Madonna, as we know, is very difficult.

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

To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.

War taught me that not everything is glamorous.

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.

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.

It is imperative to create luxury products that are also functional. My vision for fashion precludes frivolous, fantasy-only designs. That said, fashion does tend to move more quickly than interior design. One doesn't change their couch every season as one does their wardrobe.