My aesthetic is about simplicity, elegance, and comfort, whether that is interpreted in a man's suit or a track suit.

There are so many things to take into account - your ambition, your ego, the press, the consumers. You can never be sure that you'll be on top of the pile again.

War taught me that not everything is glamorous.

Elegance does not catch the eye. It stays in memory.

I like to think that I can introduce people to the idea of simplicity and elegance.

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.

I've always had a great interest in sports that embody the values of commitment, hard work and teamwork - all values I strongly believe in.