The human body is something that I truly love, above all else.

From the elitism of luxury to the democracy of beauty.

Of course sportsmen and women are not only great role models, they are great fashion models too, as they are at the peak of physical perfection.

Retailing has become fiercely competitive. Today there are many large global fashion companies who have opened up mono-brand stores in major cities around the world. When I first opened my boutique in New York, in 1985, there were almost no other European luxury brands present with their own stores. Now Fifth Avenue is packed with huge stores from major Italian and French labels.

If people want to change, they will. If they don't want to, it's hard to make them do so. The current interest in the environment is a good thing. The best way to make a contribution in fashion is to promote the idea that a fundamental interest in preserving the environment is itself fashionable.

The stars I have worked with not only look good in my clothes, but they also embody a spirit of dedication and hard work that I relate to and admire.

Madonna, as we know, is very difficult.