All my closest friends are the ones I made while in college or who knew me growing up. They keep me grounded, and I adore that about them.

The great thing is that young talent isn't tied to a how-to model for starting a line; we get to find new ways to go about doing things. And don't let people tell you you can't. Go find a way to show that you can.

My mom would take me to restaurants, and the first thing I'd ask for would be a pen and a napkin, and I'd sketch shoes and shoes and shoes.

When you focus on the consumer, the consumer responds.

I always wanted to create a collection inspired by sports. I never played sports, maybe that's why it intrigues me.

A lot of designers get caught up in the creativity, but you've got to think about the legs of your collection - essentially, how the line is going to move forward.

I think everyone shares a fear of failure-that you're only as good as your most recent collection.