I'm totally formed by my mother's interest in fashion. As a Hungarian immigrant, she couldn't afford clothes. She made all her clothes from patterns. It was not dépassé to make your own clothes, it was a respected skill and it was financially expedient. I learned that doing it yourself, having self-discipline and working went hand in hand. To work passionately at something is the key. I'm fortunate and blessed to have had, for the most part in my life, the privilege to work at something I'm passionate about.

The money I've earned has enabled me to keep my life in my own hands. I had a terrific body, and I got paid for using it.

I'm loath to do interviews. What comes out is generally not what I meant or thought I was saying or thought they were asking.

My mother was harsh and constantly told me I had jug ears and heaven knows what else. But she was devoted and a hard worker.

We're all works of art in progress.

We were so poor that my mother would often leave me in a foster home until she could raise enough money to rent rooms for us.

I don't live for stuff and things, and if I had to live in a cardboard box, I would put curtains on it.