One is born with good taste. It's very hard to acquire. You can acquire the patina of taste. But what Elsie Mendl had was something else that's particularly American––an appreciation of vulgarity. Vulgarity is a very important ingredient in life. I'm a great believer in vulgarity––if it's got vitality. A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. We all need a splash of bad taste––it's hearty, it's healthy, it's physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I'm against.

Before even the technique, there is a dream. Chanel had it. The dream is everything.

I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity.

The way to judge a good hand is that the fingers are the same size at the tip as where they come out of the hand itself.

All creations demand greenery of spirt. 

I have always felt that the only great thing about an interview is the questions that are asked.

When fashion turns over it brings in little tiny creaks and cracks. This is the fascination and that is where you have to watch every step.