The great thing about American women is their energy and the way they love to dress. French women don't really dress; they are too conservative, as it's always a question of money. In America, women are powerful and strong, determined. If they want to be an object, they choose to be in control.

People are so codified - it's sad.

My only fashion school was what I saw in the newspapers and on television

I have always been drawn to designing fashions that are rebellious, like black leather jackets on suburban kinds, a corset dress, punk, blue jeans. I love that. Fashion changes all the time, and what is considered extreme or elegant or luxurious (or not luxurious) is changing all the time.

To show the relativity of what's good taste and what's not is something I like to play with.

People think that everyone wears black in France; in fact they all wear grey.

I'm still astounded by some people's reaction to things I consider quite normal.