I always say that women are very strong and men are powerful. But beauty gives you both strength and power. I never think of it. It's just one of those natural things. It's the only thing I know how to do.

I don't like perfection - I think it's dangerous. There is nothing after perfection.

H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.

For me, Lancome was more than just a brand. There was something very nostalgic about the name, about the whole story.

Fashion is not about buying a second skin. Fashion is about having a fantasy.

When I'm traveling the world, I don't ever look anymore at the geography - just enough to catch galleries and paintings.

What I love in fashion is to tell a story through a creation.