It would be very hard for me to do things somebody else's way.

Remember that, in the end, the customer doesn't know, or care, if you are small or large as an organization - she or he only focuses on the garment hanging on the rail in the store.

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

Italy is not widely thought of as a pioneer of youth culture in the way, say, the UK is.

China approaches fashion with strong enthusiasm. And I believe that this enthusiasm can be translated into something interesting, economically speaking. Not only for my brand, but also for other brands.

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 am impressed with America's capacity for change, and their ability to bring someone as inspirational as Barack Obama into the White House.