live that one down… “They love to tell that story!” Vera laughed. When asked how old she feels, Vera replied “I feel somewhere between 30 and 50, today…85!” While not your typical rags to riches story, Vera had a challenging road to success.

Growing up in NYC’s Peter Cooper Village gave Vera access to a world that she never even knew she wanted to be a part of.  When her dreams of being an Olympic skater fell through, Vera found an alternative outlet for her creative energy…fashion.  Reflecting about her former years as a figure skater Vera explained, “I found my dream at 6 and was forced to quit at 19.”

Nothing was off the table as Fern touched upon everything from her early years at Vogue, the design of her own wedding dress, death of her father and engagement and separation to her husband, Arthur Becker.  Vera answered every question with sincerity and poise.

In regards to her success, Vera was surprisingly humble.  Anytime Fern would complement and praise Vera on her many accolades, she would say “Ohhhh…Fern!!”  On her early years at Vogue, Vera recalls her first encounter with Polly Mellen. Polly took one look at her and in a “Devil Wears Prada” moment said “My dear what are you doing? Go home and change right now! And get rid of that red nail polish!” Vera recalls a similar incident in which Mellen kicked her out of a van in the pouring rain because Vera forgot a hat that was needed for a shoot.  Vera learned early on that this industry required extreme dedication, thick skin and a lot of passion.

So what’s next for the woman who seems to have done it all, including her signature bridal business, a high-end ready-to-wear line and many licensed products ranging from fragrances, mattresses, eyewear, stationery, housewares, and a collection of clothing, bath, bedding and costume jewelry? “I do love doughnuts!”  Vera joked. “Perhaps athletic clothing, I’ve always been an athlete.”

Following the discussion, VIPs got a chance to chat with Vera and enjoy complimentary sips by MARTINI Sparkling Wines including mini bottles of MARTINI rosé, asti and prosecco.

Pictured: Fern Mallis & Vera Wang with a bedazzled magnum bottle of MARTINI Asti.