Gloria Vanderbilt

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.