A woman plays such an active role in society. And today, the woman who influences fashion is not that very rich woman who sits at home and polishes her nails. It's the one who works, who is a doer, who does things by dressing. She's very strongly projecting an image of herself as an individual.

Style begins by looking good naked. It's a discipline. And if you don't dress well every day, you lose the habit. It's not about what you wear, but about how you live your life.

My great strength is knowing who I am and where I come from - my island.

Fashion is about the present and the immediate future. I think in terms of now.

I have always felt my role as a designer is to do the very best I can for a woman to make her look her best. Fashion is only fashion once a woman puts it on.

I come from a very warm island, where colors are very important, very vibrant, and obviously the color has been an influence on my work.

My wife said I look like a Latin American dictator. I said, 'That's what I am'