GLORIA VANDERBILT

When it comes to New York City socialites, no one is more iconic than Gloria Vanderbilt. As a member of the Vanderbilt clan — America’s oldest and wealthiest family — Gloria’s life has always been destined for widespread scrutiny. As a child, Gloria became the subject of one of the most controversial child custody battles in the history of the United States. The fight regarding her custody was between her mother, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, and her paternal aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.

Many believed that the war ensued between the two women had everything to do with Gloria’s trust fund that she inherited from her wealthy father, Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt. In the 1970s, however, when Gloria finally became an adult, she spent a fraction of her inheritance as investment money to kick-start her fashion line. She later became a renowned fashion and arts icon.