Fashions change and with rare exception are forgotten by the public. But the classic fragrances, like an invisible dress, endure. Fragrance must be introduced properly. A fragrance is like a signature, so that even after a woman leaves the room, her fragrance should reveal she's been there.

Gardening is how I relax. It's another form of creating and playing with colors.

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.

As far as preference between fall and spring collections, I have none that I prefer to design. With fall you have a lot more items, but of course I am from the Dominican Republic, so I love the warm weather.

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

We're dealing with sophisticated customers. What's most important to these women is individuality. I have to create things she'll want to wear, no matter who she is.

Excess is not really something I consider a bad thing; especially when you are talking about living.