I design for real people. I think of our customers all the time. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothing or accessories that are not practical.

I was an observer. I liked to listen rather than openly express myself. This trait is something that I've retained over the years.

I know that people who have been closely involved with my work for many years are terrified of having to answer to someone else, someone who is not me, and that it won't be me to help them in their problems. This is my real problem.

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.

Individual style is the correct balance of knowing who you are, what works fro you, and how to develop your own personality

Elegance is not to be noticed, but to be remembered.

In the beginning, I thought that women needed protection, on a style level, to have the right impact to let them realize their desire for success. Now, many years later, women no longer need a masculine uniform. Women have changed.