Gloria Vanderbilt wasn’t just a socialite—she was a businesswoman, artist, and designer who made a significant mark in the fashion world. She built a fortune through designer jeans, licensing deals, and art.
However, her financial journey was far from smooth. She faced lawsuits, mismanagement, and a massive tax debt that led to the loss of much of her wealth.
In this article, Ando breaks down Gloria Vanderbilt’s net worth, how she earned and lost her fortune, and what happened to her estate.
Gloria Vanderbilt Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Gloria Laura Vanderbilt |
| Popular Name | Gloria Vanderbilt |
| Birth Date | February 20, 1924 |
| Age | 95 (at death, June 17, 2019) |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Greenvale School, Miss Porter’s School, Wheeler School, Art Students League |
| Marital Status | Married (4 times) |
| Spouse(s) | Pat DiCicco, Leopold Stokowski, Sidney Lumet, Wyatt Emory Cooper |
| Children | Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski, Christopher Stokowski, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, Anderson Cooper |
| Dating | Gordon Parks (long-term partner), also linked to Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Howard Hughes, Roald Dahl |
| Siblings | Cathleen Vanderbilt (half-sister) |
| Parents | Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
| Source of Wealth | Fashion, Art, Writing, Business Investments |
What is the Net Worth Of Gloria Vanderbilt in 2025?
As of 2025, Gloria Vanderbilt’s net worth is no longer growing, as she passed away in 2019. Before her death, her estate was estimated at $10 million, but most of her fortune had been lost due to bad investments, fraud, and tax issues. Compared to other wealthy celebrities, her financial story is unique—while she built her wealth, she also struggled to keep it.
Her estate was primarily left to her son, Anderson Cooper, who inherited $1.5 million, while other family members received minimal or no inheritance. Despite her initial financial empire, Vanderbilt’s wealth was significantly diminished due to mismanagement and legal battles.
Related Figures in Her Financial Journey
- Anderson Cooper
- Cornelius Vanderbilt
- Wyatt Emory Cooper
- Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt
- Murjani Corporation
- Gitano Group
- Jones Apparel Group
- Sidney Lumet
- L’Oréal
- Frank Sinatra
For more insights on top-earning public figures, check out this list of wealthiest celebrities.
Gloria Vanderbilt Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Did She Build and Lose Her Wealth?
Gloria Vanderbilt was born into one of America’s wealthiest families, inheriting $5 million in 1925 (about $70 million today). However, she didn’t just rely on inheritance—she built her own empire in fashion, art, and business.
Her designer jeans, launched in the 1970s with Murjani Corporation, became a sensation. By 1980, she was earning $10 million per year from royalties. She later expanded her brand into perfume, accessories, and home decor, licensing her name to major companies like Gitano Group and L’Oréal.
Despite these successes, Gloria Vanderbilt faced major financial setbacks:
- Her lawyer and psychiatrist defrauded her, leading to a $1.79 million lawsuit (which she won but never recovered).
- She accrued a $2.5 million IRS tax debt, forcing her to sell multiple properties.
- Business mismanagement led to the loss of brand ownership and financial instability.
What Were Her Main Sources of Income?
Gloria Vanderbilt’s main income sources included:
- Fashion royalties: She earned millions from jeans, perfumes, and accessories.
- Art sales: Her work was licensed to Hallmark Cards and Bloomcraft.
- Books & media: She wrote multiple memoirs, novels, and art books.
- Acting & TV appearances: She starred in shows like Studio One in Hollywood and The Love Boat.
At her peak, she made more from fashion and licensing than she ever inherited from her family fortune.
How Did Financial Mismanagement Affect Her Fortune?
Gloria Vanderbilt’s financial troubles were largely self-inflicted. She trusted the wrong people and made risky financial decisions.
Her biggest financial mistakes included:
- Giving power of attorney to her lawyer and psychiatrist, who mismanaged her money.
- Failing to pay taxes, resulting in heavy penalties.
- Losing control of her brand, as her name was sold to multiple companies.
Her financial struggles serve as a cautionary tale about wealth management and trust.
What Happened to Her Estate After Her Death?
When Gloria Vanderbilt passed away in 2019, she left behind a much smaller estate than expected.
- Anderson Cooper received $1.5 million.
- Her oldest son, Stan, inherited her Manhattan co-op worth $1.2 million.
- Christopher Stokowski was left out of the will due to estrangement.
Her legacy remains strong, but her fortune did not last, unlike that of Cornelius Vanderbilt, who built an empire worth $185 billion (inflation-adjusted).
What Can Be Learned from Her Financial Story?
Gloria Vanderbilt’s financial journey teaches several important lessons:
- Managing inheritance wisely is crucial, as family wealth doesn’t always last.
- Business deals and brand ownership should be handled carefully.
- Legal oversight is essential to prevent fraud and financial losses.
- Diversifying income through multiple streams can provide stability.
- Tax obligations must always be taken seriously.
Her story shows the rise and fall of wealth, proving that even the richest can lose everything without careful management.
Conclusion
Gloria Vanderbilt’s life was a mix of financial success and failure. While she built an empire, poor financial decisions cost her much of her fortune. Her story is a lesson in wealth management, branding, and financial responsibility.
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