Sue Wong's story is so much more than fashion

She's beloved for her beaded gown. Some have ruffles. Others have embroidery. They're all signature Sue Wong.

The designer is known for her couture gowns, models she calls gazelles, and designer homes.

Sue Wong knew as a child that she was a born artist. At age nine she took to her mom's sewing machine.

Sue Wong grew up in a racially diverse South Central LA. Her parents owned a dry cleaning business.

She was born under Mao's China and fled to the U.S. as a little girl. She recalls a time of persecution and scarcity.

Wong believes her gift is to create beauty on the planet. Wong says "I just really dreamed and breathed fashion. It was my passion, still is."

Wong's story is not complete without sharing her struggles. At 25 years old she was a jetsetter making millions. At 30 years old, she says she lost it all.

First, a bitter divorce and then some bad business dealings with "a con" left her bankrupt. She says it took 20 years to re-build.

Now, she plays host to hundreds of people at her stunning Los Feliz home called Cedars. Jimi Hendrix once lived there. So did Johnny Depp. Wong is known for her grand parties.

On most days you'll find Wong at work in her Koreatown showroom. She stands strong and makes clear that she was handed nothing and built her business on blood, sweat, tears, and beauty.

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