The only time I was really surprised was the reaction to the [shoot dedicated to the] BP oil [spill in 2010]. I didn't expect it at all. It was for the August issue, perhaps one of the less relevant months, but there was so much buzz. It was picked up all over the American television, but I defended my position. I don't understand those that say that a magazine such as Vogue should not talk about these things.
Franca SozzaniI don't think when you work you have to please everybody - you make a choice. It's not like everybody who is in front of you has to become your best friend.
Franca SozzaniYou know, I can be very tough in my answers, and that was good for the magazine because it didn't mix focus points - it was to be extravagant, experimental, innovative. But the web site has made it more human. So the Web site is good for the magazine.
Franca Sozzani[Patrizio Bertelli or Gildo Zegna] are individuals who are superbusy, traveling all the time. You can't think they will have the time to attend all the meetings.
Franca SozzaniI think I just do what I feel is good to do. Everybody can give me their suggestions, but at the end, the final risk is mine because it's my name on the magazine. So I only do what I really feel. Everybody tries to influence you, of course: "Oh, this is the right moment to do this" and "This is the right photographer to choose," and "This is the right model to have . . ." I listen, but I must go my own way. When you take risks, it means that you know every month people are there to judge you.
Franca Sozzani