I don't love reading so much, but I love book shopping.

I do go back to Brazil once a year. I miss my family.

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

Being sexy is not about what's on show, it's all about suggestion, or insinuation. I'm interested in the way a garment hangs on a woman's body and the way it moves when she moves.

I don't listen to music when designing. We create in silence. I go through a torturous process because everything has to be precise and right.

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.

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