I have been offered the highest paid contracts in the world. I refused them all. It's not my thing. I don't want to cheat people. And there are certain people I am allergic to. I even intervene when I don't like a customer; I rush in and check all the names. If I don't like them, I don't take them.

I'm always telling young designers to take the time to surround themselves with women.

The present fashion system is too hard - there are too many collections. The designers have no time to think! Money is too important. Schedules are too crazy.

I even do my ready-to-wear samples like couture.

There is a sensuality about fabric. I think all materials should be inviting when they touch the skin. When I watch children stroking their mothers clothes, I feel that I have succeeded.

If you're sad about what you see in the mirror when you wake up every morning, you must change it.

I'm happier about my friends than I am about my work. I still have a long way to go with work. My friends, that's the one thing I'm sure about.