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

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

Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.

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.

Working for incredible talents like Balenciaga and Antonio Castillo, I learned about the immense skill and creativity involved in couture work.

I always design my own hats to complete my fashion thought....I like them slightly mad, like this huge black poppy. Right now I lift the bosom high on coats and dresses...I am using so many high curved belts.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America is a national neurotic society of creative leaders in various fields of fashion.