Dec 16 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in

the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories

and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- WHP Global, a brand-management firm, is nearing a deal to

purchase wedding-dress brand Vera Wang, the designer brand that

does over $700 million in annual sales.

- Apple ( AAPL ) is preparing a series of major design and

format changes to its lineup of iPhones and potentially other

products, while planning thinner, foldable iPhones to revive

growth.

- SpaceX lawyers advised company's senior executives not to

seek a higher security clearance for Elon Musk that would give

him access to details about sensitive programs SpaceX is

involved in.

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)