I didn't even have a portfolio, but I went to Tom Ford the next morning. He said, "I'd love you to come in with me. Get a lawyer." It was quite exciting, obviously, because it was a complete departure. But mind you, what he was looking for was the exact opposite of what I thought. My first collection for him was Cher-inspired. It was flower trousers, California, hippie cool, all the stuff I did at Oscar. It was making me sick. I wanted to see the other side of the spectrum. Tom was always very secure about the way he did things, so it was quite interesting for me.

My resolution is to make positivity, thankfulness and happiness my new mantra.

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

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

I never liked sleeping; I always think I am missing something.

I like cold. I really like to go to cold towns. I love gray. I love winter.

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