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You’re digging through the rack at a high-end thrift store, or maybe you’re staring at the care tag of a gorgeous secondhand gown you just bought online. There it is, tucked under the "Made in China" or "100% Silk" text: Vera Wang RN 99259.
For a second, it feels like you’ve found a secret serial number. Is it a limited edition? Is it a specific 2017 runway piece? Honestly, the internet is full of people listing dresses on eBay and Poshmark as "Vera Wang RN 99259" as if that’s the name of the dress itself.
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But here’s the reality: that number isn’t a style name, a model number, or a secret code for a "White by Vera Wang" David's Bridal collab. It’s actually much more functional—and slightly less glamorous—than that.
What is Vera Wang RN 99259?
If you’ve ever wondered why your clothes have "RN" followed by a string of digits, you aren't alone. RN stands for Registered Identification Number. It’s a number issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to U.S.-based businesses.
Basically, the FTC requires any company that handles textiles, wool, or fur to identify themselves on the label. They can either print their full legal name (like "Vera Wang Group") or they can use this shortcut number. RN 99259 is the specific identification number assigned to the Vera Wang brand.
Because one company uses the same RN for nearly everything they produce, you will find RN 99259 on:
- $12,000 custom couture bridal gowns.
- Silk slip dresses from the 2000s.
- Abstract print day dresses.
- Even some high-end accessories.
It doesn’t tell you the year, the fabric, or whether it’s a "Katarina" or an "Imogen" gown. It just tells you that the garment was officially put into the market by Vera Wang’s company.
Why Resellers Get This Wrong
If you search for Vera Wang RN 99259 on sites like Stillwhite or Nearly Newlywed, you’ll see dozens of different dresses all using that number as a primary identifier.
It’s a common mistake. Resellers often can't find the original style name because the paper "hang tags" were tossed out years ago. They see a number on the permanent care label and assume it’s the key to the dress's identity.
In reality, if you are trying to find the actual name of a dress and all you have is RN 99259, you’re going to have to do some detective work. You’ll need to look at the silhouette, the lace pattern, and the year it was purchased. For instance, the famous "Désir à l'Anglais" collection from Spring 2017 also carries RN 99259, but so does a random silk cocktail dress from 2003.
How to Use RN 99259 to Spot Fakes
While the number won't tell you the style, it is a decent first step for authentication.
Most counterfeiters are lazy. They might slap a "Vera Wang" label on a dress but forget the RN number, or they’ll use a completely different one. If you see a tag that claims to be Vera Wang but has a different RN number—or none at all—that’s a massive red flag.
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However, keep in mind that "Simply Vera" (the Kohl’s line) or "White by Vera Wang" (the David’s Bridal line) might have different numbers because they are produced under different corporate umbrellas or licensing agreements. RN 99259 is typically associated with the high-end, designer-tier Vera Wang labels.
Identifying Your Specific Piece
Since we’ve established that RN 99259 won’t tell you the style, how do you actually figure out what you have?
- Check the Side Seam: Many high-end Vera Wang gowns have a tiny, hidden tag inside the side seam (not the neck) that might have a more specific style code or a production date.
- Fabric Content: Real Vera Wang pieces with this RN are often 100% silk or high-grade organza. If the tag says RN 99259 but the dress feels like cheap polyester, be skeptical.
- Image Search: Take a clear photo of the dress and use a reverse image search. Because Vera Wang’s designs are so iconic—like the signature corset bodices and dramatic tulle—you can usually find the collection year pretty quickly.
The Business Behind the Number
Vera Wang started her flagship boutique in NYC back in 1990. Since then, her brand has expanded into a massive empire.
The fact that RN 99259 appears on such a wide range of items is a testament to how the company manages its distribution. Whether it’s a "transformer" gown designed for a wedding in Mykonos or a minimalist New York aesthetic piece, they all funnel through the same registered business entity.
It’s sort of like a social security number for a brand. It doesn’t change when the brand gets older, and it stays with them regardless of whether they are making a ballgown or a sheath dress.
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Actionable Insights for Buyers and Sellers
- For Sellers: Stop listing your items as "Vera Wang RN 99259." It makes you look like a novice. Instead, describe the neckline (e.g., "Sweetheart"), the fabric ("Silk Organza"), and the silhouette ("A-line"). Use the RN number only in the fine-print details of the description.
- For Buyers: Don't pay a premium just because someone says it’s an "RN 99259" dress. It doesn't mean it’s rare. Check the condition, the fabric, and the measurements first.
- For Collectors: If you are hunting for "archival" Vera Wang, look for the RN 99259 on labels that are woven with high-quality thread. Vintage pieces from the early 2000s are currently surging in value, and that little RN number is your proof that it’s from the main designer line.
If you really want to track down the history of your specific piece, your best bet is to look for the seasonal "collection" lookbooks online. Vera Wang is incredibly consistent with her "Spring" and "Fall" bridal releases, and most RN 99259 gowns can be matched to a specific runway show with just a bit of scrolling through fashion archives.