Asia's culture has planted its roots all over the world, and also has roots in my personal culture.

An Italian piazza was my vision - a place where people would come and meet, see an exhibition, browse through books, have a drink, eat, rest, shop. Even today, the best compliment is when someone tells me that they were having a difficult day, and when they came here, they felt better.

I think more and more today there are two ways to enjoy shopping: the first is the discovery, the feeling of searching and finding, and shopping with the eyes too, using all the senses and enjoying the moment - what I call the "slow shopping" experience; and then the second, of course, is e-commerce, which is contrary to the first but as enjoyable.

Asia's culture has planted its roots all over the world, and also has roots in my personal culture.

Individualism is important - having a real voice, not just references. I have great respect for the young designers who want to go their own way and try to be a little entrepreneurial, like Thomas Tait today.

I cannot please everybody, but it is important to have one eye. This builds a faithful following and, consequently, good clientele. That's why the conversation - the dialogue with visitors and customers - is so important.