Each time I’m coming out of my apartment I remember the quote of Coco Chanel; she said, ‘Each time I’m leaving my apartment or my hotel, I’m looking at myself in the mirror and I take off one piece of my look. It’s always one thing too much.’ And it’s a bit the same, always I take off my scarf or I take off my bag or jewellery because I like it simple. Coco Chanel is a great consultant I think.

There are certain models who might not be considered beautiful. I think personality is more important than looks.

Each woman needs to know herself and think that the clothes are here to make her more beautiful, because the person is more important than the clothes.

Beauty can be quite boring, especially if you're talking about beauty that doesn't last. And what lasts is exactly the thing that maybe wasn't pretty at first. It comes over time to be beautiful or interesting or exciting.

I think, in many ways, certain people sought me out maybe because they liked my body language or they liked the way I wore a slit skirt, the way I cross my legs or carry my purse. It's quite inspiring to play the seduction card.

I think that life has brought a lot to fashion, and fashion brings plenty to life. I took my children on photo shoots, at the same time, I borrowed my father's sweater for a photo shoot and, then, I am inspired by a Russian princess because of my Russian roots. Everything is all mixed in together.

Yves Saint Laurent liked women to put their hands in their pockets, or to hold cigarettes, and act a bit like boys. It was to give an impression of composure, some self-assurance, and to counter the feminine appearance.