Origins & Early Life

Gloria Laura Vanderbilt (February 20, 1924 – June 17, 2019) was an American artist, author, actress, fashion designer, heiress, and socialite. In 1934, she was the subject of a high-profile child custody trial in which her mother Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, and her paternal aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, each sought custody of her and control over her trust fund. Dubbed the "trial of the century", the seven-week court proceedings were the subject of wide and sensational media coverage, due to the wealth and prominence of the involved parties and the scandalous evidence presented to support the "oppressive" aunt's claim that the "neglectful" mother was an unfit parent to the 10-year-old, who became known as the "poor little rich girl." In the 1970s, Vanderbilt launched a line of fashions, perfumes, and household goods bearing her name. She was particularly noted as an early developer of designer blue jeans.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Vanderbilt was born on February 20, 1924, in Manhattan, New York City, the only child of railroad heir Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt of the Vanderbilt family and his second wife, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt. When Vanderbilt was born, her father was heard to exclaim...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Anatole France — Contemporary (Died in 1924) (1924): Master French writer, poet, and journalist celebrated for irony and style.
• Andrew Irvine (mountaineer) — Contemporary (Died in 1924) (1924): British mountaineer famous for the 1924 Everest expedition with George Mallory.
• Antony Hewish — Contemporary (Born in 1924) (1924): Pioneering radio astronomer, celebrated for the discovery of pulsars.
• Agnès Varda — Contemporary (Died in 2019) (2019): Pioneering French filmmaker, artist, and documentarian celebrated for her unique vision.
• Akihito — Contemporary (Died in 2019) (2019): 125th Emperor of Japan; reigned during the Heisei era (1989-2019).
• Albert Finney — Contemporary (Died in 2019) (2019): Esteemed English actor celebrated for his versatile stage and screen performances.
• Adalbert Gyrowetz — Shared historical date (02-20 · Born) (1763): Czech-Austrian composer known for symphonies and string quartets.
• Ansel Adams — Shared historical date (02-20 · Born) (1902): Iconic photographer and environmentalist celebrated for the American West's landscapes.
• Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke — Shared historical date (06-17 · Died) (1963): British Field Marshal and Chief of the Imperial General Staff during WWII.
• Alfred Brendel — Shared historical date (06-17 · Died) (2025): Czech-born Austrian pianist, composer, and scholar renowned for Beethoven.
• 1924 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1924
• February 20 (02-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 20
• 2019 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2019
• June 17 (06-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 17