You can't compare us, but I do think that Calvin Klein influenced his way of working. Calvin created this whole aesthetic with imagery - the whole sex thing. I can see that Calvin influence on his work. What Calvin has created is untouchable. My legacy, whatever it is I'm doing here, is miniscule compared to what he has done. It's just like an update deal.

I came to New York when I was 21, 22. I couldn't speak English. I knew I wanted to go to fashion school.

All the Tauruses I know have this connection to the earth and the environment. We are very curious people, very loyal, very aware of and respectful of our surroundings. Also, we're stubborn, but that's our way. We understand what we want, which is not bad.

My love of fashion stemmed from my mother's passion for it.

I wanted to be involved with fashion, though I didn't know what being a designer meant.

I could never before say that I loved color or that I understood color. But Oscar de la Renta opened up a side of my brain.

I came to New York in 1986. My father didn't think it was a good idea. I didn't know how I found it, but I went to Hunter College. I had no money and I couldn't speak English.