But I'm not an artist. Maybe an artist with a small a

Above all, John Galliano menswear is all about good design. And men have been short-changed by good design for too long.

In the early days I was incredibly creative and productive - I loved the research trips, I loved the creation and finding technical solutions to creative challenges. I didn't need alcohol and the pills for that. What changed was, I was afraid to say no - that little word, N.O. Because I thought it showed weakness. And with more and more success I would just say yes. And keep on taking more work on - which took its toll.

Fashion is a very stressful place to work because of the demands of doing the shows - no one expects a writer to produce two books a year on the dot - but it's also a very toxic place to work.

You're only as good as your last collection, which is an enormous pressure.

I have learned so much about myself. I have re-discovered that little boy who had the hunger to create, which I think I had lost.

Yeah, that's what I'm working for. The couture house of the future