I love old architecture. I love collecting furniture, mixing really earthy things with the very polished. I don't come from an interiors background, so I'm not an expert. I just enjoy going to antiques shows and finding interesting things.

When I was growing up, you sort of did the unthinkable. You did something that has never really been replicated.

I need to feel like I'm part of something. I need to feel part of the world when I go to sleep.

I love a little bit of glamour and I love tall girls.

In designing for the first lady, I tried to sort of be in her shoes, but I didn't really look at her as an important political figure. I looked at her as a woman who would like to wear a beautiful dress to an important gala.

The way my mom dressed was one of my earliest inspirations, in those '80s suits with shoulder pads and things like that. For years, I ran away from that style. But now, all I want to do is shoulder pads and nipped-in waists and padded hips and peplums and poufed dresses.

We all want to be a little glamorous, a little playful and a little mischievous at times.